Colorado Springs' dramatic temperature swings make frozen pipes one of the most common — and most preventable — water damage emergencies in the region. Temperatures can drop from the 50s°F during the day to single digits overnight, and pipes that aren't properly protected can freeze and burst in hours. Here's how to protect your home.

Know Your Vulnerable Pipes

Not all pipes are equally at risk. The most vulnerable are pipes in exterior walls, pipes in unheated spaces (garages, crawl spaces, attics), pipes near exterior doors and windows, and outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems. Focus your prevention efforts on these areas.

Before Winter: Preparation Steps

• Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses before the first freeze
• Shut off and drain irrigation systems — use a professional blow-out service
• Insulate pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, and garages with pipe insulation foam
• Seal gaps and cracks in exterior walls near pipes to prevent cold air infiltration
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is — you'll need it fast if a pipe bursts
• Consider installing a smart water leak detector that alerts you to leaks remotely

During Cold Snaps: Active Protection

• Keep your home heated to at least 55°F even when away
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to reach pipes
• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold (below 10°F) — moving water is harder to freeze
• Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines run through the garage
• If you're leaving for an extended period, have someone check the home daily

If a Pipe Freezes (But Hasn't Burst Yet)

If you turn on a faucet and get little or no water, you may have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open — as the pipe thaws, water will flow and relieve pressure. Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or heating pad — never an open flame. Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section. If you can't locate or access the frozen pipe, call a plumber.