Preventing Frozen Pipes in Colorado

Frozen pipes are a serious threat to Douglas County homes during winter. When water freezes, it expands—and that expansion can burst pipes, causing thousands of dollars in water damage. Here's how to protect your home.

Why Douglas County Homes Are at Risk

Our Colorado location means dealing with:

• Rapid temperature drops – Denver area temps can drop 40+ degrees in hours
• Extended cold snaps – Multi-day periods below freezing
• High altitude – Colder overnight temperatures than lower elevations
• Older homes – Many Castle Rock and Parker homes have pipes in vulnerable locations

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?

Not all pipes are equally vulnerable. Focus your prevention efforts on:

• Exterior walls – Pipes running through outside walls have less insulation
• Unheated areas – Garages, crawl spaces, attics, basements
• Outdoor faucets – Hose bibs and sprinkler systems
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets – Pipes against exterior walls

Prevention Steps Before Winter

1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before the first freeze:

• Disconnect all garden hoses
• Drain hose bibs by opening the outdoor faucet
• If you have frost-free hose bibs, they still need hoses disconnected
• Consider insulated hose bib covers for added protection

2. Winterize Sprinkler Systems

Douglas County homes with irrigation systems need professional winterization. We can blow out your sprinkler lines with compressed air to prevent freeze damage.

3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Add insulation to pipes in unheated areas:

• Foam pipe insulation for exposed pipes
• Heat tape for extremely cold areas
• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces and attics

4. Seal Air Leaks

Cold air entering your home accelerates pipe freezing:

• Seal gaps around pipes where they enter walls
• Caulk around windows and doors near pipes
• Close foundation vents in winter

During Cold Weather

Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures drop below 20°F, let vulnerable faucets drip slowly. Moving water is less likely to freeze. Focus on faucets along exterior walls.

Open Cabinet Doors

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes, especially if those cabinets are on exterior walls.

Maintain Heat

Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away. The cost of heating is far less than burst pipe repairs.

Know Your Main Shutoff

If a pipe does burst, you need to stop water flow fast. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main water shutoff valve is located.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

Signs of a Burst Pipe

Sometimes pipes burst in hidden locations. Watch for:

• Unexplained water puddles or wet spots
• Reduced water pressure
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Unusual sounds in walls (running water)
• Sudden spike in water bill

Larkspur and Franktown: Extra Precautions

Homes in higher elevation areas like Larkspur face even colder temperatures. Rural properties with well systems need additional precautions:

• Insulate well houses and pump houses
• Consider heat lamps in pump houses during extreme cold
• Insulate exposed water lines from well to home