When temperatures drop below 20°F, unprotected or poorly insulated pipes can freeze fast. Ice expands inside the line, creating pressure that can cause pipes to burst or leak. Metal pipes like copper and steel are most at risk, but even PEX pipes can fail around fittings if left unprotected.
If you’re wondering how to prevent your pipes from freezing, start by checking these high-risk areas in your home:
Understanding where problems start helps you stay ahead of them — before freezing temperatures turn into expensive repairs.
If you’ve ever dealt with frozen plumbing, you know it’s no small problem. The good news? Preventing frozen pipes during cold weather doesn’t require anything complicated — just a few smart habits that keep warm air moving and cold air out.
Here’s how to prevent pipes from freezing this winter:
1. Insulate exposed pipes. Wrap foam sleeves or heat tape around pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Don’t forget fittings and elbows — they lose heat faster than straight runs.
2. Maintain consistent heat. Keep your home at 55°F or higher, and bump it to 60–65°F during severe cold. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can circulate.
3. Use heat cables where needed. UL-listed heat cables can keep vulnerable pipes safely warm. Follow manufacturer directions carefully and avoid overlapping the cables.
4. Let faucets drip slightly. A slow, steady drip keeps water moving and relieves pressure — one of the simplest ways to keep pipes from freezing.
5. Protect outdoor lines. Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and seal gaps around windows and doors. Even small openings can let in enough cold air to cause a freeze.
6. Know your main water shutoff. If something goes wrong, you’ll save time (and damage) by knowing exactly where to shut off the water.
Nighttime often brings the coldest temperatures. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F — or 60–65°F during an extreme freeze. If you’re leaving town, maintain steady indoor heat, open cabinet doors for airflow, and close garage doors to help your home retain warmth.
These small steps make a big difference when it comes to preventing pipes from freezing and keeping your plumbing safe during Denver’s coldest months.
Even with preparation, a sudden freeze can still catch you off guard. Signs of frozen pipes include little to no water flow, visible frost on the line, or unusual noises when you turn on the tap.
If you suspect a burst or leak, turn off your home’s main water supply right away. Open faucets to relieve pressure and use gentle, indirect heat — like a hair dryer or space heater — to thaw the pipe. Start near the faucet and work toward the frozen section.
Once water flow returns, inspect for leaks and wrap exposed areas with insulation. If the freeze is behind walls or in a hard-to-reach spot, it’s best to call a professional.
At Done, we’re available 24/7 for emergency plumbing repairs and frozen pipe service across Denver and Aurora. Our licensed plumbers will quickly identify the issue, make safe repairs, and help prevent it from happening again.
Frozen or burst pipes demand immediate attention — and we’re ready when you need us. Done provides fast, licensed plumbing service with no hidden fees, transparent communication, and lasting results.
Whether you’re looking for how to prevent your pipes from freezing, need advice on preventing frozen pipes during cold weather, or are dealing with a current freeze, we’re here to help.
You can schedule service online or call for immediate assistance. We’ll assess your plumbing, explain your options, and complete the repair safely and efficiently.
For expert help preventing frozen pipes or repairing a freeze that’s already happened, trust Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric — the Denver-area team homeowners have relied on since 1999.
