Winterizing Your Pipes: A Black Hawk/Central City Guide

During the cold winter months, pipes are at risk of freezing if not properly maintained. A short cold snap can cause water in the pipes to freeze, which may lead to bursts and costly water damage. If a pipe bursts, not only is water supply disrupted, but the damage can be a hefty unexpected expense. Here are key tips to help winterize pipes in Black Hawk, Central City, and other Colorado mountain homes so your plumbing stays intact during the colder months.

Tips for Protecting Pipes and the Plumbing System

1. Insulate Pipes Insulation is crucial to keeping pipes warm in winter. Options like UL-listed heat tape, pipe sleeves, or even duct tape can be used. Insulate pipes in unheated spaces such as garages or near exterior walls, as these areas are more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Also, remember to keep garage doors and doors near cool areas closed to minimize exposure.

2. Open Cabinets with Exposed Pipes Letting warm air circulate around pipes can prevent them from freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow air to flow and keep the pipes at a safer temperature.

3. Let Faucets Drip Just as movement keeps the human body from freezing in the cold, running water can prevent freezing inside your pipes. Letting faucets drip slightly will reduce the chances of water freezing and causing blockages.

4. Keep the Heat on at Night Don’t lower the thermostat at night. Keeping a steady temperature in your home helps protect pipes from the extreme cold. Fluctuations in temperature can make pipes more susceptible to freezing.

5. Seal Openings in Walls Fill any openings in walls with caulk to prevent cold air from reaching your pipes. This simple step can keep pipes from being exposed to freezing temperatures.

6. Inspect Space Heaters Check to ensure that space heaters are functioning properly in areas that are at risk of freezing. Proper heating will help keep temperatures up in vulnerable areas.

7. Drain Low Points in Fire Systems If your home has a dry fire system, it’s essential to drain low points to avoid water freezing and blocking the system.

8. Check Circulating Pumps Inspect domestic water and heating water circulating pumps to ensure they are working properly. Well-functioning pumps help prevent freezing by keeping water flowing.

9. Inspect Heat Trace Tape Make sure that the heat trace tape is properly wrapped around pipes. This system keeps the pipes warm and prevents freezing.

10. Check Attic Insulation Ensure that insulation around pipes in the attic is installed correctly. Poorly insulated pipes are more likely to freeze when temperatures drop.

11. Cover Faucets and Bibs Protect outdoor faucets and bibs with insulated boxes. This extra layer can prevent exposed pipes from freezing.

12. Inspect Pipes for Air Leaks Air leaks in the plumbing system can introduce cold air, increasing the chances of frozen pipes. Check pipes for any gaps and seal them to maintain heat.

13. Check on the Property If you’re away from home for an extended period, have a neighbor check in periodically to ensure that the plumbing system remains in good working order.

Risks of Not Winterizing Your Home 

If you neglect winterizing your home, you could face several risks, including:

• Frozen Water Lines Without proper protection, water lines may freeze, leading to a disruption in water supply. In Black Hawk and Central City homes, this could result in significant water damage.

• Burst Pipes When water freezes, it expands. Frozen water can cause pipes to burst, often resulting in costly water damage, mold growth, and the need for expensive repairs. 

Focus on These Four Areas to Winterize Your Home

1. Gutters Ensure that gutters are clear of debris and water. Frozen water in the gutters can create ice dams, damaging your roof and gutters and causing leaks into your home.

2. Insulation Proper insulation of spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and scuttles helps retain heat. This also prevents ice dams and maintains warmth throughout your home.

3. Thermostat Maintain a consistent temperature with your thermostat to ensure that all parts of your home stay warm enough to prevent freezing pipes.

4. Doors and Windows Seal gaps around doors and windows with caulk or weather stripping to prevent drafts. Drafty areas make your home colder and increase the likelihood of frozen pipes.

A Common Misconception

Many believe that only colder climates are at risk of burst pipes, but homes in warmer regions can face problems too. A burst of cold weather or sudden drops in temperature can still affect plumbing in warmer areas. Ensure your property is winterized, even in locations that don’t typically experience severe cold.

Learn How to Winterize Your Home with Adams Plumbing & Heating Today 

At Adams Plumbing & Heating, we work closely with homeowners and businesses throughout the year to protect their properties from the hazards of freezing temperatures. Our team can help you winterize your home to prevent costly damage and ensure your plumbing is functioning optimally throughout the winter.Contact us today to learn more and schedule a winterization consultation in Black Hawk/Central City.