Protecting Pipes in a Pueblo Cold Snap

Weak spots

Pipes in crawl spaces and attics, under sinks on outside walls, in garages and in additions built over open foundations. Swamp cooler lines and sprinkler backflow devices are among the first to go.

Before the cold arrives

Disconnect hoses, drain the cooler and sprinkler lines, close crawl space vents, and fit insulated covers on outdoor taps. Wrap exposed pipe in foam insulation.

On the coldest nights

Let a tap on an outside wall drip, open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes, and keep the thermostat steady instead of turning it down overnight.

Find the main shut-off

Make sure you know where it is and that it turns. If a pipe bursts, stopping the water fast is what limits the damage.

If a pipe freezes

Open the tap and warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or warm towels. Never use a torch or open flame.

After the thaw

Check under sinks, in the crawl space and outside for leaks before you rely on the water. See emergency plumbing.

Homes left empty

If you travel in winter or own a rental that sits vacant, set the heat no lower than the mid-50s and ask someone to check the house during a cold snap. For longer absences, shutting off the main and draining the lines is the safest choice. A burst pipe in an empty house can run for days before anyone notices.

Manufactured homes

Pipes under manufactured homes are exposed to wind. Keep the skirting tight, insulate the lines and use heat tape rated for the job, following its instructions carefully.

More plumbing guides

• Swamp Cooler Start-Up and Shut-Down for Pueblo Homes
• Winterizing Sprinklers and Backflow in Pueblo
• What to Do If You Smell Gas in Your Pueblo Home
• How to Read Your Water Heater's Label
• Checking a Colorado Plumbing License