Many of our clients us for Frozen Pipes restoration service in the Winter in Denver, Aurora, and surrounding areas brings more than just freezing temperatures—it brings a major risk to your home’s plumbing.
Every year, homeowners wake up to frozen pipes, no running water, and in the worst cases, burst pipes that lead to thousands of dollars in water damage.
If you’re searching for how to deal with frozen pipes, you’re probably facing one of two situations:
- Your pipes are already frozen, and you need a fix—fast.
- You’re trying to prevent this nightmare from happening to you.
Either way, we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about why pipes freeze, how to prevent it, and what to do if the worst happens. Call 720-356-0945 for immediate help.
Why Do Pipes Freeze (and Why Does It Matter)?
Pipes freeze when temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C),
especially in unheated or poorly insulated areas of a home.
The water inside the pipes turns to ice, expanding as it freezes.
Since there’s nowhere for the built-up pressure to go, the pipe can crack or burst, releasing gallons of water into your home once it thaws.
The most at-risk pipes are usually in exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, basements, and garages.
In older homes, pipes may be more vulnerable due to outdated insulation, while in newer homes, builders sometimes place plumbing in exposed areas without considering extreme cold temperatures.
Ignoring frozen pipes is never a good idea.
Even if they don’t burst immediately, the pressure can create small hairline fractures, leading to slow leaks that go unnoticed until mold and water damage become a serious problem.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Before Winter Hits
Homeowners who take simple precautions before winter can often avoid costly repairs and water damage.
One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to keep water moving during extreme cold. If temperatures drop significantly, leaving a small trickle of water running from your faucets can help prevent ice from forming inside the pipes.
Insulating exposed pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces is another critical step.
Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and can make a huge difference in protecting vulnerable areas.
Homes with plumbing in exterior walls should also ensure those walls are properly insulated.
Another mistake homeowners make is turning off the heat while traveling in winter. Even if you’re not home, keeping your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C) can help prevent freezing.
Disconnecting outdoor hoses and shutting off exterior water valves before temperatures drop is essential, too. Leftover water inside exterior pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst inside the walls of your home.
If you’ve had frozen pipes before, consider installing heat tape or heating cables in areas prone to freezing. These devices provide low-level heat to pipes, keeping them above freezing temperatures.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe somewhere in your plumbing system. The first step is to locate the frozen section—check under sinks, in basements, and along exterior walls for pipes that feel extremely cold to the touch.
Once you’ve found the frozen area, open the faucet connected to that pipe. This helps relieve pressure and allows melting ice to flow out as the pipe thaws.
Applying gentle heat is the safest way to thaw frozen pipes. A hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels wrapped around the frozen section can gradually warm the ice inside.
Never use an open flame or propane torch—this can damage the pipe and create a fire hazard.
If you can’t find the frozen section, or if multiple faucets aren’t working, the frozen blockage may be inside a wall or underground. In this case, it’s best to call a professional to thaw the pipes safely and check for potential cracks or leaks.
Signs That a Frozen Pipe Has Burst (And What to Do About It)
Not all frozen pipes burst, but when they do, the damage can be devastating.
The most obvious sign is water leaking or spraying from a pipe once it thaws, but in some cases, homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until they notice water stains on ceilings, damp drywall, or a musty odor from hidden mold growth.
In these cases acting fast is crucial to prevent further damage to your home.
If a pipe bursts in your home:
- Turn off the main water supply immediately to prevent further flooding.
- Shut off electricity in affected areas if water has reached outlets or appliances.
- Move furniture and valuables away from standing water to minimize damage.
- Call a water damage restoration professional to extract water, dry your home, and repair the damage.
? If your frozen pipe has already burst, call Anatom Restoration 24/7 at 720-356-0945 for emergency water damage repair.
When to Call a Professional for Frozen Pipes
Sometimes, a frozen pipe is an easy fix with heat and patience, but in other cases, DIY methods can make the problem worse.
If you can’t thaw the pipe, aren’t sure where the frozen section is, or suspect a hidden leak inside your walls, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Anatom Restoration, we specialize in frozen pipe repairs, emergency water extractions, and full-scale water damage restoration. Our team is available 24/7 to help homeowners in Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding areas.
Call 720-356-0945 now for expert frozen pipe repair and water damage restoration.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Ruin Your Winter
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems, but they don’t have to be a disaster. With proper insulation, regular maintenance, and quick action, you can protect your home from costly damage.
If you’re already dealing with a frozen or burst pipe, don’t wait until the damage spreads. Acting fast can save you thousands in repairs.
? For emergency frozen pipe repair, thawing services, or water damage restoration, call 720-356-0945 today.
We proudly serve Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding areas, including 80209, 80206, 80203, 80111, 80126, 80129, 80016, 80015, 80123, 80134, and 80113.
Winter doesn’t have to mean frozen pipes—let us help you keep your home safe and dry!
