WeldFrozen pipes are a common winter problem for homeowners across Northern Colorado. When temperatures drop quickly, exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze, blocking water flow and creating pressure that may lead to burst pipes. Knowing what to do immediately and what to avoid can limit damage and protect your home until professional help arrives.
Signs Your Pipes May Be Frozen
Frozen pipes do not always announce themselves with dramatic symptoms. Early warning signs include little to no water from faucets, especially on exterior walls, or water that trickles rather than flows normally. You may also notice frost on visible pipes or unusual smells coming from drains. Acting quickly at the first sign of freezing reduces the risk of pipe failure.
What to Do Right Away
If you suspect a frozen pipe, take these steps immediately to reduce pressure and help thaw the line safely:
- Turn on the affected faucet slightly to relieve pressure and allow melting ice to escape
- Shut off the main water supply if you believe a pipe may burst
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
- Increase the home temperature gradually to encourage slow, even thawing
What NOT to Do With Frozen Pipes
Certain actions can cause more harm than good when dealing with frozen plumbing. Avoid using open flames such as torches, propane heaters, or candles. These create serious fire risks and can damage pipes beyond repair.
Do not crank up heat sources aggressively or pour boiling water directly onto pipes. Sudden temperature changes increase the likelihood of cracking or bursting. Never ignore frozen pipes and hope they resolve on their own. Pressure continues to build as ice expands, increasing the chance of a major plumbing failure.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you cannot locate the frozen section, cannot access it safely, or cannot restore water flow, it is time to call a professional plumber. You should also contact a plumber immediately if you see signs of a burst pipe, such as water stains, dripping sounds inside walls, or visible leaks.
Professional plumbers have specialized tools to locate frozen sections, safely thaw pipes, and assess whether damage has occurred. Early professional intervention often prevents a minor freeze from turning into a major repair.
Preventing Future Pipe Freezing
Once the immediate issue is resolved, prevention becomes critical. Pipe insulation, sealing air leaks, and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures all reduce the risk of freezing. Pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls deserve special attention.
During extreme cold snaps, allowing faucets to drip slightly and keeping cabinet doors open helps protect vulnerable plumbing. Professional inspections identify weak points before winter conditions expose them.
Why Professional Plumbing Repair Matters
Frozen pipes place stress on your entire plumbing system. Even if pipes do not burst, hidden damage may exist that leads to leaks later. Affordable Home Services provides professional plumbing repair services throughout Northern Colorado, helping homeowners address frozen pipes safely and thoroughly.
Where quality and integrity meet… it’s not cheap, it’s Affordable.