Your Quick Guide to Handling Frozen Pipes This Winter

When Northern Colorado temperatures plummet below zero, frozen pipes are among the most expensive emergencies homeowners face. A single burst pipe can cause $5,000 to $15,000 in damage within hours. The good news? Most disasters are preventable. This guide shows you exactly how to recognize, respond to, and prevent frozen pipes in homes in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley.

Why Frozen Pipes Are Dangerous

Water expands 9% when it freezes, creating enough pressure to burst even metal pipes. Northern Colorado’s sustained cold, with nights regularly in the single digits or below zero, gives freezing temperatures time to penetrate walls and reach your plumbing. The result? Burst pipes release hundreds of gallons per hour, causing $5,000 to $15,000 in average damage, including water restoration, drywall, flooring, and potential mold remediation.

Warning Signs Your Pipes Are Freezing

The first sign most homeowners notice is reduced water flow from their faucets. If you turn on the tap and only get a trickle when you usually have intense pressure, ice is forming inside and restricting flow. Act immediately.

Check exposed pipes in basements and crawl spaces for frost on the outside; this indicates the water inside is dangerously close to freezing. Strange sounds, such as banging or whistling, when you turn on the water, indicate ice blockages. The most obvious sign is when no water comes out at all. By this point, call Lion Home Service immediately while taking warming steps.

What to Do When Pipes Freeze

First, make sure you know where your main water shutoff valve is located, typically in the basement, crawl space, or where the main line enters your home. Every adult in your household should know this before emergencies happen. Open the affected faucet with both hot and cold taps. This releases pressure as ice melts and lets you know when water starts flowing again. Start warming the pipe using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Begin at the faucet end and work toward the frozen section so melting ice can escape through the open faucet. If the frozen pipe is inside a wall or ceiling, or if you see any bulging or cracks, call Lion Home Service immediately. We’re available 24/7 throughout Northern Colorado.

Where Pipes Freeze Most Often

Pipes in exterior walls face the highest risk, especially north-facing walls that receive little sunlight. These are closest to outdoor temperatures and should be your top insulation priority. Crawl spaces and basements are another primary concern, particularly in older Northern Colorado homes where insulation may be inadequate. Cold air pools in these low areas, and foundation cracks let frigid air reach your plumbing.

Attic pipes freeze less frequently, but when they burst, water can rain through your entire home, causing devastating damage. Don’t forget about pipes in unheated garages or outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines; these must be winterized before the first freeze.

Safe Thawing Methods (and What to Avoid)

Use a hair dryer on low or medium heat, moving it back and forth along the pipe. Start near the faucet and work toward the frozen section. Electric heating pads wrapped around pipes work well too, providing gentle, even heat. Warm, damp towels are another safe option, though you’ll need to rewarm them frequently. Space heaters can warm the area indirectly but require constant supervision.

Never use open flames, like propane torches; they cause house fires every winter and can burst pipes due to rapid temperature changes. Don’t use excessive heat from any source, and never leave thawing methods unattended. Safe thawing takes time, typically 30 minutes to several hours. Patience prevents damage and keeps you safe.

When a Pipe Bursts, Act Fast

Shut off your main water supply immediately; don’t assess damage first. Every second counts when hundreds of gallons per hour are flooding your home. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets or appliances. Document everything with photos and videos for insurance before starting cleanup.

Call Lion Home Service’s emergency line right away, then start removing standing water with towels, mops, and wet-dry vacuums. Run fans to promote drying and prevent mold. The faster you dry everything, the less damage you’ll face.

Prevention: Stop Problems Before They Start

Insulate vulnerable pipes with foam sleeves from any hardware store, focusing on crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Apply heat tape to pipes that have frozen previously or run through icy areas. Seal cracks in exterior walls, foundations, and crawl spaces, even small openings that let cold air reach pipes.

Before the first freeze, disconnect all outdoor hoses and shut off interior valves feeding outdoor faucets. During cold snaps, keep your thermostat set to 55°F or higher, even when away. When temperatures drop below 10°F, let faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air circulation. If you have a vacant property, winterize completely by draining all pipes and turning off the water at the main.

Why Call the Pros?

Ice expansion creates microscopic cracks that won’t leak immediately but fail weeks later. Lion Home Service technicians check for hidden damage you can’t see and identify why pipes froze so we can recommend permanent solutions. Professional documentation helps with insurance claims, and our speed prevents damage escalation that can take hours; we often resolve it in 30 to 60 minutes.

What to Expect from Lion Home Service

We answer 24/7, even during the coldest nights. You’ll speak with a real person who can guide you while our technician is en route during our operating hours of 7 am-7 pm, typically within an hour for Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley emergencies. If it is a late-night emergency, you will be booked at the earliest availability within the next day. We locate frozen sections, safely thaw pipes, pressure test for damage, and provide prevention recommendations with upfront pricing and no surprise charges.

Your Frozen Pipe Action Checklist

Before Winter (October – November):

Locate and label the main water shutoff, and ensure everyone knows where it is
Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls
Install heat tape on vulnerable pipes
Seal foundation cracks and openings
Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain faucets
Winterize sprinkler systems
Add Lion Home Service to phone contacts

During Cold Snaps (Below 10°F):

Keep thermostat at 65°F minimum
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
Let vulnerable faucets drip slightly
Check exposed pipes for frost
Keep garage doors closed

If Pipes Freeze:

Open the affected faucet (hot and cold)
Begin safe thawing (hair dryer, heating pad, warm towels)
Start at the faucet, work toward the frozen section
Call Lion Home Service if pipes are in the walls/ceilings
Never use open flames or excessive heat
Monitor continuously, never leave unattended

If a Pipe Bursts:

Shut off the main water immediately
Turn off the electricity to the affected areas
Document damage with photos/videos
Call Lion Home Service: (970) 510-0522
Remove standing water ASAP
Contact the insurance company
Begin drying with fans and dehumidifiers

Areas We Proudly Serve

At Lion Home Service, we proudly provide full-service plumbing support across Northern Colorado. Whether you’re dealing with frozen pipes, water heater issues, or preparing your home for winter, we’re here to help homeowners in the following areas:

Fort Collins plumbers
Loveland plumbers
Greeley plumbers
Longmont plumbers
Windsor plumbers
Boulder
Estes Park
Bellvue
Fort Lupton
Eaton
Fort Morgan

Protect Your Home This Winter

Northern Colorado winters test every home’s plumbing. The difference between a minor inconvenience and $15,000 in damage comes down to preparation and quick response. Whether you’re dealing with frozen pipes right now or want to winterize before the next cold snap, Lion Home Service is here to help. Our experienced plumbing technicians provide 24/7 emergency service throughout Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and all of Northern Colorado. Don’t wait until you’re standing in water at 2 AM during a February freeze. Call us now for preventive service or emergency response.