Why Pipes Freeze in Denver Winters — and What You Can Do to Prevent It

Why Pipes Freeze in Colorado Winters (and How to Stop It Before It Happens)

When Denver’s temperatures drop below freezing, the same thing happens every year — homeowners wake up to no water flow, strange noises behind the walls, or worse… a burst pipe.

At Silver Monkey Plumbing, we see it every winter: frozen pipes cause costly damage, water loss, and serious stress. The good news? With a little preparation and awareness, you can prevent it.

🧠 Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Water expands when it turns to ice. If it’s trapped in a pipe with no room to expand, pressure builds until the pipe bursts. The most vulnerable areas are:

Exposed pipes in crawl spaces or garages

Pipes along exterior walls

Poorly insulated basements or attics

Even indoor pipes can freeze when Denver’s nighttime temps dip below 20°F for several hours — especially if cold air leaks in through cracks or vents.

🧰 How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.

Keep a slow drip running from faucets overnight when it’s below freezing.

Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.

Seal gaps where cold air sneaks in (especially near dryer vents or foundation cracks).

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior spigots before the first freeze.

🧑‍🔧 When to Call a Plumber

If your water slows to a trickle or stops completely, you might already have a frozen pipe. Turn off your main water valve immediately and call Silver Monkey Plumbing. We’ll locate the freeze, safely thaw your pipes, and repair any damage before it worsens.

Serving Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, Centennial, Englewood, and surrounding areas, our licensed technicians are ready 24/7 to keep your plumbing safe through Colorado’s harsh winters.

💧 Stay ahead of winter. Contact Silver Monkey Plumbing today for a winter plumbing inspection and prevent frozen pipes before they happen!