Frozen Pipes in Colorado: How to Thaw Them Safely and Prevent a Burst
Signs a pipe is frozen
No water or a trickle from one faucet after a cold night; frost on an exposed pipe; a bulge in the pipe; strange smells from a drain (the frozen section blocks the vent).
How to thaw safely
Open the faucet so melting water can escape. Apply heat to the section nearest the faucet first using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a torch or open flame. If you cannot find the frozen section or it is inside a wall, call for frozen pipe repair.
When a frozen pipe has already burst
Ice expands and splits pipe. You will not know until it thaws and water sprays. If you see water, shut off the main and call our burst pipe repair team — 24/7.
Winterize before the next cold snap
Disconnect hoses, insulate pipes in garages and crawlspaces, seal drafts near pipes, keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher when away, and let a faucet drip on the coldest nights. Front Range and mountain homes should also have hose bibs checked for frost-free valves.