Pipes freeze most often in unheated crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, and under sinks when overnight lows fall into the teens or single digits—common on the Western Slope. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

Insulate exposed supply lines with foam pipe insulation or heat tape rated for outdoor use. Focus on lines in crawl spaces and along exterior walls. During extreme cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls so warm air reaches the pipes. Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher even when you are away.

Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes, shut the water off immediately and call for professional thawing and repair. Never use an open flame.

Cooley’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing helps homeowners in Delta, Montrose, and Mesa counties protect plumbing before winter arrives. We can inspect vulnerable lines, add insulation, and advise on long-term solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas before mid-October.
• Maintain indoor temperatures above 55°F during cold spells.
• Locate your main shut-off valve now.

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