Winter Plumbing Prep in Colorado Springs: What Homeowners Need to Do Now

Winter in Colorado Springs can be unpredictable. One week you’re enjoying a mild fall afternoon, and the next, temperatures plunge below freezing overnight. When cold snaps hit neighborhoods like Briargate, Broadmoor, and Old Colorado City, unprepared plumbing systems can freeze, crack, or burst—leading to expensive repairs. At Rocky Mountain Plumbing Services, we see this happen every winter, and getting ahead of these issues with proper winter plumbing prep helps keep your home protected through the coldest months.

Why Winter Plumbing Prep Matters in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs sees wide temperature swings, high elevation, and fast-moving cold fronts. These conditions make plumbing especially vulnerable. Outdoor faucets, uninsulated pipes, and areas like crawl spaces, basements, and garages often reach freezing temperatures long before the rest of the home does.

Homes in Manitou Springs and the West Side—where older construction is common—are at even greater risk. Cold weather expands water inside pipes, eventually causing them to split or burst. Winter plumbing prep prevents these emergencies and ensures your home stays functional through long stretches of cold weather.

Key Winter Plumbing Prep Steps for Every Home

Here are the must-do steps homeowners should take before winter arrives:

1. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

Leaving a hose attached traps water inside the faucet line. When it freezes, the ice spreads into the wall and can cause interior pipe damage.

2. Shut off and drain outdoor spigots

If your home has an interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, turn it off and drain the line. If not, insulated faucet covers are a smart investment.

3. Insulate exposed pipes

Pipes in unheated areas—garages, crawl spaces, unfinished basements—should be wrapped in foam insulation. This simple step greatly reduces freezing risk.

4. Check for air leaks

Cold air entering through gaps near plumbing runs can rapidly freeze pipes. Sealing holes and cracks around pipes helps keep temperatures stable.

Rocky Mountain Plumbing Services can inspect your vulnerable plumbing areas and recommend exactly where insulation or upgrades are needed.

Winter Plumbing Prep for Older Homes in Colorado Springs

Many homes in established neighborhoods like Old Colorado City, Broadmoor, and parts of Manitou Springs were built before modern plumbing codes. These older homes often have:

• Thin or uninsulated pipes

• Pipes routed along exterior walls

• Crawl space exposure

• Outdated shut-off valves

Because these systems freeze more easily, winter prep is not optional—it’s essential. RMPS can evaluate these older systems, replace outdated fixtures, and ensure that pipes are positioned and protected according to modern standards.

How to Prepare Indoor Plumbing for Winter

Indoor plumbing is safer from cold weather, but certain areas still need attention:

Inspect your water heater

Winter means your heater works harder due to colder incoming water. RMPS can check for sediment buildup, leaks, or failing components.

Know your main shut-off valve location

If a pipe freezes or bursts, shutting off water quickly can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

Check bathroom and kitchen plumbing along exterior walls

Keeping cabinet doors open during cold nights allows warm air to reach exposed pipes.

Common Questions About Winter Plumbing Prep

Q: When should I start winter plumbing prep in Colorado Springs?

Begin early fall. Freezing temperatures often arrive sooner than expected in higher areas like Briargate or Northgate.

Q: Do all homes need pipe insulation for winter?

Most Colorado Springs homes benefit from it, especially those with plumbing in basements, garages, or crawl spaces where temperatures drop quickly.

Get Ahead of Winter With Professional Plumbing Prep

Colorado winters don’t offer second chances. A little planning now prevents frozen pipes, costly repairs, and major disruptions later. Whether you live in Manitou Springs, Broadmoor, or central Colorado Springs, proper winter plumbing prep keeps your home safe and your plumbing running smoothly all season.

Schedule with us today for your plumbing needs!