How Englewood’s Freezing Winters Impact Your Home’s Plumbing

When winter hits Englewood, cold temperatures aren’t just a discomfort — they can cause serious problems for your home’s plumbing. Between overnight freezes, afternoon warmups and the moisture that comes with melting snow, the stress on your pipes and drains can add up quickly.

At Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer, we’ve spent over 80 years helping Colorado homeowners prepare for — and recover from — the problems winter can bring. From frozen pipes to basement drain repairs, we understand Englewood’s seasonal plumbing needs and can help keep systems running strong through every freeze and thaw.

Freezing Temperatures vs. Your Pipes: What’s The Problem?

When temperatures take a dip, the water inside your pipes can freeze. Because water expands as it turns to ice, even a small freeze can create immense pressure inside the line — leading to cracks, bursts or full-on pipe breaks.

Englewood’s fluctuating weather makes this worse. A string of mild days followed by a sudden freeze creates expansion and contraction cycles that weaken your plumbing over time. Copper pipes may split, while PVC or PEX lines can bulge or separate at fittings.

Exterior walls, crawl spaces and unheated basements are especially vulnerable, as they’re often exposed to cold air without much insulation. That’s why part of every homeowner’s seasonal plumbing needs should include inspecting and insulating any exposed lines before temperatures dip too low.

Other Common Winter Plumbing Problems In Englewood, CO

Cold weather affects every home differently, and pipe damage isn’t the only problem you should be aware of. Here are some additional winter plumbing problems our team encounters, along with some suggestions on how to address them.

Clogged Drains And Grease Buildup

Holiday cooking and cold weather are a tough combination for drains. Fats and grease that go down the sink can solidify in cold pipes, creating blockages that worsen over time. Regular drain cleaning is one of the best ways to prevent these clogs — and it’s a service Garvin’s has specialized in for decades.

Water Heater Strain

When the weather turns cold, demand for hot water skyrockets. If your water heater hasn’t been maintained, you might experience slow heating, inconsistent temperatures or sediment buildup that reduces efficiency. Garvin’s technicians can flush and service your water heater to make sure it’s ready for winter’s heavy use.

Sump Pump Issues

As snow and ice melt, water naturally drains toward the foundation of your home. If your sump pump isn’t working properly, that moisture can gather and lead to water intrusion, dampness or flooding in the basement. Garvin’s handles sump pump repairs with precision and care, minimizing disruption while restoring full functionality to your plumbing system.

Seasonal Plumbing Needs: 7 Ways You Can Prevent Problems

While winter plumbing damage can be unpredictable, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of a problem. Here are a few easy steps to protect your plumbing before the next cold snap hits:

1. Insulate exposed pipes — This adds a protective layer that helps keep the water inside from dropping to freezing temperatures, even when the surrounding air is cold.
2. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior spigots — Removing water from outdoor lines prevents trapped water from freezing, expanding and potentially bursting pipes that connect back into the home.
3. Drip faucets during freezing weather — Running water is much less likely to freeze, and even a slow drip keeps pressure from building up in pipes.
4. Open cabinet doors under sinks — Doing this allows warm indoor air to circulate around pipes inside cabinets, reducing the chance that hidden plumbing becomes cold enough to freeze.
5. Locate your main shut-off valve — If a pipe bursts, turning the water off quickly can prevent major flooding and damage.
6. Use your garbage disposal responsibly — Winter gatherings often involve heavy cooking. Properly disposing of grease and fibrous foods can prevent inconvenient clogs and back-ups.
7. Schedule seasonal plumbing maintenance — A professional inspection can identify worn components, slow drainage or freeze-prone areas before temperatures drop.

Garvin’s offers comprehensive services to help protect every part of your plumbing system. Whether you have questions about protecting your plumbing or are ready to schedule a repair or maintenance appointment, give our team a call!

Do You Know When To Call A Professional For Plumbing Problems?

It’s always better to address plumbing issues early. You should call Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer if you notice:

• Gurgling or slow drains throughout the home.
• Unusual noises like banging or whistling pipes.
• Low water pressure, particularly on cold mornings.
• Frost or moisture forming on indoor walls or floors.
• Persistent sewer or musty odors near drains or in the basement.
• Water spots, peeling paint or swollen drywall near plumbing lines.
• An unexplained increase in your water bill.

These signs often point to hidden damage that can worsen as temperatures fluctuate. Garvin’s technicians can inspect, repair and fortify your plumbing before it becomes a major headache.

Trust Garvin’s Plumbing And Sewer For Year-Round Protection

Colorado winters can be tough, but your plumbing doesn’t have to suffer because of it. At Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer, we’ve helped Englewood homeowners navigate common winter plumbing problems for generations. Whether you need emergency repairs or proactive care, our team provides fast, professional service designed to keep your home safe and your water flowing.

Call Garvin’s Plumbing and Sewer today to schedule your seasonal inspection. Whether it’s summer, fall, winter or spring, we’re the team that’s ready to provide service you can count on!