Frozen pipes in Fort Collins: how to prevent them and what to do

Which pipes freeze first

• Pipes in exterior walls, especially on north-facing sides
• Pipes in unheated garages, crawl spaces, attics and outbuildings
• Outdoor faucets and sprinkler lines that weren't drained or shut off
• Pipes in a vacation home or cabin where the heat is turned down

Before a cold snap

• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor spigots in fall.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air gets to the pipes.
• Let a faucet drip slowly on the coldest nights. Moving water is harder to freeze.
• Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you're away.
• Seal gaps where pipes enter the house, and insulate exposed pipes in garages and crawl spaces.
• Find your main water shutoff now, and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.

If a pipe freezes

1. If water isn't coming out of a faucet, a pipe may be frozen. Open the faucet so water can flow once it thaws.
2. Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer, a heating pad or warm towels. Never use an open flame or a torch.
3. Watch for leaks as it thaws. If you see water, shut off the main.
4. If you can't find the frozen section or can't reach it, call a plumber.

If a pipe bursts

1. Shut off the main water valve.
2. Turn off power to wet areas if you can do it safely.
3. Take photos and call your insurance company.
4. Call us. We'll extract the water and start drying. Burst pipe cleanup.
5. Call a plumber to repair the pipe.

Why the damage is worse than it looks

A pipe often splits while it's frozen and only leaks once it thaws, sometimes while no one is home. By the time someone notices, water may have been running for hours. Fixr's 2026 figures put burst pipe repair at $150 to $2,500, with the water damage cleanup adding another $1,000 to $2,000. Quick shutoff and quick drying keep it at the low end. See the cost guide.

Common questions