UBCNews - Business - Frozen Pipes in Fountain, CO: How Pros Prevent & Fix Winter Plumbing Disasters

Episode Date: February 6, 2026

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're tackling something that's on every Fountain homeowner's mind this time of year - frozen pipes and winter plumbing disasters. It's cold outside, and when temperatures drop below freezing, the risk to your plumbing skyrockets. Let's jump right in. What's the first thing people should know about preventing frozen pipes? Talmich Plumbing and Heating City: Colorado Springs Address: 9150 Bellcove Cir Website: https://talmichplumbingheating.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're tackling something that's on every fountain homeowner's mind this time of year, frozen pipes and winter plumbing disasters. It's cold outside, and when temperatures drop below freezing, the risk to your plumbing skyrockets. Let's jump right in. What's the first thing people should know about preventing frozen pipes? Great question. The most important step is insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas.

I'm talking basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages. Foam sleeves are inexpensive, often costing as little as 50 cents per linear foot, and they fit easily. You really want to focus on those spots where cold air can reach your pipes. Hmm, hmm, makes sense.

So insulation is key. What about daily habits during those really extreme cold snaps we get here in Colorado? Right, exactly. During extreme cold, maintaining your indoor thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, is essential even when you're away. Also, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls

to let warm air circulate around the pipes. And here's a tip. Let faucets drip a pencil-thin stream of cold water. It keeps water moving and prevents ice build-up while relieving pressure. That dripping faucet trick is one I've heard before. It's simple but effective. What about outdoor plumbing? I imagine that's a big vulnerability.

Definitely. Proper preparation involves disconnecting and draining hoses before winter and covering faucets with insulated covers. You also need to drain outdoor plumbing lines fully. I remember one year, uh, I forgot to drain my hose bib, and by morning the pipe had burst. Water everywhere. Lesson learned, now I set a calendar reminder every October.

Ouch, that sounds like a rough morning. Though I guess it's better than waking up to a frozen shower, right? So let's say the worst happens and pipes do freeze. What's the immediate action homeowners should take? First step, turn off the main water supply immediately. That valve is usually in your basement or utility room. Shutting it off prevents pressure buildup if the ice melts or if there's a suspected leak. Then open the affected faucets to allow water to escape as the ice thaws.

I see, absolutely. What are some safe DIY thawing methods people can try at home? Safe methods include using a hair dryer on low heat, moving it steadily along the pipe. You can also use warm towels. Soak them in hot water, wring them out, and wrap them around the frozen section, replacing them every five to 15 minutes or until water runs normally. Space heaters work too, but never leave them unattended. And here's the big one.

Strictly avoid open flames. Torches can cause fires or damage pipes. That point about safe thawing methods sets up our next piece. How professionals handle hidden freezes. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. When winter hits fountain, frozen pipes can turn into plumbing disasters fast. Since 2006, a local team has been providing expert frozen pipe thawing and repair services with superior workmanship and attention to detail.

Family owned and operated with decades of combined experience, they treat every customer-like family and ensure your home is protected all winter long. Visit www. Taumichplumbingheating.com. Picking up on those safe thawing methods, how do professionals handle frozen pipes that are hidden behind walls or underground? Professionals rely on specialized thawing methods. For metal pipes, they often use electropulse thaw machines. Portable devices that send low voltage current through the pipe to melt ice rapidly, sometimes up to 175 feet. For plastic pipes like pecs or PVC, electropulse thaw machines won't work.

professionals may use methods like warming the area with space heaters or warm water for pecs pipes or infrared lamps for pipes behind walls. That's fascinating. How do they actually locate the frozen section when it's hidden? They use diagnostic flow tests first, testing faucets sequentially to figure out which fixtures have reduced flow. Then they use thermal detection with infrared thermometers to scan walls for temperature drops. For really tricky cases, they deploy video cameras through drain cleanouts to visually confirm the ice or damage. It's pretty high-tech stuff. So to everyone listening, if you've got a hidden freeze, calling a pro makes a lot of sense. Have you ever wondered what these services actually cost?

The cost of thawing services can vary significantly. Straightforward jobs with accessible pipes might run $100 to $200 plus hourly labor, but more complex situations involving hidden pipes or bursts can jump to $250 to $500 or more. Emergency after-hours calls add premiums typically ranging from $100 to $300 extra. Right, and if a pipe actually bursts, I imagine the costs escalate quickly. Oh, absolutely. Burst pipes can lead to substantial financial costs. You're looking at pipe repair, water extraction, structural fixes, and potentially mold remediation.

Total damage can range from $1,000 to over $15,000, depending on the extent. Water cleanup alone can potentially add thousands of dollars to repair costs, so prevention is really a wise investment. I mean spending a few hundred now beats spending thousands later. Wow, those numbers are sobering. What's the single most important upgrade homeowners can make to prevent this? I'd say long-term upgrades like adding pipe insulation in all vulnerable areas and ceiling gaps around pipes, windows, and doors.

You can use caulk or spray foam to block cold air drafts. It's not glamorous, but it fortifies your home against future winter plumbing disasters and can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road. Think of it as armor for your pipes. That's really what insulation does. I like that. Armour for your pipes. What about the timing for getting help if someone does face an emergency?

That's why it's so important to act quickly and call a verified 24-7 plumber early. Many services offer around-the-clock availability, and the sooner you reach out, the better chance you have of minimizing damage. Don't wait until a small freeze becomes a major burst. So preparation really is everything. Any final thoughts on what homeowners should prioritize? Focus on three things. Insulate your pipes, maintain warmth in your home, even when you're away and know where your main water shut off valve is. Those simple steps can save you thousands and a whole lot of stress when winter hits hard. Excellent advice. Thanks so much for breaking this down for us today. To all our listeners in Fountain, stay warm, stay prepared,

and protect those pipes. Until next time.