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

Episode Date: January 25, 2026

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that keeps a lot of homeowners up at night during those brutal Colorado winters - frozen pipes. You know, I was talking to a neighbor last week who came home to a burst pipe in their basement, and the water damage bill was over twenty thousand dollars. So, um, this is serious stuff. Talmich Plumbing and Heating City: Colorado Springs Address: 9150 Bellcove Cir Website: https://talmichplumbingheating.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that keeps a lot of homeowners up at night during those brutal Colorado winters, frozen pipes. You know, I was talking to a neighbor last week who came home to a burst pipe in their basement, and the water damage bill was over $20,000. So, um, this is serious stuff. Absolutely. And the thing is, water expands by about 9% when it freezes,

which creates massive pressure inside pipes. That pressure is what causes the cracks and bursts. Copper pipes are especially vulnerable here in Fountain because of our freeze-thaw cycles. Right. And we often see temperatures dropping well below freezing, sometimes hitting single digits. So where are the riskiest spots in a typical home? Great question. The danger zones are unheated spaces. Think attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Any pipes along exterior walls or outdoor lines are also at high risk. Those are the first places homeowners should focus on when winterizing.

Makes sense. So let's talk prevention. What are the top three steps homeowners can take before the first freeze hits? Okay, first. Insulate exposed pipes using foam sleeves or heat tape. You can grab foam sleeves for around two bucks per six foot piece at most hardware stores. Second, disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses, then cover those faucets with insulated covers. And third, seal any gaps around pipes, windows indoors with caulk or spray foam to block cold air drafts. Mm-hmm. That's practical. Now what about when folks are actually living in the house day to day? Are there habits that help during those extreme cold snaps?

Definitely. Keep your thermostat at 55 degrees or higher, even when you're away. open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm, room air can circulate around the pipes. And during those really brutal nights, and we get plenty in fountain, let your faucets drip just a pencil-thin stream of cold water. Moving water is much harder to freeze. I actually learned that the hard way my first winter here forgot to drip the faucet in my garage came out the next morning to a solid ice block in the pipe. Oh, wow, that's a rough lesson. So if someone's traveling, what should they do? Set that thermostat to at least 55, shut off the main water valve, and drain the system by leaving faucets open. And honestly, ask a neighbor to check on your place daily. Early detection can save thousands.

Think of it as insurance. A little prevention goes a long way toward avoiding major repairs. I see, exactly. That point about prevention and early detections. sets up our next piece. What to do if pipes actually freeze. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. When winter strikes hard in fountain, frozen pipes can turn into costly nightmares. Talmich plumbing and heating has been setting the standard for great customer service and superior workmanship since establishing business in 2006. Owner Tom Talmick has over 36 years of experience, and the team treats every customer-like family. From pipe insulation to safe thawing and burst repairs, they've got you covered. Find them at talmitchplumbingheating.com. Picking up on prevention and early detection,

how do you actually know if a pipe has frozen before it bursts? You'll notice reduced or no water flow from certain faucets. Touch your walls. If they feel unusually cold, that's a red flag. You might also smell something musty from blocked drains or hear strange giraffir. and banging noises in the plumbing. Those are all signs ice is building up somewhere. Okay, so let's say someone discovers a frozen pipe. Walk us through the safest thawing methods. First thing, shut off the main water supply to prevent flooding if the pipe bursts.

Open the affected faucet fully to relieve pressure. Then you can use a hair dryer on low heat, holding it about 6 to 12 inches from the pipe and moving it steadily. Never use open flames or torches. flames or torches. That's a fire hazard and can damage the pipe even more. Right. What about pipes hidden inside walls? Good question. Raise your thermostat to 70 degrees or higher and open nearby cabinet doors for air circulation. You can place a space heater in the room, directing warm air toward the suspected spot, but never leave it unattended. Hot water-soaked

towels wrapped around exposed sections can also help. Replace them every 10 to 15 minutes until the ice melts. So to everyone listening, have you checked where your main water shutoff valve is? Because if you're scrambling to find it during an emergency, you're going to lose precious time. It's like trying to find a fire extinguisher while the kitchen's already on fire. Huh, exactly. It's usually in the basement or utility room. Label it if you haven't already. And after you've thawed a pipe, inspect it carefully for leaks, bulges, or cracks once water flow resumes. Even small damage can lead to bigger problems down the road. Now, professional plumbers have some specialized tools, right?

Like, what's that machine called? A thaw machine. It's essentially a portable device that sends low voltage, high amperage current through metal pipes, to melt ice rapidly from the inside out. It can clear blockages up to 175 feet away and works on copper or iron pipes. But it won't work on plastic pipes like pecs or PVC.

because they don't conduct electricity well. Mm-hmm, I understand. Yeah, so professionals have the right equipment for different pipe materials. That's why knowing your home's plumbing setup matters. And what about costs? What should homeowners expect if they need to call in a pro? Straightforward thawing usually runs $100 to $250. If it's an emergency after-hours call, expect premiums.

Sometimes an extra hundred to $300. bucks. But if the pipe has already burst, repair costs can jump to anywhere from $150 to $5,000, depending on the damage and location. Hidden pipes and walls or underground are always more expensive because of the extra labor and tools needed. Wow. So prevention really is worth the effort. Have you ever wondered how much you could save just by taking a few simple steps in the fall? Oh, easily thousands. Any final tips for our listeners and fountain? Yeah, I, I don't know. I'd love to hear that. Start your winterization checklist by late September.

Insulate those exposed pipes, drain outdoor lines, and seal up drafts. Barry's service lines at least five feet deep if you're prone to freezing. Colorado's dry, cold climate makes frost penetrate deeper. And remember, your service line from the street main to your home is your responsibility, not the cities. Bottom line, a little prevention now saves you from major headaches later. Solid advice. Thanks so much for breaking this down. Hopefully, everyone listening can avoid those $20,000 surprises this winter. Absolutely. Stay warm out there, Fountain.