Is a slow drip really worth the water?

Moving water is harder to freeze, and an open faucet relieves pressure if ice does form. For a few of the coldest nights on the most exposed lines, many plumbers consider it a reasonable trade.

Do newer homes need this calendar?

Newer construction usually keeps plumbing out of exterior walls, but garages, cantilevers, hose bibs and irrigation lines can still freeze. A shorter version of the list still applies.

Denver Winter Pipe Protection Calendar, October Through April

Month by month

Adjust for your house. A home with a crawlspace or garage plumbing needs more attention than one with all interior lines.

Early October: Have the irrigation system blown out. Disconnect hoses and drain them. Locate the main shutoff and test it.
Late October: Check foam sleeves on exposed pipes in the garage, crawlspace and basement rim joists. Close crawlspace vents if your house has them. Replace damaged weatherstripping on garage doors.
November: Plan for travel: decide on a thermostat setting, who will check the house, and whether to shut off water while away. Make sure smart thermostats and leak sensors have fresh batteries.
December: Watch forecasts for arctic fronts. Before each one, open cabinets on exterior walls, close the garage, and set a slow drip on vulnerable faucets.
January: Often the coldest stretch. After each cold snap, check for drips, stains and pressure changes, especially on thaw days.
February: Cold snaps still happen. Recheck pipe sleeves and vent covers that may have been disturbed. Keep hoses off even on warm days.
March: Late-season storms and freezes are common. Do not reopen crawlspace vents or reconnect hoses just because of a warm week.
April: Once nights are reliably above freezing, test each outdoor faucet with someone watching inside for leaks. Schedule irrigation start-up and check the backflow preventer.

Before every forecast cold front

Garage door closed and staying closed
Cabinet doors under exterior-wall sinks open
Slow drip on the faucets most likely to freeze
Thermostat at a normal daytime setting overnight
Space heaters only where safe, never unattended
Main shutoff location clear of storage
Someone available to check the house on the thaw day

Simple settings to decide in advance

Away thermostat: Ask your insurer and plumber; many advise keeping it well above freezing
Drip rate: A thin, steady stream, not just an occasional drop
Water off when travelling: Consider it for longer trips; ask a plumber about the water heater
House check: Someone inside the house, not just a drive-by

Common questions

Is a slow drip really worth the water?: Moving water is harder to freeze, and an open faucet relieves pressure if ice does form. For a few of the coldest nights on the most exposed lines, many plumbers consider it a reasonable trade.
Do newer homes need this calendar?: Newer construction usually keeps plumbing out of exterior walls, but garages, cantilevers, hose bibs and irrigation lines can still freeze. A shorter version of the list still applies.

General information for Denver, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.