Quick Answer: Denver winters cause unique drain problems. Frozen pipes crack, water expands and blocks flow, and temperature fluctuations create pressure points. Plus, snow runoff and debris create surface-level blockages. Acting now prevents costly emergency calls in January.
Winter is coming—and with it, a surge in drain emergencies. Every year, Denver sees a spike in pipe freezes, burst lines, and drain backups right after the first major snowfall. The difference between a $99 preventative service and a $2,000 emergency repair often comes down to whether you prepared your drains before temperatures dropped.
Why Winter Specifically Threatens Denver Drains
1. Temperature Swings Cause Pipe Stress
Denver experiences extreme temperature swings—sunny 50-degree days followed by -5-degree nights. This constant expansion and contraction stresses pipes, especially older ones. Cracks form invisibly, and water finds every weakness.
2. Frozen Water Blocks Drainage
When water in pipes freezes solid, it becomes an immovable blockage. Even worse, ice expands as it freezes, putting outward pressure on the pipe itself. Copper pipes can crack from this pressure alone.
3. Ground Freezing Changes Water Flow
Your main sewer line runs underground. When soil freezes, it expands and puts pressure on pipes. Water tries to find alternate routes, creating backups in your home. If your sewer line has even small cracks, frozen ground makes them worse.
4. Snow Runoff Overwhelms Systems
Heavy snow loads and spring runoff create sudden surges of water. Drains designed for normal flow get overwhelmed. Debris (leaves, dirt, ice chunks) clogs surfaces and causes backups.
Signs Your Drains Need Winter Prep
- Slow drains in cold weather: Normal speed in 60-degree weather but sluggish at 20 degrees = hidden ice or blockage
- Burst pipes in previous winters: If it happened once, preventative camera inspection is critical
- Old cast iron or galvanized pipes: Homes built before 1980 are high-risk. These corrode faster in freeze-thaw cycles
- Drains that back up during snow melt: Sign of frozen or nearly-frozen main line
- Wet spots in basement or yard: Indicates existing leaks that will worsen when ground freezes
Prevent Winter Drain Emergencies: Action Plan
Before First Freeze (October-November):
- Get professional camera inspection ($0 with service)
- Clear gutters and downspouts—debris goes to drains
- Insulate exposed pipes (unheated crawlspaces, attics)
- Drain and disconnect garden hoses
- Clean main drain line if it's been more than 2 years
During Winter (December-February):
- Keep drains flowing: Run hot water weekly to prevent ice buildup
- Let faucets drip: Moving water won't freeze. A slow drip all night prevents pipe freeze
- Open cabinet doors: Let warm home air reach pipes under sinks
- Monitor weather: If 15+ inches of snow is predicted, check that gutters and downspouts are clear before the storm
- Don't use chemical cleaners: Chemicals don't work on frozen pipes and can corrode lines further
If a Pipe Freezes: Emergency Response
DO: Call a professional immediately. Frozen pipes need thawing with heat tape or professional equipment—not DIY.
DON'T: Use a blowtorch, pour hot water on pipes, or hit them to break ice. This causes cracks and worsens the problem.
Cost: Professional thawing: $150-300. Burst pipe repair: $1,500-3,000+. The math is clear.
Get Winter-Ready Today
Don't wait for the first sub-zero night. Professional drain inspection catches hidden problems before they freeze. Most winter emergencies could have been prevented with a $99 inspection.
Call (720) 500-6955 now to schedule your winter drain prep. Available 24/7 for emergency service if pipes do freeze.