The first polar vortex of 2025 is on its way! Temperatures below zero all weekend and into next week mean Colorado homeowners need to be extra vigilant about protecting against leaks. If you’re a first-time homeowner or you’ve recently moved to Colorado Springs from somewhere it’s warm (or warm-er) all winter, here’s what you NEED to know to prevent leaks from freezing weather.
When temperatures consistently drop below freezing, your home is at a higher risk of water leaks from above and below!
How to prevent pipes from freezing
Water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and burst, causing significant damage to your home. To prevent this, the most important things you can do are:

Keep Faucets Dripping
Let faucets drip slowly (1 drip per minute is perfect) when temperatures are extremely low. Moving water is less likely to freeze. We recommend putting a clean bucket or a jug under the drip and using the water you’ve collected in the morning, rather than letting it drip straight down the drain. You can use it to make your coffee, water plants, or refill your pet’s water dish!
Keep Heat On
Even if you're away, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F to maintain warmth and prevent freezing. If it’s cold inside the house, it’s way colder where your pipes are at, but keeping the heat on will share some of that warmth with your crawlspace. We’ve worked with many Colorado Springs homeowners who left their heat on too low or even turned it off while they were away from home for an extended period and they returned home to a completely flooded house. We don’t want this to happen to you!
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and shut off the valves that supply water to outdoor faucets. Any water that is left in a hose and attached to your house will expand and work its way back into your pipes as it freezes! If your hose hasn’t been drained since you last used it, there’s probably enough water inside it to cause damage to your home.
How to prevent roof leaks from freezing weather
Heavy snow and ice buildup can lead to roof damage and leaks. To protect your roof:

Clean Gutters
We don’t mean this weekend! Gutters and downspouts need to be cleaned of debris to prevent ice dams. An ice dam happens when gutters fill up with debris and ice and push the ice up underneath your roof shingles so it leaks inside your house.
But this has to be done before freezing temperatures begin, so if you haven’t cleaned your gutters don’t do it now! It’s Colorado, so we all know we’ll be back to sunny, warm temperatures soon - that is the time to get on a ladder or hire someone to clean those gutters so you’re prepared for the next freeze.
The number 1 question we hear in the restoration industry is “When I have a leak, should I call my insurance company first or call a restoration contractor?”
Unfortunately there is not a clear, simple answer to that question, because every leak is different and every insurance policy is different. We asked one of our partners, Chris Balsiger of Balsiger Agency with Farmers Insurance, and he said it’s best for the policy holder to call their agent or a trusted contractor first if they’re unsure about the extent of the damage, but he specified do not immediately file a claim. Your agent or a contractor specializing in insurance repairs can advise you if the damage to your home will cost more than your insurance deductible.
If repairs are small, it’s best to pay out of pocket so you don’t have the claim on your record. Many insurance companies are now operating on a “three strikes and you’re out” system for claims, so you don’t want to risk losing your coverage or having your premium increase if the amount of water damage doesn’t warrant a claim.
If the damage is sizable and you know it will be expensive to repair, Balsiger says it’s safe to file a claim. Document the damage, shut off the water (if applicable), and dry the space as well as you can to prevent any further damage. Our Emergency Mitigation team will be on call 24/7 throughout freezing weather to help you with this process. We also have insurance specialists in our office who work directly with your insurance company and negotiate on your behalf to get the maximum value covered under your insurance claim.
We hope all of our Colorado Springs and Monument area neighbors stay warm this weekend and your homes stay safe! But if anything happens, you know who to call to restore the comfort of your home with less stress. You can reach us anytime at 719-439-0611.
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