Written by Curiazza Plumbing | Published on June 2025
Winterizing your Colorado home’s plumbing means draining outdoor water lines, insulating exposed pipes, and setting your thermostat to at least 55°F before cold weather sets in. In Fairplay and Alma, CO, where elevations exceed 10,000 feet, overnight lows can plunge well below zero by October.
This article covers every major step, from shutting off outdoor spigots to protecting your water heater, so you can head into winter without worrying about burst pipes or water damage.
Understand Why Colorado Winters Are Hard on Plumbing
Fairplay sits at 9,953 feet above sea level. Alma is even higher at 10,578 feet, making it one of the highest incorporated towns in the United States. At these elevations, temperatures can drop below 0°F even in early fall.
Water expands when it freezes. That expansion generates pressure inside pipes that can exceed 2,000 PSI, which is enough to split copper, PVC, and even steel lines. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water before you notice the damage.
High-country homes also deal with long periods of vacancy. Many cabins and second homes in Park County sit empty for weeks at a time during ski season or between seasons. Empty homes with no internal heat are especially vulnerable to frozen and burst pipes.
Starting your winterization process in September, before the first hard freeze, gives you time to address problems without rushing.
Shut Off and Drain All Outdoor Water Lines
Outdoor faucets, hose bibs, and irrigation systems are the first things to winterize. Water left standing in these lines will freeze and can crack the pipe or the faucet body itself.
- Locate the interior shutoff valve that controls each outdoor spigot. These are usually found in the basement, crawl space, or utility room.
- Turn the interior shutoff valve clockwise to close it completely.
- Go outside and open the outdoor faucet fully to let any remaining water drain out.
- Leave the outdoor faucet handle in the open position to allow air to circulate and prevent pressure buildup.
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses before storing them. A hose left attached can trap water and damage the faucet even if you shut off the interior valve.
- If you have an irrigation system, use a compressor to blow out each zone according to the manufacturer’s specs, typically 50 PSI for poly pipe and 50 PSI or less for PVC.
Frost-free sill cocks are common in newer Colorado homes and drain automatically when you shut them off, but only if no hose is attached. Always remove hoses before the freeze season.
Insulate Exposed and Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes in unheated spaces are at high risk of freezing. This includes pipes in crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, and attics. Insulation slows heat loss and buys critical time when temperatures drop fast.
| Insulation Type | Best Use | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Foam pipe sleeves | Straight runs in crawl spaces and basements | $0.50 to $1.50 per linear foot |
| Fiberglass pipe wrap | Irregular shapes and fittings | $0.75 to $2.00 per linear foot |
| Electric heat tape | Pipes in extreme cold zones or exterior walls | $1.50 to $5.00 per linear foot installed |
| Spray foam insulation | Sealing gaps around pipe penetrations | $5 to $15 per can |
Electric heat tape is especially useful in Fairplay and Alma properties where pipes run through an exterior wall or an unheated crawl space. Look for UL-listed self-regulating heat tape, which adjusts its output based on the surrounding temperature.
Pay close attention to pipe penetrations where cold air enters from outside. Even a small gap around a pipe can funnel enough cold air to freeze the line. Seal those gaps with spray foam or caulk before temperatures drop.
Protect Your Water Heater for Winter
Your water heater works harder in winter, especially when incoming water temperatures drop. In Fairplay and Alma, groundwater entering your home in January can be close to 35°F, which means your water heater has to work overtime to reach the standard 120°F setpoint.
- Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup before winter. Sediment acts as an insulating layer that forces the burner to run longer, reducing efficiency and shortening tank life.
- Check the anode rod every two to three years. A depleted anode rod allows the tank interior to corrode, leading to premature failure.
- Insulate the first few feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to the heater using foam pipe sleeves.
- Consider adding a water heater insulation blanket if your unit is in an unheated garage or utility room. This can reduce standby heat loss by 25 to 45 percent.
- If you are leaving your home vacant, set the water heater to its lowest setting or switch it to vacation mode rather than turning it off entirely. Completely cold water in the tank can still freeze in an unheated space.
Curiazza Plumbing recommends scheduling a water heater inspection each fall. Catching a failing heating element or a corroded sacrificial anode before winter prevents cold-water emergencies when you need hot water most.
Compare Winterization Costs for Colorado Homes
The cost to winterize your plumbing depends on the size of your home, how many outdoor fixtures you have, and whether your pipes are already insulated. Here is a realistic breakdown for homes in the Fairplay and Alma area.
| Service | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shutting off and draining outdoor spigots | Free | $50 to $100 |
| Irrigation system blowout | $40 to $80 (compressor rental) | $75 to $150 |
| Pipe insulation (full crawl space) | $100 to $300 | $300 to $700 |
| Heat tape installation | $50 to $150 | $200 to $500 |
| Water heater flush and inspection | $20 to $40 | $100 to $200 |
| Full home winterization (vacant cabin) | $150 to $400 | $400 to $900 |
Professional winterization is especially worth the cost for vacant homes or cabins. A plumber can verify that every line is fully drained and that no water is trapped in low spots or branch lines you might overlook during a DIY walk-through.
Compare those costs against the average insurance claim for a burst pipe, which runs $11,000 to $15,000 for water damage repairs, and the math strongly favors spending a few hundred dollars on prevention.
Winterize a Vacant or Seasonal Cabin in Park County
Park County has a large number of seasonal cabins and vacation properties. If your home will be unoccupied for weeks or months during winter, a standard thermostat approach is not enough. You need to drain the entire system.
- Shut off the main water supply at the meter or pressure tank.
- Open every faucet in the home, starting at the top floor and working down, to drain the lines completely.
- Flush every toilet to empty the tanks and bowls.
- Pour RV-grade antifreeze (propylene glycol, not ethylene glycol) into every drain trap, including sinks, tubs, showers, and floor drains. This prevents sewer gases from entering and protects the trap from freezing. Use about one cup per trap.
- Drain the water heater completely if the home will be unheated.
- Blow out any remaining water in supply lines using compressed air if possible.
- Label the main shutoff location for any neighbors or property managers checking on the home.
Curiazza Plumbing can perform a full vacant-home winterization for cabin owners in Fairplay and Alma. Many property owners schedule this service annually in late September or early October before the first hard freeze arrives.
Know What to Do If a Pipe Freezes Anyway
Even with proper preparation, extreme cold snaps can catch homeowners off guard. Knowing how to respond quickly limits the damage significantly.
The first sign of a frozen pipe is usually reduced or no water flow from a specific faucet. If you turn on a tap and nothing comes out during a cold stretch, act immediately.
- Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure as the pipe thaws.
- Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or electric heating pad. Never use an open flame.
- Work from the faucet end back toward the frozen section to allow water to escape as it thaws.
- Never leave a space heater unattended near a frozen pipe.
- If you cannot locate the frozen section or if the pipe is inside a wall, call a licensed plumber immediately.
If a pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply right away, then call Curiazza Plumbing at (732) 284-1394. The faster you stop the flow, the less water damage you face.
FAQs on Winterizing Plumbing in Colorado
At what temperature do pipes freeze in Colorado?
Pipes begin to freeze when the air surrounding them drops below 20°F for a sustained period, typically six hours or more. In Fairplay and Alma, temperatures regularly reach these levels overnight from October through April, so early insulation is critical.
Should I leave my heat on in a vacant Colorado cabin?
If you keep the heat running, set it to a minimum of 55°F. However, a full drain-down using RV antifreeze in all traps is more reliable for extended vacancies, especially during extreme cold events when heating systems can fail. Many Park County cabin owners use both approaches together.
Do I need to insulate pipes in an interior wall?
Interior walls are generally safe because they stay above freezing as long as your home is heated. The exception is pipes on exterior-facing walls or in corners where insulation is thin. If you have had a pipe freeze in an interior wall before, adding insulation or rerouting the pipe is worth considering.
How long does it take to winterize a home’s plumbing?
A thorough DIY winterization of a standard three-bedroom home takes two to four hours. A vacant cabin with a full drain-down can take four to six hours. A professional plumber typically completes the same job in one to two hours because they know exactly where every shutoff and drain point is located.
Is RV antifreeze safe to pour down drains?
Yes. Propylene glycol-based RV antifreeze is non-toxic and safe for drain traps. Do not use automotive antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol and is toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. RV antifreeze is pink and widely available at hardware stores in Fairplay and surrounding towns.
Can I winterize my own irrigation system without a compressor?
Manual drain valves work for some simple systems, but compressed air is the most reliable method for clearing all zones fully. Compressor rental runs about $40 to $80 per day. For most homeowners with more than two or three zones, hiring a professional for a blowout is faster and more thorough.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Winterizing your plumbing in a Colorado home comes down to three priorities: draining outdoor lines, insulating exposed pipes, and protecting your water heater before the first hard freeze. In high-elevation communities like Fairplay and Alma, starting this process in September gives you enough lead time to catch any issues early.
Curiazza Plumbing helps homeowners and cabin owners throughout Park County prepare their plumbing systems for winter every year. Whether you need a full vacant-home winterization or just want a professional to inspect your insulation and heat tape, our team is ready to help.
Call Curiazza Plumbing at (732) 284-1394 to schedule your winterization service before cold weather arrives. Do not wait until the first freeze warning to get started.