How Do You Winterize a Home in the Denver Metro Area?

Know what you own and where it is

Locate the main water shutoff and identify the irrigation shutoff, outdoor faucets and plumbing in unheated areas. Ask a plumber to explain anything unclear and label the controls appropriately. Make sure another household member knows the plan. Review inspection reports for prior freeze problems or exposed lines. A finished basement can conceal systems, so do not assume the absence of visible pipes means the property has no vulnerable areas.

Address exterior water systems correctly

Disconnect garden hoses and arrange appropriate irrigation draining or winterization before freezing conditions. Turning the controller off does not remove water from pipes. Follow the system’s requirements and hire a qualified contractor when needed; improper pressure or procedures can damage equipment. Check current water-provider guidance as well. As of October 28, 2026, Denver Water’s drought notice restricts lawn and spray irrigation beginning October 1, a separate issue from physically protecting the system against freezing.

Prepare heat and building systems

Have heating equipment serviced as appropriate and follow its maintenance instructions. Review weatherstripping and obvious drafts without blocking required ventilation or combustion-air openings. Maintain alarms and other safety devices according to their instructions. If you suspect a combustion or electrical problem, use a qualified professional rather than experimenting. A lower thermostat setting should not be chosen solely to save money without considering plumbing, occupancy and the equipment’s requirements.

Create a vacancy and emergency plan

A home left empty needs someone responsible for checking conditions and responding to problems. Discuss extended absences with your insurer and qualified service providers. Keep emergency contacts accessible and know how water can be shut off if a leak occurs. For a condo, learn the building’s notification procedures and distinguish unit plumbing from common systems. Do not shut down a system without understanding whether it serves fire protection or other shared functions.

Respond early to warning signs

A sudden loss of water flow, unexpected moisture or heating failure warrants prompt investigation. Denver Water cautions against using an open flame to thaw pipes; a plumber is the appropriate contact when the situation is uncertain. Document any damage safely and contact your insurer according to the policy. I would treat winter preparation as a short, scheduled project rather than an emergency task on the first cold night, particularly during the first winter in a new home.

If you recently purchased the home, ask the previous owner for service records and contractor contacts, then independently confirm the procedures. Familiarity with another property’s irrigation or plumbing does not establish that this system works the same way.