How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Santa Fe's Winter

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Santa Fe's Winter

Santa Fe's high-altitude location means winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, putting your home's plumbing system at serious risk. Frozen pipes aren't just an inconvenience—they can burst and cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

Understanding the Risk

At 7,000 feet elevation, Santa Fe experiences:

• Average winter lows of 15-20°F
• Sudden temperature drops overnight
• Extended periods of below-freezing weather

Prevention Steps

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pay special attention to:

• Pipes in unheated basements
• Crawl spaces
• Attics
• Exterior walls
• Garage areas

Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape for vulnerable areas.

2. Keep Your Home Warm

• Maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F, even when away
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
• Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through

3. Let Faucets Drip

During extreme cold:

• Allow a small trickle of water to run from faucets
• Both hot and cold water lines benefit
• Moving water is much harder to freeze

4. Seal Air Leaks

• Caulk around pipes where they enter your home
• Check for drafts in basements and crawl spaces
• Install door sweeps and weatherstripping

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out:

1. Keep the faucet open
2. Apply heat to the frozen section using a hair dryer or heating pad
3. Never use an open flame
4. Call Lobo Tech immediately if you can't locate the freeze

Professional Prevention Services

Lobo Tech offers:

• Complete plumbing system inspections
• Professional pipe insulation installation
• Heat tape installation
• Preventive maintenance plans

Don't wait for a freeze! Contact us at 505-316-4231 to schedule a winter plumbing inspection.