Freezing your ass off?: You could live at house in Westminster that nearly became an ice rink

A search for the terms "Denver" and "temperature" moments ago prompted a reading of eight below zero. That's pipe-busting weather -- and as an incentive for folks to make sure theirs don't erupt, the City of Westminster offers the tale of a home in the area that flooded mere days...

By Michael Roberts

February 1, 2011

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

A search for the terms "Denver" and "temperature" moments ago prompted a reading of eight below zero. That's pipe-busting weather -- and as an incentive for folks to make sure theirs don't erupt, the City of Westminster offers the tale of a home in the area that flooded mere days ago. Had it happened last night, kids off from school would already be skating in the basement. Info and photos below.

Below, see pics of the home in question, as well as a Westminster press release:

Frozen Pipe Causes Major Damage to Westminster Home
On January 27, Westminster Fire and Police responded to a call for a flooded basement. First arriving crews discovered over three feet of water in the basement. There was significant water damage throughout the structure.

An upstairs pipe had frozen sometime earlier in the month, subsequently thawed and had been flowing water for some time. Drywall throughout the home will have to be removed to allow for the wood framing to completely dry. The homeowner had recently completely remodeled the home, with new carpet, paint, kitchen appliances, granite countertops, and hard wood floors. Owners were in the process of putting the home on the market. Initial damage assessment indicates nearly all drywall, floor coverings, and furnishings, including furnace, interior doors, and lighting fixtures will likely be replaced.

As we encounter the pending days of frigid winter weather the Westminster Fire Department offers the following tips for freeze prevention:

1. Turn up the thermostat slightly. 2. Open vanity or cabinet doors that are in colder areas of the house. 3. Be sure garden hoses are disconnected from the house. 4. Allow faucets in cold areas of the house to run at a trickle.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo