As temperatures drop across Westminster, Broomfield, and Thornton, our team at Big Apple Plumbing LLC is seeing the same types of seasonal calls come in—drains slowing down, water heaters struggling, sewer lines backing up, and older piping showing new signs of stress. Winter puts more pressure on plumbing systems, and ignoring early warning signs can lead to expensive repairs.

This week’s Google Business Profile posts focused on these exact issues, so this blog brings everything together in one place to help homeowners stay ahead of the most common cold-weather problems in the Denver metro.

1. Slow Drains and Foul Odors (Westminster, CO)

Slow drains are one of the biggest winter complaints from Westminster homeowners. Between holiday cooking, higher household traffic, and cold pipes, buildup forms faster than usual.

What we’re seeing most often this month:

• Kitchen sinks backing up

• Showers draining slowly

• Drains producing sulfur-like smells

• Black or brown sludge coming up from floor drains

That sludge is usually a mix of grease, soap buildup, and debris that has been sitting in the trap for months. When the water gets cold, the buildup hardens and catches everything that passes through.

When to call an emergency plumber:

• Water starts backing up into the tub or shower

• Smells get stronger

• You hear gurgling from fixtures

• You see discoloration or sludge

Big Apple Plumbing LLC uses professional drain cleaning equipment and sewer cameras to identify the cause quickly and restore normal flow without unnecessary upsells.

2. Aging Sewer Lines Acting Up in Thornton

Many homes in Thornton have older clay or cast-iron sewer lines. Cold temperatures and increased indoor water use highlight existing weaknesses. We’ve had several recent calls near the Thornton Town Center and along Colorado Blvd for:

• Root intrusion

• Cracked sewer pipes

• Bellied or sagging lines

• Recurring blockages

When sewer lines struggle, homeowners notice:

• Constant backups

• Sewage smell outdoors

• Slow drains throughout the home

• Water pooling in the yard

If your home is more than 30 years old, a sewer camera inspection is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent a full sewer replacement in the dead of winter.

We also offer Wisetack financing, which helps homeowners spread out the cost of repairs or sewer line replacements without delaying necessary work.

3. Broomfield’s Most Common Winter Issue: Water Heater Failure

Broomfield sees more water heater calls than almost any other nearby city, especially in areas around The Broadlands and Brandywine. Cold water entering the tank puts higher demand on the system, and older units can’t keep up.

Signs your water heater is struggling:

• Lukewarm water

• Brown or cloudy water

• Popping noises from the tank

• Small leaks around the base

• Hot water running out quickly

Big Apple Plumbing LLC specializes in both traditional and tankless water heater repair and installation. If your system is 10–12 years old, a replacement is often cheaper than frequent repairs—especially with winter pricing on parts and new equipment.

4. Frozen Pipes and Weak Spots in Older Homes

Colorado’s overnight lows create the perfect environment for frozen pipes, especially in garages, crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls. Westminster and Thornton both have large pockets of older homes, and we’ve been called out several times this week to thaw and repair pipes that cracked because of sudden temperature drops.

Warning signs:

• No water from certain fixtures

• Low water pressure

• Frost or condensation around exposed piping

• Rattling noises when turning on faucets

If a pipe cracks, it can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your home. Preventing this is far cheaper than repairing water damage.

5. When It’s Time to Call an Emergency Plumber

Big Apple Plumbing LLC handles emergency calls every week across Westminster, Broomfield, and Thornton. If you notice any of the following, don’t wait:

• Water leaking from the ceiling or walls

• Sewage backing up through drains

• Water heater leaks

• Strong drain odors

• Gurgling from toilets or sinks

• Discolored water

• Sudden loss of hot water

Our licensed and insured plumbers respond fast and focus on real solutions—not temporary fixes.

6. Why Homeowners Choose Big Apple Plumbing LLC

Across the Denver metro, Big Apple Plumbing LLC has built a strong reputation based on:

• Licensed and insured technicians

• Transparent pricing

• Fast response times

• Quality workmanship on sewer repair, water heaters, and drain cleaning

• No unnecessary upsells

• Local ownership and deep knowledge of plumbing systems in Westminster, Broomfield, and Thornton

Our team handles everything from small clogs to full sewer line replacement, with financing available for bigger repairs.

7. How to Stay Ahead of Winter Plumbing Problems

Here are the most helpful preventive steps for homeowners in our service areas:

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Schedule a sewer camera inspection if your home is older

• Flush your water heater annually

• Avoid pouring grease down drains

• Install a sediment trap or drain screen

• Address small issues before temperatures drop further

A little maintenance can save hundreds—or even thousands—on emergency plumbing repairs.

Need a plumber now?If you’re in Westminster, Broomfield, or Thornton and need help with clogged drains, aging sewer lines, water heater issues, or any cold-weather plumbing problem, Big Apple Plumbing LLC is ready to help.

Reach out today and we’ll handle the rest.