Every winter in Salt Lake County our phones start ringing with the same call.
A homeowner woke up to no water pressure. Or they came home from vacation to a flooded basement. Or they heard a loud pop somewhere inside a wall and now water is coming through the ceiling.
Frozen and burst pipes are Utah’s single most common cause of water damage claims during winter months — and they are almost entirely preventable.
Here’s exactly what to do before temperatures drop to protect your home from one of the most costly and disruptive disasters a homeowner can face.
Why Utah Pipes Freeze
Utah’s climate creates perfect conditions for pipe freezing. Our winters bring extended periods of temperatures well below freezing — sometimes dropping to single digits or below in the Salt Lake Valley. Combined with homes that often have pipes in unheated spaces — crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, and attics — the conditions for a burst pipe are common.
Water expands when it freezes. Inside a rigid pipe that expansion has nowhere to go — so the pipe cracks or bursts. When temperatures rise and the ice thaws the crack opens and water begins flowing — sometimes hundreds of gallons before anyone notices.
The Most Vulnerable Pipes in Your Home
Not all pipes are equally at risk. Focus your protection efforts on:
Pipes in unheated spaces:
• Crawl spaces
• Attached garages
• Unfinished basements
• Attics
Pipes on exterior walls:
Kitchen and bathroom pipes that run along exterior walls are especially vulnerable because the wall insulation often isn’t sufficient to keep pipes warm during extreme cold.
Pipes near exterior openings:
Pipes near dryer vents, cable holes, or other exterior penetrations can freeze when cold air flows through those openings.
Irrigation and outdoor systems:
Outdoor faucets and irrigation systems must be properly winterized before the first freeze.
10 Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipe insulation is inexpensive and available at any hardware store. Focus on:
• All pipes in crawl spaces
• Pipes in the garage
• Pipes along exterior walls
• Any pipe in an unheated space
Foam pipe insulation sleeves slip directly over pipes and provide significant protection. For extreme cold situations consider heat tape for the most vulnerable pipes.
2. Seal Exterior Openings
Cold air entering your home through gaps and cracks dramatically increases pipe freezing risk. Inspect and seal:
• Gaps around pipes where they enter through walls
• Dryer vent openings
• Cable and wire penetrations
• Gaps around windows and doors near plumbing
Use spray foam or caulk to seal any openings you find.
3. Keep Your Thermostat Consistent
During cold snaps many homeowners turn their thermostat down significantly at night or when away to save money. This is a false economy if it results in a burst pipe.
Keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum at all times — even when away from home. The cost of slightly higher heating bills is insignificant compared to the cost of water damage restoration.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
On extremely cold nights open the cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks — especially those on exterior walls. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes.
5. Let Faucets Drip
During periods of extreme cold let faucets served by exposed pipes drip slowly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Even a small trickle can prevent a pipe from freezing.
Focus on faucets on exterior walls and those furthest from your water heater.
6. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation
Every fall before the first freeze:
• Shut off water to outdoor faucets at the interior shutoff valve
• Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water
• Leave the outdoor faucet open slightly through winter
• Have your irrigation system professionally blown out
Outdoor faucet covers provide additional protection but should not be relied on alone.
7. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
This is critical. If a pipe bursts every second matters. Every adult in your household should know:
• Where the main water shutoff valve is located
• How to turn it off quickly
Practice turning it off so you’re not struggling with a stiff valve while water pours into your home.
8. Maintain Heat in All Areas of Your Home
If you have rooms you don’t use — a spare bedroom, a storage room — keep the door open so heated air can circulate. Closing off rooms creates cold pockets where pipes can freeze.
If you have a vacation home or rental property arrange for someone to check the heat regularly during winter months.
9. Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses
A garden hose left connected to an outdoor faucet can cause the faucet and connected pipe to freeze even if the faucet has an interior shutoff. Disconnect and store all garden hoses before the first freeze.
10. Install a Smart Water Monitor
Smart home water monitors can detect unusual water flow patterns and alert you to potential leaks — even when you’re away from home. Some systems can automatically shut off your water when a leak is detected.
These devices typically cost $100-$300 and can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and get little or no water during cold weather your pipes may already be frozen. Here’s what to do:
Keep the faucet open
As the pipe thaws water will begin to flow. Keeping the faucet open allows steam from melting ice to escape.
Apply gentle heat
You can carefully apply gentle heat to the frozen section using:
• A hair dryer on low setting
• Heating pads wrapped around the pipe
• Warm towels
Never use open flame
Never use a torch, propane heater, or any open flame to thaw pipes. This is a fire hazard and can damage pipes.
Check all faucets
If one pipe is frozen others may be too. Check all faucets in your home.
Call a plumber
If you can’t locate the frozen section or can’t thaw it safely call a licensed plumber.
If a Pipe Bursts — Call Best Option Restoration Immediately
If a pipe has already burst and water has entered your home call us immediately. Every minute water sits causes more damage. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours.
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