Winter Plumbing Prep in Utah: Protect Pipes from Freezing

Another summer has come and gone. Fall is here, and winter is close on its heels. And once it arrives, temperatures in the Salt Lake City area are going to plummet. You know the drill if you have lived here for more than one winter season. Our question for you is this: are your pipes prepared for cold weather?

We get the fact that tons of people have lived their entire lives in Utah and never experienced frozen pipes. But it takes only one spell of extremely cold weather to change everything. When pipes get too cold, they can freeze. And if they freeze, they are likely to burst. The result could be thousands of dollars in damage and several days without water.

It’s an Easy Fix

The thing about unprotected pipes is that it is an easy fix. More importantly, it’s a lot easier to protect pipes than replace them after they have burst. With just a little effort and a small financial investment, you can protect the plumbing in your home against freezing.

We will explain how to do that in the remainder of this post. Bear in mind that if you ever have plumbing problems, including frozen pipes, SameDay is available for both scheduled and emergency services in the Salt Lake City area. We handle all sorts of plumbing jobs. Don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Insulating Exposed Pipes

The easiest thing you can do to protect your plumbing is to insulate any exposed pipes. Think of pipes running through attics, crawl spaces, barrages, and sheds. They are easily insulated with inexpensive foam wraps, sleeves, or heat tape you can buy at the home improvement store.

You may have some pipes that could use insulation even though they aren’t fully exposed. Pipes running along exterior walls are a perfect example. If you can get to them, insulating them would probably be a good idea.

Check for Drafts Around Pipes

The locations where pipes pass through walls and floors are ideal for cold drafts that could pose problems when temperatures plummet. So take a few hours on a Saturday to check for drafts. If you find any, especially where pipes enter or leave your home, seal them up with caulk. Stopping the draft will bring an end to direct exposure to cold air.

Protecting Outdoor Pipes

Outdoor pipes are especially susceptible to cold weather. Think of garden hose spigots and any pipes or fixtures that support an outdoor kitchen. The best thing you can do for these pipes and fixtures is to drain the lines completely after turning off the water supply. Any fixtures that can be removed safely should be. You are better off storing them inside during the winter.

Maintain the Indoor Temperature

If you plan to be away for an extended amount of time, make sure to maintain the temperature inside your home at a minimum of 55°F. Also make a point of opening the cabinets under your sinks to allow warmer air to circulate. If you have a dishwasher, leave its door open as well.

Let Water Drip

Finally, it’s a good idea to let water slowly drip from faucets when temperatures dip below zero. A slow drip keeps water moving through the pipes and reduces the chances of them freezing. Don’t worry about money literally going down the drain. The little bit you will spend on extra water is nothing compared to the amount it would cost you to have burst pipes replaced.

Utah’s winters are cold. You know that. So make sure your pipes are protected against freezing and bursting.