Frozen Pipes in Utah? Here’s How to Prevent a Costly Plumbing Emergency
Winter in Utah brings cold nights, snow-covered rooftops, and the risk of one of the most costly plumbing issues: frozen pipes. When exposed pipes freeze, they can burst, flood your home and lead to major repairs. As your local plumbing pros in Murray, we at Pro Master Services are dedicated to helping homeowners understand the risks, prevent frozen plumbing, and respond correctly if an emergency strikes.
The Risks: Why Frozen Pipes Matter
Pipe freezing isn’t just a nuisance, it can quickly become a full-blown emergency. When water inside a pipe drops below 32 °F, it begins to freeze and expand. That expansion creates pressure on the pipe’s walls, increasing the chance of cracks or bursts.
According to the city of South Jordan’s guidelines, a crack as small as 3 mm (about an eighth of an inch) in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water in a day, translating quickly into water damage, mold, ruined flooring, drywall and expensive repairs.
Because of Utah’s climate, cold nights, unheated crawl spaces, exterior walls exposed to the elements, the risk is real. A burst pipe can impact your plumbing, your home structure, and your wallet. The good news: many of these problems are preventable.
Prevention: How to Keep Your Plumbing Safe This Winter
Here are essential steps to prevent frozen plumbing and avoid the headache of a burst pipe repair.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas (like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages) or along exterior walls are particularly vulnerable. Wrapping them in foam sleeves, insulation tape, or using heating cables for extremely exposed lines helps.
Be sure to inspect:
- Pipes along exterior walls or under sinks on exterior walls
- Exposed cold- and hot-water lines in attics, garages, crawl spaces.By adding insulation, you’re helping ensure that the pipe temperature stays closer to the water temperature inside, reducing freeze risk.
2. Seal Drafts & Let Warm Air Circulate
Cold air entering your home around windows, doors, vents or through gaps can chill nearby pipes. Sealing cracks, applying caulk or weather‐stripping, and ensuring warm air is reaching plumbing areas helps a lot.
Also useful: open cabinet doors under sinks and in areas where plumbing sits on exterior walls, this allows warm indoor air to reach vulnerable pipe runs.
And keep the indoor thermostat at mindful settings even when you’re away. Some Utah guides suggest keeping the home at at least 55°F during very cold spells.
3. Let Faucets Drip on Very Cold Nights
It might seem counter-intuitive, but leaving a faucet (especially one served by a pipe along an exterior wall) to drip slowly overnight or during a cold snap helps. A slow flow relieves pressure that can build as water freezes, and keeps the line from staying fully stagnant.
Focus on faucets tied to lines most at risk, exterior wall sinks, seldom‐used taps.
4. Winterize Outdoor Spigots, Hoses & Sprinkler Lines
Don’t forget the outside plumbing. Before hard freezes:
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain them.
- Shut off and drain the outdoor faucet supply lines (hose bibs).
- Use protective covers for outdoor spigots. These small steps can prevent freezing inside the short section of pipe next to the exterior wall, which often causes trouble.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes or You Suspect It
Even with good prevention, it’s possible a pipe will freeze. Here’s a clear step-by-step plan:
- Turn off the main water supply — Know where your home’s main shut-off valve is and how to operate it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off quickly limits damage.
- Open the faucet served by the frozen line — This gives water/ice an escape path and relieves pressure as thawing begins.
- Apply gentle heat to the frozen section — Use a hairdryer, warm towels or a heating pad on or near the pipe until full flow returns. Never use an open flame like a torch.
- Inspect for damage, and call for professional help if needed — If you can’t locate the freeze, if the pipe shows signs of cracking or if water flow doesn’t return, contact a professional. And if a burst has occurred, you’ll need an emergency pipe repair.
- For emergencies, rely on our services — At Pro Master Services, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing & pipe repair services when frozen pipes turn into bursts or leaks.
Why You Should Choose Pro Master Services
When winter plumbing issues strike in Murray and Salt Lake County, we’re your local trusted partner. Here’s how we support you:
- Winter-specific plumbing inspections to identify vulnerable pipes and weak insulation.
- Preventive services: pipe insulation, exterior faucet winterization, and advice tailored to Utah homes.
- Rapid response for frozen-pipe emergencies or burst-pipe repair.
When the worst happens, a frozen line turns to a burst, you don’t just want any plumber, you want one experienced with winter plumbing challenges specific to Utah.
Winter Planning Checklist for Utah Homeowners
- Identify pipes in unheated or exterior-wall areas (basement, garage, crawl space)
- Add insulation to vulnerable pipes (foam sleeves, insulation tape, heating cables)
- Seal gaps and drafts near plumbing runs
- Keep indoor temperature consistent; avoid turning heat way down
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold, especially those on exterior-walls
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, shut off exterior spigots
- Know your main water shut-off valve location
- Save our number for emergencies: contact Pro Master Services for frozen or burst pipe repair
Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Catch You Off Guard
Don’t let winter weather catch your home off-guard. In Utah, frozen pipes aren’t just cold — they can become an expensive plumbing nightmare. By taking solid prevention steps now, you protect your home, your comfort and your finances. And if a frozen or burst pipe does occur, you’re not alone. Pro Master Services is ready to help you get back on track quickly and safely.
If you’re ready to schedule a winter plumbing inspection or want more details on our emergency plumbing and pipe repair services, reach out today. Your pipes and your peace of mind will thank you.
