How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Tooele and Salt Lake City

1. Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas

Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, basements, utility rooms, and exterior-facing walls are often the first to freeze. Add pipe insulation before freezing weather arrives and check for spots where cold air can reach supply lines.

2. Seal Drafts Around Plumbing Openings

Small openings around pipe penetrations can let in enough cold air to create trouble during a freeze. Look around crawl-space vents, hose bibs, under sinks on exterior walls, and utility penetrations. Sealing these gaps can make a meaningful difference.

3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses attached can trap water in exterior bibs and nearby lines. Disconnect garden hoses, shut off exterior hose bib supply lines if your plumbing allows it, and drain those lines before temperatures drop.

4. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature

If the weather is dropping below freezing, avoid turning the heat too low overnight. A steady indoor temperature helps protect pipes in wall cavities and utility areas. This is especially important in vacant homes, rentals, and second properties.

5. Let Faucets Drip During Severe Freezes

During a hard freeze, letting one or two faucets drip slowly can help reduce pressure in the plumbing system. This does not fix a major exposure problem, but it can help reduce the chance of a pipe splitting if freezing starts.

6. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

If a pipe does freeze and break, fast action matters. Make sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is and test that you can access it quickly. If you have family members or tenants in the property, they should know too.

7. Watch for Early Warning Signs

Reduced water flow, frost on exposed pipes, unusual smells, bulging pipe sections, or cold spots near plumbing lines can all be warning signs. If you notice changes during freezing weather, it is better to check early than wait for a burst line.

What to Do if You Think a Pipe Is Frozen

If you suspect a frozen pipe, do not use an open flame to thaw it. Open the faucet served by the line, gently warm the area if it is safe to do so, and be prepared to shut off the water if the pipe starts leaking. If you are not sure where the problem is, call a plumber before the situation gets worse.