Winter is coming to Salt Lake Valley — is your home ready?
When temperatures start dropping, it’s not just your hands that feel the chill — your plumbing does too. Frozen pipes, cracked outdoor faucets, water heater breakdowns… these are the kinds of winter “surprises” that no homeowner wants to deal with in the middle of a snowstorm.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. As your friendly neighborhood plumbers here at Nearby Plumbing, we’ve helped plenty of local homeowners protect their homes before the first freeze hits. Today, we’re sharing our winter plumbing checklist — the same one we use to keep our own homes safe and cozy throughout the season.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
If there’s one thing Utah winters are known for, it’s the cold. And when that cold air hits your pipes — especially those in unheated spaces like basements, garages, or crawl spaces — it can cause serious problems.
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands. That pressure can cause the pipe to burst, flooding your home the moment it thaws.
The fix? Simple: pipe insulation.
You can pick up foam pipe sleeves or heat tape at most hardware stores, and they’re easy to install — just wrap and secure. Focus on pipes that run along exterior walls or through drafty areas.
💡 Plumber’s tip: If it feels cold to you, it’s cold to your pipes too. Insulate it before it freezes.
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
We’ve seen this one too many times — a homeowner forgets to disconnect the garden hose, and a sudden freeze turns the leftover water inside into a solid block of ice. That ice expands backward into the pipe, causing a crack that isn’t noticed until the next warm day… when water starts leaking everywhere.
Before winter sets in:
- Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.
- Shut off the outdoor water supply (if you have a separate valve for it).
- Add a faucet cover or foam sleeve to keep the spigot protected from freezing temperatures.
It takes just a few minutes, and it can save you from a costly repair later.
3. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater is the unsung hero of winter. It works harder than ever when the temperatures drop — providing all those long, hot showers and warm dish cycles.
However, if it’s been a while since your last tune-up, a few issues may be brewing: sediment buildup, worn parts, or a loss of efficiency. These can make it harder for your heater to keep up (and raise your energy bill).
Before it’s too cold to risk a cold shower, take a few minutes to:
- Check for any leaks or rust around the base.
- Listen for popping or rumbling sounds — signs of sediment buildup.
- Flush the tank if it hasn’t been done in a year.
If that sounds like a hassle, don’t worry — that’s where we come in.
Our Nearby Plumbing team can flush and inspect your water heater to ensure it’s running efficiently before winter arrives. It’s one of the best ways to prevent a mid-season breakdown.
4. Seal Gaps and Cold Drafts
Frozen pipes don’t always happen because of poor insulation — sometimes, it’s because of a draft. A small, unnoticed gap in your home can let in freezing air that hits your plumbing directly.
Walk around your house and check for:
- Gaps around windows, doors, or walls near plumbing lines.
- Drafts under sinks (especially on exterior walls).
- Cold air seeping in where pipes enter or exit your home.
Seal these up with caulk or expanding foam. Not only will this protect your pipes — it’ll also help your home feel warmer and save you money on heating.
5. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
Here’s something every homeowner should know — especially in winter.
If a pipe bursts, your first line of defense is shutting off your home’s water supply fast. The faster you can turn off the water, the less damage you’ll have to deal with.
If you don’t already know where your main shut-off valve is, now’s the time to find it. It’s usually in the basement, near the front foundation wall, or close to where the main water line enters your home.
Once you’ve found it, make sure it’s easy to access and not hidden behind boxes or storage bins. Label it clearly — and show everyone in your household how to use it.
💡 Plumber’s tip: Take a quick photo of the shut-off valve location and save it on your phone — just in case you ever need to share it with a plumber during an emergency.
6. Schedule a Quick Winter Plumbing Check-Up
Even if you’ve done everything on this checklist, it never hurts to get a professional eye on your plumbing before the deep freeze sets in.
A quick winter inspection can catch early signs of leaks, low water pressure, or aging parts that might not survive another cold season. It’s the kind of peace of mind that lets you enjoy your holidays without worrying about hidden plumbing issues.
At Nearby Plumbing, we’ve helped countless Salt Lake City homeowners stay warm, dry, and leak-free every winter. We take pride in giving honest advice — no upsells, no gimmicks, just straightforward service from people who care about your home as much as you do.
7. Bonus Tip: Think Ahead for Next Year
Winterizing your plumbing isn’t just about getting through the season — it’s about setting your home up for long-term health.
If you’re planning any upgrades next year (like replacing an old water heater, updating fixtures, or even remodeling your bathroom), now’s the perfect time to start planning.
That way, you can budget early, book ahead, and have your new system ready before next winter rolls around.
Final Thoughts: Stay Warm, Stay Ready
A little prep now can save you a lot of trouble later. Winter plumbing issues can go from a small inconvenience to a costly repair in no time — but with the right steps, you can protect your home and relax all season long.
At Nearby Plumbing, we’re here to help Salt Lake City homeowners keep their homes safe and comfortable all winter long. Whether you need expert advice or a quick plumbing check before the cold sets in, our team’s ready to help.
Give us a call at (385) 308-5384 or send us a message to schedule your winter inspection — and make sure your home’s ready for the season ahead.