5 Quick Plumbing Fixes Every Utah Homeowner Should Know This Winter
Winter in the Salt Lake Valley can be brutal on your plumbing system. Between the freezing temperatures that regularly dip below 20°F and the sudden temperature swings that catch homeowners off guard, your pipes are under constant stress from November through March.
As a Salt Lake general contractor who's seen a many winter emergencies when small plumbing problems turn into expensive disasters. The good news? Most winter plumbing issues can be prevented or fixed with some basic know-how and the right approach.
Here are five essential plumbing fixes every Utah homeowner should master before the next snowstorm hits.
Fix #1: Prevent and Thaw Frozen Pipes
The Problem: Utah's winter temperatures regularly drop below 20°F, and pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces are sitting ducks for freezing.
The Quick Fix:
Prevention is key. When temperatures are forecast to drop below 20°F (which happens frequently in Salt Lake County), let your faucets drip slightly overnight. I'm talking about a pencil-thin stream: just enough to keep water moving. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water.
Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially those against exterior walls. Your kitchen and bathroom sinks are the most vulnerable because they're often positioned against north-facing walls that don't get sun. That warm air from your home needs to circulate around those pipes.
If pipes are already frozen: First, turn on the affected faucet to relieve pressure. Then, apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, starting from the faucet end and working backward toward the frozen section. Open flames and torches create a serious fire risk and should never be used.
When to call a pro: If you can't locate the frozen area, multiple pipes are frozen, or you suspect a burst pipe, call Your Handyman Pros immediately. Water damage restoration in Salt Lake homes can cost thousands more than a simple pipe repair.
Fix #2: Clear Slow Winter Drains
The Problem: Winter brings holiday cooking, extra guests, and more hot showers: all of which can overwhelm your drains. Plus, cold weather can make existing clogs worse as soap scum and grease solidify.
The Quick Fix:
Start with hot water. Boil a large pot of water and pour it down the drain in two or three stages, allowing the hot water to work for several seconds between pours. This often dissolves soap buildup and minor grease clogs. (Use hot, not boiling, water if you have PVC pipes.)
For kitchen sinks, try the baking soda and vinegar method: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a wet rag for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
For bathroom drains, remove visible hair clogs with a bent coat hanger or drain snake. Those long Utah winter months mean more hair washing and more potential clogs.
When to call a pro: If multiple drains are slow, sewage is backing up, or you smell sewer gas, this could indicate a main line problem. Main line problems often begin with symptoms that seem minor, like a single slow drain.
Fix #3: Stop Minor Leaks Before They Freeze
The Problem: A small leak that's no big deal in July becomes a major issue when temperatures drop. That tiny drip can freeze, expand, and turn into a burst pipe or ice dam.
The Quick Fix:
For faucet drips, usually, it's a worn washer or O-ring. Turn off the water supply to the faucet (usually under the sink), remove the packing nut with a wrench, and replace the rubber washer. Keep a small assortment of washers and O-rings in your toolbox: they cost pennies and save hundreds in emergency calls.
For minor pipe leaks, pipe repair tape or a pipe repair clamp can provide a temporary fix until spring. Clean the pipe area, dry it completely, and wrap the tape tightly around the leak, extending several inches on each side.
Utah-specific tip: That outdoor spigot that's been dripping since last summer? Fix it now. When water pools and freezes around your foundation, it can cause serious structural issues, especially with Utah's clay soil that expands when wet.
When to call a pro: Any leak that you can't easily access, leaks in gas lines, or leaks that seem to be getting worse need professional attention. A professional can assess whether it's a simple fix or part of a larger issue.
Fix #4: Insulate Exposed Pipes
The Problem: Utah homes, especially older ones, often have exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. These pipes are extremely vulnerable to freezing.
The Quick Fix:
Foam pipe insulation is your best friend. It's available at any hardware store, costs under $20 for most homes, and takes about an hour to install. Simply measure your pipes, buy the correct diameter insulation, slit it open, and slide it over the pipes.
Pay special attention to pipes on exterior walls, in unheated basements, and anywhere you feel a draft. In Salt Lake Valley homes, problem areas are commonly found where pipes run near foundation vents or uninsulated rim joists.
For pipes that are hard to reach, even wrapping them with old towels or newspaper can provide some protection during a cold snap.
Pro tip: Don't forget about your water heater if it's in an unheated space. Insulating the hot water pipes leaving your water heater can save energy and prevent freezing.
When to call a pro: If you have pipes in areas that are consistently below freezing, you might need more extensive solutions like heat tape or rerouting pipes. A Salt Lake Valley handyman can evaluate whether your current setup will make it through winter safely.
Fix #5: Address Running Toilets and Tank Issues
The Problem: Running toilets waste water and money, but in winter, they can also cause problems if the constant water movement leads to freezing in the tank or supply line.
The Quick Fix:
Most running toilets are caused by one of three issues:
Warped flapper: If the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank isn't sealing properly, water continuously runs into the bowl. Replace it with a new flapper ($5 at any hardware store).
Chain problems: If the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is too long or too short, it won't seal properly. Adjust it so there's just a little slack when the flapper is closed.
Water level issues: If the water level is too high, it runs into the overflow tube. Bend the float arm down slightly to lower the water level.
Winter-specific concern: If your toilet tank is in a cold area (like an unheated bathroom in a Herriman basement), insulate around the tank to prevent freezing.
When to call a pro: If the toilet rocks when you sit on it, water appears around the base, or you have to hold the handle down to get a complete flush, you might have wax ring issues or other problems that need a professional.
Know When to Call the Professionals
While these five fixes can handle most common winter plumbing issues, some problems require professional expertise:
Main line blockages - If multiple drains are slow or backing up
Water heater issues - Strange noises, no hot water, or leaks around the unit
Burst pipes - Any pipe that has actually burst needs immediate professional attention
Gas line leaks - Never attempt to fix gas lines yourself
Sewer line problems - Sewage backup or persistent sewer odors
As licensed contractors working throughout the Salt Lake Valley, it’s clear that spending a little on prevention saves thousands on emergency repairs.
Utah-Specific Winter Plumbing Tips
Elevation matters: Homes in the foothills around Salt Lake City face different challenges than valley floor homes. Higher elevation means colder temperatures and more freeze-thaw cycles.
Clay soil considerations: Utah's clay soil expands and contracts dramatically with moisture changes. Make sure exterior water isn't pooling near your foundation.
Hard water issues: Salt Lake Valley's notoriously hard water can make winter plumbing problems worse by accelerating mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures.
Emergency Preparedness
Keep these items on hand for winter plumbing emergencies:
Pipe repair tape
Foam pipe insulation
Basic plumbing tools (pipe wrench, plunger, drain snake)
Hair dryer for thawing pipes
Phone number for Your Handyman Pros (because some problems can't wait)
Remember, small problems become big problems fast in Utah winters. That tiny drip or slow drain might seem manageable now, but when temperatures drop below freezing for days at a time, minor issues can cascade into major headaches.
The key is staying ahead of problems rather than reacting to disasters. These five quick fixes, combined with regular maintenance and knowing when to call professionals, will help keep your plumbing system running smoothly all winter long.
Stay warm, stay dry, and don't let winter plumbing problems freeze your budget solid.
Your Handyman Pros is a licensed (Lic #12888335-5501) and insured contractor serving the Salt Lake Valley. For plumbing emergencies or major repairs, visit yourhandymanpros.com or check out our winter maintenance tips for more seasonal advice.
