# How do I keep my pipes from freezing? What if a pipe freezes?

_Protecting pipes from freezing_

Utah cold snaps can drop well below freezing for days at a time, and a frozen pipe can split and flood a home in minutes once it thaws. A few steps before winter go a long way.

## Before the first hard freeze

- **Outdoor spigots:** disconnect garden hoses, then shut off and drain the spigot from the inside valve (unless you have frost-free hose bibs).
- **Sprinkler systems:** have the lines blown out before the first hard freeze, and shut off and drain the backflow preventer.
- **Insulate vulnerable pipes:** pipes in crawl spaces, garages, unheated basements and exterior walls are most at risk. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install.
- **Seal drafts** near pipes where cold air gets in, like rim joists, crawl space vents and garage walls.
- **Know where your main water shutoff is.** Find it now, not during an emergency, and make sure it turns.

## During extreme cold

- Keep the thermostat at **55°F or higher**, even when you're away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Let faucets on exterior walls **drip slowly**. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Keep the garage door closed if pipes or a water heater are in the garage.

## If a pipe freezes

Signs: a faucet gives a trickle or nothing, or there's frost on a visible pipe.

- Open the faucet so melting water can flow.
- **Gently warm the pipe** with a hair dryer, heating pad or space heater, starting near the faucet and working back.
- **Never use an open flame** or a torch.
- If you can't find the frozen section or can't reach it, call us.

## If a pipe bursts

1. **Shut off the main water valve immediately.**
2. Turn off power to wet areas if it's safe to reach the breaker.
3. Move belongings and start soaking up water.
4. Call **[(385) 324-7301](tel:+13853247301)**. Phones are answered 24/7, with after-hours emergency dispatch.

## How Aireo helps

Our licensed plumbers repair burst and damaged pipes, find hidden leaks and can repipe homes with aging or vulnerable plumbing. You get a written quote before any work begins. See [leak detection and repair](/services/leak-detection-repair/) and [repiping](/services/repiping/).

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Source: https://www.aireohome.com/knowledge/prevent-frozen-pipes/
Updated: 2026-10-22T16:24:54Z