Utah County winters can be harsh—freezing nights in Eagle Mountain, hard water in Provo, and busy kitchens around the holidays all put stress on your plumbing system. Nothing ruins a family gathering faster than a clogged sink, icy shower, or a burst pipe. Here’s our step-by-step guide to protecting your home and keeping your guests comfortable this holiday and cold season.
1. Flush Your Water Heater
Utah County has some of the hardest water in the nation. Mineral buildup inside water heaters is one of the biggest reasons we see failures in December.
How-to Check Your Water Heater:
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- Shut off power/gas.
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- Connect a hose to the bottom drain valve.
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- Drain several gallons until the water runs clear.
Watch for failure: Rumbling noises, cloudy or rusty water, or hot water running out too fast.
Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing in Utah Winters
Pipes in garages, crawlspaces, and outer walls freeze quickly during cold snaps. One frozen pipe can split and cause thousands in water damage.
What to Check for:
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- Look for exposed copper or PVC pipes in colder areas of your home.
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- Wrap them with foam sleeves or heat tape.
Watch for failure: Frost on pipes, no water flow, or leaks when temperatures rise.
3. Inspect Toilets & Faucets
Small leaks add up—wasting water, raising your bill, and causing hidden damage.
How-to:
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- Lift toilet tank lids and listen for constant running.
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- Use a flashlight under sinks to check for drips or damp wood.
Watch for failure: Mold, warped cabinets, or the sound of running water when fixtures aren’t in use.
4. Check Filtration & Water Softener
Hard water is especially tough in Utah County. If your filtration or softener isn’t maintained, you’ll notice scale buildup and damage to appliances.
How-to:
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- Check softener salt levels (should be at least half full).
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- Replace filters in RO or whole-home systems.
Watch for failure: White spots on dishes, dry itchy skin, or reduced water flow.
5. Shut Off Exterior Faucets
Frozen outdoor faucets are one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies in Utah County.
How-to:
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- Shut off the inside valve.
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- Open outdoor faucets to drain water.
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- Add insulated covers.
Watch for failure: Cracked faucets, wet spots on basement walls, or dripping outside spigots in freezing weather.
Protect your home and keep your guests comfortable this holiday season. With Utah County’s extreme hard water and freezing nights, these plumbing checks are easy to overlook—and mistakes can be costly. If you’re not confident doing them yourself, call Utah Valley Plumbing. Our licensed team will make sure your home is ready for winter, so you can focus on enjoying the holidays, not worrying about plumbing problems.
Call today (801) 515-3200 or Book Online to schedule your seasonal inspection.
