Will My Pipes Freeze If My Heat Is Off?

Fall has arrived here in Salt Lake City, meaning winter weather is just around the corner. When the freezing temperatures arrive, many homeowners will start planning vacations to warmer climates. But don’t forget about your plumbing.

If you leave your Utah home during the cold weather, remember to keep on the heat. You could end up paying for a pipe replacement otherwise—and dealing with a lot of water damage. With no heating, your pipes can quickly freeze, causing your pipes to burst.

Our team at Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air can help with all your heating, cooling, and plumbing jobs. Our friendly technicians specialize in creating healthy homes to keep you and your loved ones safe and comfortable throughout the year. Learn more in our latest blog post below.

How Hot Should I Keep It?

It’s okay to turn down the temperature on your furnace, heat pump, or boiler a few degrees—just not too far.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 55°F when the temperature outside is 32°F or below, or you risk damage to your plumbing.

How Do I Stop My Pipes from Freezing? 

Before the snow starts falling, now is the ideal time to winterize your Salt Lake City home. Here’s how you can do it: 

Drain and Turn Off Outdoor Water Supply Lines. 

Outdoor water sources like sprinkler lines, pool lines, and garden hoses are vulnerable to the cold. You can protect pipes from freezing and bursting by properly draining them before the first frost here in Utah. 

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining your pool and sprinkler lines. Don’t use antifreeze—it’s intended for cars and is toxic to people, pets, and plants. 
• Drain your garden hoses and store them away. Next, turn off any indoor valves that feed water to the outside spigots. Finally, open the outdoor spigots and allow all remaining water to drip for approximately half an hour. 

Insulate Your Pipes.

Does your home have sufficient insulation? Have you been considering adding additional pipe insulation across your home?

A well-insulated home has lower heating and air conditioning bills. It also gives your pipes much-needed protection from the cold. Schedule an inspection today with your Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air professional—we can pinpoint areas where you may need more insulation, including:

• Kitchen plumbing
• Bathroom plumbing
• Piping in your crawl space, basement, or attic

If you’re worried about your pipes freezing, consider having your pipes insulated.

Schedule Seasonal Maintenance.

Seasonal maintenance is critical for both your HVAC and plumbing systems. It ensures you’ll stay safe and comfortable through the winter. You’ll also experience lower utility bills, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan for your equipment. 

Fall is the ideal time to schedule maintenance for your heating system—whether it’s a furnace, heat pump, or boiler. Additionally, your hot water heater needs to be drained and checked for sediment buildup. 

Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air makes staying on top of maintenance simple, convenient, and budget-friendly for our customers. Our Friendly Service Plans start at just $12 per month and include discounted repairs, seasonal tune-ups, and more.

How to Repair Frozen Pipes

If your pipes have frozen, there are a couple possible solutions depending on the location and severity of the problem:

• Thaw Frozen Pipes: The first step is to carefully thaw the frozen pipes. You can do this by using a few methods:
  • Hairdryer or Heat Gun: Gently apply heat to the frozen area using an electric hair dryer or heat gun. Start from the faucet end and work your way toward the blockage, as this will help to melt the ice gradually without causing damage.
  • Hot Towels: Placing towels soaked in hot water around the frozen pipe can help thaw the ice at an appropriate rate.
• Keep Faucets Open: While thawing the pipes, keep the affected faucet open. This allows the water to flow and helps relieve pressure as the ice melts, reducing the risk of a burst pipe.
• Professional Services: If you’re uncertain about how to proceed or if the frozen pipes are in a hard-to-reach or extensive area, it’s wise to call a professional plumber. A team of plumbers, like the one at Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air, has the expertise and specialized equipment to safely and effectively thaw and repair frozen pipes.

Need Reliable Home Service? Call Today. 

Frozen pipes are a real concern to many homeowners across the country, including the Salt Lake City area. Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air is located in Salt Lake City, UT.

When it comes to the question of “Will pipes freeze if heat is off?”, the answer is yes, especially during the frigid winter months. Without proper heating, the water inside your pipes can freeze, leading to potential burst pipes, costly damage, and inconvenience.

Our certified professionals are ready to assist with your next project, whether you need installation, replacement, repair, or maintenance services. Give us a phone call or request service online today to get started.