Winter in American Fork, UT, can bring a long list of plumbing headaches. Frozen pipes, clogged drains, water heater strain, sump pump failures, and sprinkler system damage all become more common when temperatures drop. As a homeowner, knowing how to spot these problems and prevent them can save you time, money, and stress. Our team at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical shares what to watch for this winter and what to do about it.
Frozen and Burst Pipes
When temperatures drop, the water inside pipes can freeze. As it turns to ice it expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls, sometimes enough to cause a burst and serious water damage. Pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls are the most vulnerable.
Warning signs of a freezing pipe:
- Frost, ice, or condensation on visible pipes (pipe surfaces should be dry)
- Little or no water flow from a faucet
- Gurgling noises in the plumbing
How to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate vulnerable pipes in basements, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls with foam sleeves or spray foam.
- If you are considering heat tape or heat cables, ask a professional to help you choose a listed product that is suitable for your type of pipe, installed according to its manufacturer’s instructions, including insulation and GFCI requirements. See Red Cross pipe guidance and CPSC heat-tape guidance.
- Shut off and drain unused outdoor supply lines, such as the line to an outdoor spigot.
- Keep your home above 55°F, even if you are away.
- Open cabinet doors so warm air can circulate around sink pipes.
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation to block cold drafts.
- During extreme cold, let a trickle of water run from faucets to keep water moving
Clogged Drains
Cold weather and holiday cooking put extra strain on your drains. Grease and oils harden faster in cold temperatures and turn into a gel-like substance that traps hair, soap residue, and food particles. Over time the buildup narrows the pipe, and you start to see slow drains that eventually stop draining at all.
How to keep drains flowing:
- Keep grease, oils, fats, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous foods, wipes, and starchy foods like pasta and rice out of your drains.
- Use strainers over sink and shower drains, and clean them regularly.
- Scrape food scraps into the trash instead of rinsing them down the sink.
- Let cooking grease and oil cool, then collect them in a container and throw them in the trash instead of pouring them down the drain. Wipe greasy pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing. Hot water can carry grease farther down the line, where it can cool and harden again. See utility guidance on grease.
- Ask a plumber whether professional drain cleaning makes sense for your home. How often depends on your clog history and a plumber’s assessment, so cleaning can happen before buildup turns into a clog.
Water Heater Issues
Your water heater works harder in winter because incoming water is colder and demand is higher. Watch for inconsistent hot water, no hot water, unusual noises, or visible sediment. These can point to strain, mineral buildup, or aging components.
Keep up with professional maintenance and water heater repair when problems appear. We recommend annual service for tankless water heaters, which includes inspecting components, flushing the system, and descaling to remove mineral deposits. A water heater jacket can help some tanks retain heat, but many modern tanks are already well insulated, so check your manufacturer’s guidance and warranty first.
Sump Pump Problems
Melting snow can cause localized flooding, and a sump pump is one of your best defenses. Winter is also hard on these systems. Freezing can clog the discharge line, and debris can block the pump inlet, leading to backups in your basement or crawl space.
How to protect your sump pump:
- Test the pump before winter, and periodically through the season, by adding water to the sump pit.
- Keep the pit clear of debris and ice, and consider a cover to keep debris out.
- Make sure the discharge line slopes properly, stays free of ice and blockages, and ends where water can drain away from your foundation.
- Consider a battery backup. Winter storms often cause power outages just when you need the pump most.
- Have the system inspected by a professional if it has not been serviced recently.
Sprinkler System Problems
Before winter, schedule professional sprinkler maintenance. This includes shutting off the main supply and draining the lines. Many systems also need a compressed-air blow-out to push out remaining water so it cannot freeze and crack pipes or heads, damage you might not discover until spring.
A professional can also check for damaged heads, valves, or lines and repair them before winter. Protect or cover outdoor controllers and wiring according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Outdoor Faucet and Hose Damage
Before the first hard freeze, drain garden hoses and outdoor equipment and store them dry. A hose left connected can trap water and crack the fixture. Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibbs at the interior shut-off valve where available. A professional can install frost-proof hose bibbs and insulated covers for added protection.
Leaky Pipes
Temperature swings make pipes expand and contract, which can loosen joints and cause leaks. Check visible pipes periodically for corrosion, drips, or condensation. During routine maintenance we can examine your system, replace worn seals or washers, and treat minor joint issues. Fixing small leaks early helps prevent structural damage and mold. If you suspect a hidden leak, our leak detection and leak repair services can find and fix it.
Septic Tank Concerns
Cold weather slows decomposition inside septic tanks, which raises the risk of backups. Keep up with professional pumping on a schedule that suits your tank size, household use, and local codes (often every three to five years). Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, and insulate accessible piping or lids where appropriate. If you are unsure, ask a local septic professional for site-specific guidance. For sewer problems, see our sewer line services.
Preparing for a Plumbing Emergency
Even with good preparation, problems can still happen. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut-off is so you can stop the flow quickly after a burst or leak. Keep our contact information handy.
Smart water-leak detectors can alert you to a problem even when you are away, and a smart thermostat lets you monitor indoor temperatures remotely to avoid freezing conditions.
Winter Plumbing Help in American Fork
Gunthers Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical helps American Fork homeowners prevent and solve winter plumbing problems. We offer water heater maintenance, preventive drain cleaning, leak repair and detection, and sewer services. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment or ask a question.
Gunthers Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical in American Fork helps prevent and solve winter plumbing problems. We offer water heater maintenance, preventive drain cleaning, leak repair and detection, and sewer services. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment or learn more.
