Treasure Valley winters bring cold nights and the odd deep freeze. Most homes handle it fine. But one cold snap can turn a weak spot in your plumbing into a burst pipe. The cleanup can be costly and stressful.
The good news is that most frozen pipes are preventable. It helps to know why pipes freeze in the first place. Then you can take a few simple steps before winter sets in.
Why Pipes Freeze and Burst
Water freezes at 32°F. When it turns to ice, it expands. Inside a pipe, that ice has nowhere to go. Pressure builds between the ice and the closed tap. Sooner or later, the pipe can split.
The ice itself is not always where the break happens. The pressure often bursts the pipe in a nearby section. That is why a leak can show up away from the frozen spot.
A split pipe may not leak right away. The ice can plug the crack. Once it thaws, water pours out. That is why many burst pipes are found on the first warm day after a freeze.
Which Pipes Freeze First
Some pipes face more risk than others. The most common trouble spots are:
- Outdoor faucets and hose bibs
- Sprinkler lines
- Pipes in crawlspaces, attics and garages
- Pipes along outside walls
- Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls
- Pipes near gaps where cold air leaks in
These pipes sit in spaces your furnace does not heat well. Cold drafts make it worse. A small gap near a pipe can freeze it even when the rest of the house is warm.
Prevention Tips for Treasure Valley Homes
A little work in the fall goes a long way. Here are the steps that help most.
Disconnect Garden Hoses
A hose left on an outdoor faucet traps water in the line. That water can freeze and crack the faucet or the pipe inside the wall. Remove all hoses before the first freeze.
Drain Outdoor Faucets
If your home has a shutoff valve for outdoor faucets, close it. Then open the outdoor faucet to let the water drain. Leave it open for the winter.
Blow Out Your Sprinkler System
Water left in sprinkler lines can freeze and crack them. Schedule a blowout before the ground freezes. This clears water from the lines.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe sleeves are cheap and easy to install. Use them on pipes in crawlspaces, garages and other cold spaces. Focus on pipes near outside walls.
Seal Gaps and Drafts
Look for gaps where pipes enter your home. Check around crawlspace vents, sill plates and outside walls. Seal small gaps with caulk or spray foam. This keeps cold air off your pipes.
Open Cabinet Doors on Cold Nights
Pipes under sinks on outside walls can get cold. On very cold nights, open the cabinet doors. This lets warm air from your home reach the pipes.
Let Faucets Drip
A slow drip keeps water moving. Moving water is less likely to freeze. It also eases pressure in the pipe. Use this on faucets fed by pipes in cold spots.
Keep Your Heat On
Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you travel. A warm home protects pipes inside your walls. Our tips for conserving heat can help you stay warm without wasting energy.
Know Where Your Main Shutoff Is
Find your main water shutoff valve now, before you need it. In many homes, it sits where the water line enters the house. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to close it. A fast shutoff can limit water damage if a pipe bursts.
If a Pipe Freezes
Turn on a faucet and get only a trickle? A pipe may be frozen. Act fast, but stay safe. Never use an open flame, torch or propane heater to thaw a pipe. That can start a fire or damage the pipe.
Read our step-by-step guide on what to do when pipes freeze. If you cannot reach the frozen section, call a plumber. Our frozen pipe team can thaw the line safely.
After the Thaw: Watch for Leaks
A pipe that froze may have a hidden crack. After a cold snap, check for these signs:
- Wet spots on walls, ceilings or floors
- Water stains or a musty smell
- Low water pressure
- A water bill that is higher than normal
If you find water spreading, close the main shutoff right away. Then call our emergency plumbing team. We answer 24/7.
Get Your Plumbing Ready for Winter
A few hours of prep can save you from a burst pipe this winter. If you have pipes you cannot reach or are unsure about, we can help. Our plumbers serve Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell and Eagle.
Learn more about our plumbing services, or call us at (208) 315-6446 to schedule a visit.
