Treasure Valley winters bring hard freezes that can burst pipes and cause major water damage — often while homeowners are away or asleep. The good news: most frozen-pipe losses are preventable with a few simple habits. Here's how to protect your home, and what to do if a pipe does burst.
Why Pipes Burst
When water freezes it expands, and the pressure it creates can rupture a pipe. The most vulnerable pipes are those in unheated or exterior areas — crawl spaces, garages, attics, exterior walls, and outdoor spigots.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
A handful of low-effort steps dramatically reduce the risk.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses; shut off and drain exterior spigots before the first freeze.
- Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics, and along exterior walls.
- During hard freezes, let a faucet drip slightly to relieve pressure.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach the pipes.
- Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature, day and night — don't set it too low.
- If you travel in winter, keep the heat on (around 55°F or higher) or shut off and drain the water.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
Act fast. Shut off your main water valve immediately to stop the flow, then turn off electricity to affected areas if it's safe. Document the damage, and call a restoration company for emergency extraction and drying — speed is everything in limiting the loss.
Dealing with this right now?
IronCrest Restoration responds 24/7 across Boise & the Treasure Valley.
Call (208) 555-0199