How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Boise Winters
When temperatures drop below freezing, your plumbing is at risk. Frozen pipes can burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage and leaving you without running water when you need it most. Here's how to protect your home this winter.
Why Homes Are Vulnerable to Frozen Pipes
Cold snaps can catch homeowners off guard. While the Treasure Valley doesn't face the prolonged deep freezes of the upper Midwest, temperatures regularly dip into the teens and twenties, especially during January and February. That's cold enough to freeze pipes, particularly in unheated spaces.
Many local homes were built with crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls that house plumbing. When arctic air moves in and stays for several days, pipes in these vulnerable areas can freeze solid. Water expands as it freezes, creating pressure that can split copper, PVC, or galvanized steel. Once the ice thaws, water floods out.
We see a spike in emergency calls every winter. Most frozen pipe incidents are preventable with a few simple precautions taken before the cold arrives.
Insulate Exposed Pipes Before Winter Arrives
The single most effective step you can take is insulating any pipe that runs through an unheated area. Walk through your crawl space, attic, garage, and basement. Look for copper or plastic lines that feel cold to the touch.
Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install. Slip them over the pipe and secure the seam with duct tape. For pipes in especially cold spots, consider heat tape or heat cable, which you can wrap around the pipe and plug in during cold spells. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid fire hazards.
Don't overlook outdoor hose bibs. Disconnect garden hoses, drain the line, and install an insulated faucet cover. If your home has shut-off valves for exterior faucets, close them and open the outside tap to drain any remaining water.
Keep Water Moving During Cold Snaps
When the forecast calls for overnight lows in the teens or single digits, let a trickle of water run from faucets served by vulnerable pipes. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. You don't need a heavy flow. A pencil-thin stream is enough.
Focus on faucets on exterior walls or those farthest from your water heater. Yes, this wastes a bit of water, but it's far cheaper than repairing a burst pipe and the resulting damage. A slow drip overnight can save you thousands in emergency repairs.
If you have a bathroom or kitchen on an outside wall, open the cabinet doors under the sink. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes.
Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperatures
Resist the temptation to turn your thermostat way down at night or when you're away. Keeping your home at a steady temperature, even while you sleep or travel, helps prevent cold pockets where pipes can freeze.
Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F if you're leaving town during winter. That baseline warmth keeps interior walls and the spaces behind them above freezing. If you have rooms you don't use often, close the vents but crack the door so some heat still reaches those areas.
What to Do If You're Traveling
Heading out of town for the holidays or a winter getaway? Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your house every day or two. Give them a key and your contact information. They should confirm the heat is running and watch for any signs of trouble.
Consider shutting off your main water supply and draining the system if you'll be gone for more than a week during a cold stretch. This eliminates the risk entirely but requires some planning. You'll need to drain water heaters, flush toilets, and add antifreeze to drains and toilet bowls.
Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Your Home
Cold air sneaking into your crawl space or walls can freeze pipes fast. Walk around the outside of your home and look for gaps around where pipes, vents, or wires enter. Seal them with caulk or spray foam.
Check crawl space vents, too. Some homeowners close them completely in winter, though building codes vary. If you do close vents, make sure your crawl space has adequate insulation and that pipes are protected. A well-sealed crawl space keeps cold air out and reduces your heating bills at the same time.
Inside, inspect the rim joist area in your basement or crawl space. This is where the foundation meets the floor framing, and it's a common source of cold air infiltration. Insulate it with rigid foam or spray foam for year-round comfort and pipe protection.
Recognize the Warning Signs of a Frozen Pipe
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a pipe will freeze. Catching it early can prevent a burst. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, or nothing at all, you likely have ice blocking the line. You might also notice frost on an exposed pipe or hear unusual sounds when you run water.
Don't panic. Turn off the water supply to that fixture if you can, and call a professional right away. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe. You can try a hair dryer or space heater aimed at the frozen section, but keep it at a safe distance and never leave it unattended.
We respond quickly to frozen pipe emergencies. We have the tools and experience to thaw lines safely and check for damage before it becomes a flood.
When to Call a Professional
If you're unsure which pipes are at risk, or if you've had frozen pipes in the past, a plumbing inspection before winter is a smart investment. We can identify vulnerable areas, recommend insulation upgrades, and install frost-proof fixtures where needed.