Don't Let Your Pipes Throw a Tantrum This Winter
There are two kinds of Idaho homeowners: the ones who winterize their pipes in October, and the ones who learn about plumbers' emergency rates in January. Let's make sure you're the first kind.
A frozen pipe doesn't just stop your water. When water freezes, it expands, and that pressure can split a pipe wide open. The real mess usually starts when things thaw. A few minutes of prep now can save you a whole lot of drywall later.
Start outside: hoses, spigots, and sprinklers
Disconnect every garden hose. A hose left attached traps water in the faucet, and that's an easy way to crack it. Shut off the indoor valve that feeds each outdoor spigot if you have one, open the spigot to drain it, then pop on an inexpensive foam faucet cover.
If you have an underground sprinkler system, get it blown out before the ground freezes. Many Southeast Idaho homeowners book a blowout in October, so call early.
Find the cold spots inside
Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, unfinished basements, and exterior walls are the usual troublemakers. Foam pipe insulation from the hardware store slips right on. Close crawl space vents for winter and seal drafts where pipes enter the house.
Know where your main shutoff is
If a pipe ever does burst, you don't want to be hunting for the main water shutoff with a flashlight in your teeth. Find it now, make sure it turns, and show everyone in the house where it is. Bonus points for tagging it with a bright ribbon.
Cold-snap habits that help
- Keep the thermostat steady, even at night
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Let a faucet drip during an extreme cold snap
- If you travel, don't turn the heat off; set it no lower than the mid-50s
LeAnne's Quick Freeze-Proof Checklist
- Disconnect and store garden hoses
- Drain and cover outdoor spigots
- Schedule a sprinkler blowout
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Close crawl space vents and seal drafts
- Locate and test the main water shutoff
Thinking about buying or selling this winter?
A well-winterized home is a happier home, and a much easier one to sell. If you have questions about your home, your neighborhood, or what your place might be worth this season, I'm always happy to help. No pressure, just honest local advice.
Call or text: 208-317-4473 · Email: LeAnne@HomesByLeAnne.com · HomesByLeAnne.com
LeAnne Salinas, REALTOR® | Silvercreek Realty Group
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