What to do if your waterlines freeze

The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS – As Idaho Falls experiences really cold weather, the Idaho Falls Water Division wants to remind everyone to prepare for the chance of frozen waterlines.

“Waterlines in Idaho Falls are generally buried between 5 to 6 feet deep, keeping them below the winter frost line, however as daily temperatures remain below freezing, frost penetrates into the ground,” said Water Superintendent Dave Richards. “During extended periods of extreme cold, frost has been known to penetrate more than 7 feet deep, causing serious problems for underground utilities, especially waterlines.”

Smaller water pipes, like those in the home or ones that go from the street to your house freeze more easily. When water freezes, it expands. This can stop the water from flowing and even cause pipes to crack or break.

If you notice a lack of water and live in a house, make sure the issue is not located to a single water fixture. Next check the water valves inside your home to make sure they are fully open. This includes valves near water heaters and water softeners. If you live in an apartment or rental home, check with your landlord to make sure no work is being done nearby that could affect the water.

If the water is just slow, let cold water run to help melt the ice in the pipe. If no water comes out, the pipe could be frozen. If you encounter a frozen water line, remember the following:

Frozen waterlines usually occur where the water lines are exposed to cold temperatures, such as where it enters the basement or crawlspace. When trying to thaw it, do not use a torch. Applying too much heat too fast can cause the ice inside the pipe to fracture, rupturing the pipe and resulting in potential flooding. Rather, use a hairdryer or rags soaked in warm water to gradually warm the frozen pipe until a little flow of cold water is restored at a faucet. Once flow is restored, allow the faucet’s cold water to run until the frozen section is thawed and full flow is restored before shutting it off. The property owner or tenant should leave a trickle of cold water running to prevent the line from freezing again, especially if the frozen section is not able to be further protected. If unsure about how to thaw your waterlines, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

After checking for these issues and the problem remains, call the Idaho Falls Water Division at (208) 612-8471.

In the event of an emergency or even minor waterline repairs, know the location of the master shut-off valve and how it operates.

The main water shut-off valve is usually where the water pipe comes into your house. You can often find it in a mechanical room, basement, or crawlspace. If you have a finished basement and can’t find the valve, it might be hidden behind a wall. The valve could look like a gate valve or a ball valve. Make sure the valve works properly and is easy to reach in case you need to use it.