The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Your Plumbing in Idaho Falls
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By PAGE Editor
Idaho Falls winters can be stunning—but they can also be tough on your home, especially your Idaho Falls plumbing. With below-freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and sudden cold snaps, pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting. The good news? With a little planning, you can winterize your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs when the weather turns harsh.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or just looking to protect your investment, this ultimate guide will help you prepare your plumbing for winter in Idaho Falls.
Why Winterizing Your Plumbing Matters
Cold weather can be brutal on pipes, particularly those in unheated or poorly insulated spaces like crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. When water freezes, it expands. If it freezes inside a pipe, the pressure can build up until the pipe bursts—causing major damage and expensive cleanup.
The key to avoiding this? Prevent freezing in the first place.
1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Start with the simple stuff. Any hoses left connected to outdoor faucets can trap water inside the hose bib. If that water freezes, it can damage both the hose and the faucet—and may even lead to water backing up into your indoor pipes. Unhook, drain, and store your hoses indoors before the first freeze.
2. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets
Most homes in Idaho Falls have a dedicated shut-off valve for outdoor spigots. Turn it off from inside the house, then open the faucet outside to let remaining water drain out. This prevents any residual water from freezing inside the pipe. If your home doesn’t have a shut-off valve, consider having one installed—it’s a great investment in long-term protection.
3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes that run through unheated areas are especially vulnerable to freezing. Use foam pipe insulation or pipe sleeves to protect them. In extremely cold conditions, you can also use heat tape or heat cables with built-in thermostats for extra protection.
Focus on areas like:
Garages
Basements
Crawl spaces
Attics
Cabinets near exterior walls
4. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works overtime during winter. Before temperatures drop too low, flush the tank to remove sediment that can build up and reduce efficiency. Also, check the thermostat—it should be set to 120–130°F. If your water heater is over 10 years old or struggling to keep up, it might be time to replace it before winter sets in.
5. Open Cabinet Doors on Cold Nights
If you have plumbing that runs along exterior walls—like under your kitchen or bathroom sink—open those cabinet doors at night when temperatures drop. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes and helps prevent freezing.
6. Keep Your Thermostat Consistent
Even if you're leaving town or just heading out for a long day, don’t turn your heat off completely. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if no one is home. That’s warm enough to keep pipes from freezing while you’re away.
7. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks
Cold air seeping in through cracks or openings can create pockets of freezing temperatures, right where your plumbing runs. Check for gaps near windows, doors, foundation walls, and pipe entry points. Caulk or insulate any problem areas to keep cold air out and warm air in.
8. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
If a pipe does burst, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is can save you thousands in water damage. Make sure every adult in your home knows how to find and operate it. Time is critical when you’re dealing with a burst pipe.
9. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
If you’re unsure about your system’s condition—or if you live in an older home—it’s smart to call in a local expert. A licensed Idaho Falls plumbing professional can inspect your pipes, insulation, and water heater, and recommend any upgrades or improvements.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your plumbing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few proactive steps, you can enjoy the snowy season without worrying about leaks, floods, or freezing pipes. And if you ever need a hand, there’s no shame in calling a local expert in Idaho Falls plumbing. Their experience with our unique weather conditions can save you time, money, and stress.
Protect your home now so you can enjoy a cozy, worry-free winter late
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