Boise and the Treasure ValleyFrozen Pipe Damage Cleanup

Signs of a Frozen or Split Pipe

A frozen pipe gives a few warnings before it leaks, and a split pipe leaves clues after it thaws. Watch for these during and after a hard freeze.

• A faucet that trickles or stops running during a cold snap
• Frost on an exposed pipe or a bulge in the line
• Water stains on a ceiling or an outside wall after a freeze
• Dripping or hissing sounds inside a wall as temperatures rise
• Wet insulation or standing water in a crawl space
• A cold, damp spot on the floor near an exterior wall

Where Pipes Freeze in Treasure Valley Homes

Crawl spaces

Cold air under a house can freeze supply lines in a crawl space, especially where insulation has fallen down or foundation vents are left open. The water from a split line collects on the vapor barrier and soaks the insulation and framing.

Exterior walls

Pipes that run through outside walls, especially on the north side of a house, can freeze on the coldest nights. Kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls are common trouble spots.

Garages

Water heaters, laundry lines and supply pipes along garage walls are exposed when the garage door is left open or the space is not heated.

Outdoor faucets and hoses

A hose left attached to an outside faucet traps water in the line. When it freezes, the pipe can crack inside the wall, and the leak shows up indoors.

Attics and ceilings

Lines that run through an attic or a cold ceiling space can freeze and leak down into the rooms below, soaking insulation and drywall.

Vacant homes and low thermostats

Homes left empty during travel, rentals between tenants and buildings with the heat turned down are more likely to freeze, and a leak can run for days before anyone finds it.

Frozen Pipe Safety: What to Do and What to Avoid

If a faucet stops running during a cold snap, or you see frost or a bulge on a pipe, assume it is frozen and may already be cracked. Shut off the main water valve before the pipe thaws so a small split does not turn into a flood.

Never use an open flame, torch or propane heater to thaw a pipe, because that can start a fire. Keep space heaters away from anything that can burn. A plumber can thaw and repair the line safely, and we take care of the water damage.

1. Shut off the main water valve if a pipe may be frozen.
2. Never thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
3. Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls during cold snaps.
4. Check crawl spaces, garages and outside walls after a hard freeze.

Our Frozen Pipe Water Damage Process

1. Find every wet area

Frozen pipes often split inside exterior walls, ceilings and crawl spaces where you cannot see them. We use moisture meters to trace where the water went.

2. Remove the water

We extract standing water from floors, basements and crawl spaces right away to limit damage to flooring, drywall and framing.

3. Open wet walls and ceilings when needed

If water ran inside a wall or ceiling, some drywall and insulation may need to be removed so the cavity can dry. We explain what and why before anything comes out.

4. Dry the structure

Dehumidifiers and air movers dry the framing, subfloor and walls. Drying equipment works best in a heated space, so we will talk with you about keeping the home warm while it runs.

5. Help prevent mold

We clean and treat affected areas as needed to help prevent mold and odors, especially in crawl spaces and exterior walls that stay cold.

6. Repair and restore

Once the pipe is repaired and everything is dry, we rebuild drywall, insulation, flooring and finishes. All of our work is backed by a 1-year warranty.

Why Homeowners Call Disaster Cleanup After a Freeze

Disaster Cleanup is a veteran-owned company founded in 2015 by Shane Cherry and based at 5332 N Sawyer Ave Ste 120 in Garden City. Our phones are answered live 24/7, and we aim to be on site within 1-2 hours of your call, including nights, weekends and holidays.

We handle everything after the water: extraction, drying, mold prevention and reconstruction, as one team. The inspection is free, our work has a 1-year warranty, and se habla español.

How Long Does Drying Take After a Frozen Pipe?

It depends on how long the water ran and what it reached. A split line under a sink caught quickly is a short job. A crawl space or ceiling that soaked overnight takes longer, and cold weather slows drying. We take moisture readings throughout and tell you where things stand.

Frozen Pipes and Your Insurance Claim

Many homeowner policies cover sudden water damage from a frozen pipe, but some policies expect the home to have been heated, so check with your insurer. We document the damage with photos and moisture readings, work with your adjuster and let you pay after the claim closes.

Frozen or Burst Pipe Right Now?

If a pipe is frozen, shut off the main water valve before it thaws. If it has already burst, shut off the water, stay out of water near outlets and call (208) 999-2353. A live dispatcher answers 24/7, and we aim to have a crew on site within 1-2 hours.

Have This Ready When You Call

• Your address and the best phone number to reach you
• Whether the pipe has burst or is still frozen
• Whether the main water valve is off
• Your insurance company, if you plan to file a claim