Burst or frozen pipe in Boise and the Treasure Valley: the first 60 minutes
A split supply pipe can release a lot of water in minutes. What you do in the first hour decides how much has to be torn out later.
If water is spraying or flooding right now
- Close the main water valve. Look where the water line enters the house: garage wall, utility room, beside the water heater, or in the crawl space. Turn a round handle clockwise until it stops; turn a lever a quarter-turn so it sits across the pipe. Can't find it or it won't turn? Call your water provider (numbers below).
- Turn off the water heater. Gas: set the control to "pilot". Electric: switch off its breaker. This protects the tank while the supply is off.
- Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the remaining water out of the pipes instead of into your walls.
- Cut power to wet rooms at the breaker panel, only if you can stand somewhere dry to do it.
- Photograph and video everything: the broken pipe, the water, ceilings, floors and damaged items, before you move or throw anything away.
- Lift and move what you can: electronics, rugs, documents, furniture legs onto foil or blocks.
- Call a licensed plumber to fix the pipe and a water damage company to dry the house. Drying usually needs commercial fans and dehumidifiers; the U.S. EPA advises drying materials within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold.
Our 24/7 local pro line for Boise and the Treasure Valley is opening soon. Until then: stop the water using the steps on this page, then contact a licensed water damage restoration company in your area. Check that they are licensed and insured before work begins.
If a pipe is frozen but not leaking yet
Signs: a faucet gives only a trickle or nothing at all, or you see frost on an exposed pipe. Act before it thaws and splits.
- Open the faucet the frozen pipe feeds so melting ice and water can flow out.
- Warm the frozen section gently with a hair dryer, heating pad, or a space heater kept at a safe distance. Start nearest the faucet and work back.
- Never use an open flame, torch or kerosene heater. It is a fire risk and can damage the pipe.
- Check for leaks as it thaws. Keep a hand on the main valve in case a split shows up.
- Can't find or reach the frozen section? Call a licensed plumber.
Who to call in the Treasure Valley
Call your water provider if the leak is at the street, the meter box, or before your main valve, or if your valve won't close. Call a plumber to repair the pipe and a water damage restoration company to dry and repair the house.
| Area | Water provider | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Boise (most addresses) | Veolia Water Idaho | (208) 362-1300 |
| Meridian | City of Meridian Public Works – Water | 208-888-5242 |
| Nampa | City of Nampa Waterworks | (208) 468-5860 |
| Kuna | City of Kuna Public Works | 208-573-7676 |
| Caldwell | City of Caldwell water department |
Why pipes freeze here
Treasure Valley winters bring regular hard freezes. At the Boise airport station, average December and January lows are about 24.5°F and 24.9°F (1991–2020 NOAA Climate Normals). Pipes most at risk are in crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls, and outdoor hose bibs.
Prevent the next one
- Keep the heat at 55°F or higher, even when you are away.
- On very cold nights, let faucets on outside walls drip slightly and open the cabinet doors under sinks.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets before the first freeze.
- Insulate pipes in the crawl space, garage and attic; close crawl space vents in winter if your home's design allows it.
- Know where your main shutoff valve is and make sure everyone at home can close it.
Insurance: what to know before you call
Many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe. They typically exclude slow leaks, wear and tear, and damage from neglect, and some limit coverage when pipes freeze in an unheated or vacant home. Before cleanup, photograph everything, keep damaged materials until the adjuster has seen them or approved disposal, and keep receipts for emergency work. Your policy wording decides; call your insurer or agent to confirm.
Quick answers
What is the first thing to do when a pipe bursts?
Close your home's main water shutoff valve, then turn off the water heater and keep away from water near electrical outlets or the breaker panel.
Where is the main water shutoff in a Treasure Valley home?
Usually where the water line enters the house: in the garage, a utility room, near the water heater, or in the crawl space. If you cannot find or turn it, call your water provider; the curb stop at the meter needs a special key.
How do I thaw a frozen pipe safely?
Open the faucet the pipe feeds, then warm the frozen section with a hair dryer, heating pad or space heater kept at a safe distance. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, call a licensed plumber.
Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?
Many policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe, but not slow leaks or damage from neglect, and some limit coverage for frozen pipes in unheated or vacant homes. Read your policy and call your insurer.