Frozen Water

When temperatures are consistently at or below freezing:

• Maintain a continuous drip of water (the size of a pencil lead stream)
• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.
• Keep thermosatats set to the same temperature during the day and night.
• Insulate your pipes
• Cover outdoor water spigots
• Turn off sprinkler systems
• Disconnect water hoses
• Close garage doors

If your pipes freeze:

• Shut off the water immediately. Don't attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
• Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. You can use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended, and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.
• Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.

If your water meter freezes:

DO NOT attempt to thaw the water meter or supply line yourself! Attempting to thaw could result in a misdemeanor and you could be liable for all damages.

Call City Hall at (208)228-3220 during normal business hours, water meters and supply lines will be thawed during regular business hours by appointment. 

• Charges for the City to thaw the water meter and supply line:
  • First time: Free
  • 2nd or More-Property Owner will be charged for Laber Per Man hours, equipment hours, and all replacement parts. 
• Thaws are counted from Novemeber 1st-March 31st.
• After the 1st thaw, property owners will be required to drip their water countinuously to prevent freezing.

Stay Warm and Safe!