Every fall we get the same calls starting with the first real cold snap. A cabin sat empty for a week, the heat was turned way down, and a pipe on an outside wall split. By the time someone walks in, water has been running for days.
Most of these are preventable. Here is what we tell our own clients around McCall, Donnelly, Cascade and New Meadows before they head out for the winter.
1. Keep the heat on, and set it higher than you think
Don’t turn the thermostat all the way down. Pipes run through exterior walls, crawlspaces and garages that get much colder than the room where the thermostat sits. Most plumbers recommend keeping it at 55°F or higher when a home is empty. Put a fresh battery in the thermostat and, if you have propane, make sure the tank is filled and deliveries are scheduled.
2. If you’ll be gone a long time, shut off and drain
For a home that will sit empty for weeks, the safest option is to shut off the main water valve and drain the lines. Open the faucets at the lowest and highest points in the house, flush the toilets, and turn off the water heater or set it to vacation mode. If you have a well, irrigation or a boiler system, have a plumber winterize it properly.
Not sure where your main shutoff is? Find it now, not during an emergency. Tag it so a caretaker or family member can find it too.
3. Protect the weak spots
- Hoses and outside spigots: disconnect every hose. If you have interior shutoffs for the outside faucets, close them and open the outside faucet to drain.
- Sinks on outside walls: open the cabinet doors so warm air can reach the pipes.
- Crawlspaces: close the foundation vents for winter, check that pipe insulation is in place, and make sure any heat tape is plugged in and working.
- Garages: keep the doors closed if water lines run through them.
4. Get a heads-up before it becomes a disaster
A few inexpensive tools make a huge difference for second homes:
- Wi-Fi water leak sensors under sinks, by the water heater and near the washer.
- A smart thermostat or temperature sensor that alerts your phone if the house gets cold.
- An automatic water shutoff valve that closes the main when it detects a leak.
- Someone local checking the house on a regular schedule, especially after a cold snap or power outage.
5. Watch the roof, too
Pipes aren’t the only winter water problem up here. Heavy snow and ice dams can push meltwater back under the roofing and into ceilings and walls. If you see big icicles along the eaves or the snow load is building up, it’s worth having it cleared safely. We cover that on our roof snow removal page.
6. Check your insurance before you leave
Many homeowner policies have conditions for homes left empty, like keeping the heat on or having the water shut off and drained. Take five minutes to ask your agent what yours requires. It is a lot easier to ask now than after a claim.
If a pipe does freeze or burst
- Shut off the main water valve.
- If water is near outlets or the electrical panel, stay out of that area and turn off power only if it’s safe to reach.
- Take photos and video before moving things.
- Call us at 208-315-4112. We’re here 24/7.
When we get there, we find all the water (including what’s hiding in walls and floors), dry it out, and log moisture readings every visit so you and your insurance can see exactly where things stand. If you’re out of town, we work directly with your caretaker or property manager and send updates as we go.
Want a second set of eyes before winter?
If you’re not sure your place is ready, give us a call. We’re happy to talk through it. Life happens. We clean it up.
Restoration North
215 Commerce St #3, McCall, ID 83638
208-315-4112 – available 24/7
