Few things cause more panic than waking up to frozen pipes—and worse, finding out they’ve burst. A single crack can release hundreds of gallons of water a day, leading to costly damage, mold growth, and flooding that can impact your home’s structure.

In Sparks and the surrounding Reno area, where winter nights regularly drop below freezing, frozen pipes are a real risk—especially in older homes or those with exposed plumbing. Fortunately, with a few simple precautions, you can prevent most pipe problems before they start.

Why Pipes Freeze

When temperatures drop below 30°F for several hours, water inside your pipes begins to freeze and expand. That expansion creates pressure between the frozen blockage and your faucets—often bursting the pipe at its weakest point.

In Northern Nevada, this usually happens in attics, crawlspaces, garages, or exterior walls where insulation is thin or air leaks are present. Homes built before modern insulation standards are particularly vulnerable.

While copper pipes tend to burst more easily, both copper and plastic lines can freeze if they’re not properly insulated. Even outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines can crack when water left inside them freezes overnight.

How to Prepare Before Freezing Temperatures Hit

Taking a few minutes to prepare before the first hard freeze can save you a costly plumbing emergency later.

1. Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Before cold weather arrives, find and test your home’s main water shut-off valve. Most Sparks homes have this valve located near where the water line enters the house or in the garage. Knowing where it is lets you act fast if a pipe bursts.

2. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off water to exterior spigots. If your home has frost-free hose bibs, they’ll handle freezing temperatures better—but older spigots still need to be drained or wrapped with insulation.

3. Open Cabinet Doors

On cold nights, open the doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks. This lets warm air circulate around pipes—especially those running along exterior walls. Just make sure cleaning products are out of reach of children and pets.

4. Let Faucets Drip

Allowing a slow, steady drip keeps water moving through the pipes, reducing the chance it will freeze. Focus on faucets along exterior walls or in unheated areas.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If only one faucet slows or stops, the problem is likely local. Turn off the water supply to that section if possible, and gently try to thaw the pipe.

• Open the faucet so water can flow once it melts.
• Use gentle heat, like a hair dryer, heat lamp, or warm towels. Move slowly along the pipe and never use an open flame or direct heat source.
• Catch runoff with a bucket or towels as ice begins to melt.

If you can’t locate the frozen section or the pipe bursts, shut off your main water supply immediately and call a plumber.

Other Winter Home and HVAC Tips

Frozen pipes aren’t the only cold-weather concern in Northern Nevada. While you’re prepping your plumbing, take these steps to protect your home’s comfort and safety:

• Clear snow and ice from furnace vents and outdoor combustion air intakes.
• Drain and shut down sprinkler systems for the season.
• Cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators.
• Keep gutters clear of leaves to prevent ice dams.
• Inspect and clean your chimney before lighting the first fire.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors to lock in heat.
• Check your furnace filter monthly for proper airflow.

Get Ready for Winter in Sparks

Frozen pipes can happen fast when cold air moves through the Truckee Meadows, but prevention goes a long way. If you do find yourself facing a plumbing or heating emergency, All Hours Air is here to help. Our licensed technicians are available 24/7 for burst pipes, furnace repairs, and winter maintenance across Sparks, Reno, and the surrounding areas.

We treat every home like it’s our own—because comfort, safety, and peace of mind matter most when the temperatures drop.

Call All Hours Air today to schedule your winter maintenance or emergency service, and we’ll help keep your home protected through the cold months ahead.