When the Northern Freeze Hits: Dealing with Burst Pipes and Flooding in North Idaho 208-263-1058 Winter in Sandpoint and the surrounding Bonner County is beautiful, but the extreme cold brings a hidden threat to every homeowner: frozen and burst pipes. At North Idaho Flood and Fire , we know that a water emergency is one of the most stressful events a homeowner can face. Whether it’s a pipe that froze in the crawl space or a second-story line that burst and sent water through your kitchen ceiling, our team is ready to step in and restore your home—and your peace of mind. Why Pipes Burst in Our Climate In places like Schweitzer and Sagle, temperatures can drop well below zero in a matter of hours. When water freezes inside a copper or PEX pipe, it expands. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't usually the ice itself that breaks the pipe, but the massive pressure buildup between the ice clog and the faucet. When that pipe finally gives way, it can release hundreds of gallons ...