Here in Western Mass we do have very cold temps and the ground can freeze up to 4’ down. So all water pipes are run in trenches 4’ down. They enter the house at that level also.

It’s too bad that they don’t build to what could happen, only to what has happened. It’s really hard to rectify after the house is built.

And for homeowners with little margin, like you and I, it can mean a disaster. So it was really fortunate you were there and caught it!