California homeowners don’t typically worry about frozen pipes, but they should. When temperatures drop below freezing, even for a few hours, exposed and poorly insulated pipes can freeze, expand, and burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage.
Why California Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
Most California homes weren’t built with extreme cold in mind. Unlike homes in northern states, our plumbing often runs through exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces with little to no insulation. That means when a cold snap hits, your pipes are more exposed than you might think.
Steps to Protect Your Pipes Before a Freeze
1. Insulate exposed pipes. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Focus on pipes in the garage, attic, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls.
2. Let faucets drip. A slow drip keeps water moving through the pipes, making it harder for ice to form. Focus on faucets connected to pipes running along exterior walls.
3. Open cabinet doors. Under kitchen and bathroom sinks, open the cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
4. Keep your thermostat consistent. Don’t lower the heat significantly at night. Keeping the temperature at 55°F or above helps prevent freezing throughout your home.
5. Disconnect outdoor hoses. Remove garden hoses from spigots and, if possible, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Do not use a blowtorch or open flame to thaw it. This is a fire hazard and can damage the pipe. Instead, use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or wrap the pipe with warm towels.
If you suspect a pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply immediately and call Leak Geek Plumbers. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout Newport Bay and can respond quickly to minimize damage. Our leak detection experts can pinpoint hidden damage behind walls and under slabs.
When to Call a Professional
If you can’t locate the frozen section, if multiple fixtures are affected, or if you see water damage, call a licensed plumber immediately. Attempting to thaw pipes without knowing what you’re doing can make things worse. If a pipe does burst, you may need pipe repair or even repiping for older homes.
At Leak Geek Plumbers, we’ve helped Newport Bay homeowners recover from freeze damage and take preventive steps to protect their plumbing. Give us a call, we’re always happy to help.
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