Frozen pipes aren't just an East Coast problem. Homes in the Sierra, foothills, high desert and northern counties see freezing nights every winter, and even valley towns get cold snaps that catch exposed pipes off guard.
Where pipes freeze
- Exterior hose bibs and irrigation lines
- Pipes in attics, garages and crawlspaces
- Pipes along exterior walls
- Vacation homes left unheated
How to prevent frozen pipes
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves
- Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor spigots
- Drain and shut off irrigation backflow assemblies before hard freezes
- Let a faucet drip on the coldest nights
- Open cabinet doors on exterior walls
- Keep the heat on in second homes
If a pipe is frozen
Open the faucet, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame.
If a pipe bursts
Shut off the main and call for burst pipe repair. Our 24/7 emergency plumbers respond across California, including South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Redding.
FAQs
Do pipes freeze in California?
Yes — especially in mountain, foothill and high-desert areas, and occasionally in valley towns.
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Risk increases when temperatures stay below about 20°F, though exposed pipes can freeze sooner.
What do I do if a frozen pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water and call (888) 480-9811.