Winter in the Greater South Bay and Peninsula doesn't bring the harsh freezes common in other parts of the country, but that doesn't mean your pipes are safe. Even our mild winters can produce overnight temperatures low enough to freeze exposed pipes, leading to burst lines, water damage, and expensive repairs. Understanding how to protect your plumbing system before temperatures drop can save you from a costly disaster.

Don't wait until you hear water dripping inside your walls. If you're concerned about your pipes this winter, call (408) 617-9486 or fill out our online contact form for fast assistance.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Problem

When water freezes, it expands. Inside your pipes, this expansion creates tremendous pressure that can cause the pipe to crack or burst completely. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home, damaging walls, floors, furniture, and personal belongings. The average cost of water damage from a burst pipe can run into thousands of dollars, not including the expense of repairing or replacing the damaged pipe itself.

Even if a frozen pipe doesn't burst, it still blocks water flow to faucets, appliances, and fixtures throughout your home. This disruption can affect your daily routine until the pipe thaws and normal water pressure returns.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?

Not all pipes in your home face the same level of risk during cold weather. Understanding which areas are most vulnerable helps you focus your prevention efforts where they matter most.

Pipes in unheated spaces are the primary concern:

• Exterior walls: Pipes running through outside-facing walls have less insulation protecting them from cold air
• Garages: Unless your garage is heated, pipes running through this space are exposed to near-outdoor temperatures
• Crawl spaces and attics: These areas typically lack heating and may have minimal insulation
• Outdoor faucets and hose connections: These are directly exposed to freezing temperatures

Pipes made of certain materials also freeze more readily than others. Copper and galvanized steel pipes conduct cold efficiently, making them more susceptible to freezing than modern plastic pipes.

Essential Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Taking action before temperatures drop is your best defense against frozen pipes. These preventive measures require minimal time and investment but can protect you from significant damage.

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Foam pipe sleeves, available at any hardware store, slip over exposed pipes and provide a protective barrier against cold air. Focus on pipes in unheated areas like garages, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls. For outdoor faucets, insulated faucet covers offer additional protection and cost just a few dollars each.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold air can enter your home through surprisingly small openings. Walk around your property and look for gaps around pipes where they enter your home, cracks in your foundation, and openings around windows and doors. Seal these gaps with caulk or spray foam insulation to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Water left in hoses and outdoor faucets can freeze and cause the connected pipe inside your wall to burst. Before the first freeze, disconnect all garden hoses, drain them completely, and store them for winter. After disconnecting hoses, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets from inside your home if you have shut-off valves for these lines.

Keep Cabinet Doors Open

Kitchen and bathroom sinks along exterior walls are particularly vulnerable because cabinet doors trap cold air around the pipes. During cold nights, open cabinet doors to allow warm air from your home to circulate around the plumbing. This simple step can make a significant difference in preventing freezing.

What to Do When Temperatures Drop

Even with preventive measures in place, extra precautions during especially cold nights provide additional protection for your plumbing system.

Let Faucets Drip

Running water is much harder to freeze than standing water. When temperatures are forecast to drop significantly, let faucets drip slightly overnight, particularly those on exterior walls or in unheated spaces. You don't need a strong flow—just a steady drip is sufficient. This moving water helps prevent freezing and relieves pressure in the pipes if ice does begin to form.

Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperature

Resist the temptation to turn your heat down significantly at night or when you're away from home during cold spells. Keeping your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even when you're not home, helps maintain warmth around pipes throughout your house. The small increase in heating costs is minimal compared to the expense of repairing frozen or burst pipes.

Use Space Heaters Carefully

If you have pipes in particularly cold areas like a garage or crawl space, a small space heater can provide enough warmth to prevent freezing. However, never leave space heaters unattended, keep them away from flammable materials, and ensure they're rated for the space you're heating. Safety must always come first.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Knowing how to spot a frozen pipe early can help you take action before it bursts. Watch for these indicators:

1. Reduced water flow: If water trickles from your faucet when you expect normal pressure, ice may be forming in the pipe
2. Strange odors: Blocked pipes can cause sewage odors to back up into your home
3. Frost on pipes: Visible frost on exposed pipes is an obvious sign they're freezing
4. Unusual sounds: Clanking or banging when you turn on water can indicate ice formation

If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action. Turn off your water supply at the main shut-off valve to minimize potential damage if the pipe bursts, and contact a professional plumber right away.

Why Professional Maintenance Matters

While homeowners can take many preventive steps independently, professional plumbing maintenance offers benefits you can't achieve on your own. A licensed plumber can identify vulnerable pipes you might miss, recommend specific improvements for your home's layout, and ensure your entire plumbing system is prepared for winter weather.

Professional inspections can also catch small issues before they become major problems. A tiny leak or weak pipe joint might survive mild weather but fail under the stress of freezing temperatures.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze during unusually cold weather. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Don't panic, but do act quickly.

First, keep the faucet open. As you work to thaw the pipe, running water will help melt ice faster. Next, apply gentle heat to the frozen section if you can access it. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels—never use an open flame, torch, or other high-heat source that could damage pipes or create a fire hazard.

If you can't locate the freeze or the pipe is inside a wall, it's time to call a professional. Attempting to thaw pipes you can't see or access can lead to more damage. Our team has specialized equipment to safely thaw frozen pipes without causing harm to your plumbing system.

Protect Your Home from Frozen Pipe Damage

Winter plumbing problems don't have to be inevitable. With proper preparation and attention to vulnerable areas, you can protect your pipes from freezing temperatures and avoid the stress and expense of burst pipes and water damage.

Mike Counsil Plumbing And Rooter has served the Greater South Bay and Peninsula for years, helping homeowners protect their plumbing systems through every season. Whether you need help preparing your pipes for winter, suspect you have a frozen pipe, or want to schedule a preventive maintenance inspection, we're here to help.

Call (408) 617-9486 or contact us online today to schedule your appointment.