Preventing Frozen & Burst Pipes in the Bay Area

The Bay Area doesn't freeze often, which is exactly why local pipes are vulnerable — they're frequently run through unconditioned garages, crawlspaces, and exterior walls with little insulation. During a cold snap, the at-risk pipes are the ones exposed to outside air. The basics: insulate exposed pipes and hose bibbs, disconnect garden hoses, let a faucet drip on the coldest nights, and know where your main shut-off is in case one lets go.

• The vulnerable pipes are the exposed ones — garages, crawlspaces, exterior walls, outdoor hose bibbs.
• Insulate exposed pipe and add faucet covers before a forecasted cold snap.
• Disconnect garden hoses so water doesn't back up and freeze at the bibb.
• Know your main shut-off — a burst pipe is a race against water damage.