Frozen Pipes in Los Angeles

Frozen plumbing pipes can be a significant issue for homeowners, especially those who live in areas with cold climates. Those of us who live in Sunny California might think we’re immune: but as we saw this particularly cold winter, even SoCal can get chilly. Not only can frozen pipes result in an inconvenience, but they can also cause costly damage to your home. In this blog post, we will explain the causes, risks, and remedies for frozen plumbing pipes.

Causes

Frozen pipes occur when the water inside them freezes, causing the pipes to expand and eventually burst. The most common cause of frozen pipes is a drop in temperature, especially in areas where the temperature drops below freezing. When the temperature drops, the water inside the pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to burst.

Another cause of frozen pipes is poor insulation. When pipes are poorly insulated, they are more susceptible to freezing, and the likelihood of pipes bursting increases. Similarly, pipes that are located in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces or attics, are more prone to freezing than those in heated areas.

Risks

The most significant risk associated with frozen pipes is the potential for the pipes to burst. Burst pipes can cause extensive water damage to your home and lead to expensive repairs. Additionally, the damage caused by burst pipes can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.

Solutions

There are several steps that homeowners can take to prevent frozen pipes. Firstly, it is essential to ensure that your home is properly insulated. This includes insulating pipes in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and attics. You can also use pipe insulation to wrap pipes and keep them warm.

Additionally, you can prevent frozen pipes by keeping your home heated, even when you are away. It is recommended to keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even when you are out of the house. You can also keep cabinet doors open to allow heat to circulate around the pipes.

In the event that your pipes do freeze, it is essential to take action quickly. You should turn off your water supply and contact a plumber as soon as possible. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes with a torch or open flame, as this can be dangerous. Instead, use a hairdryer or hot towels to thaw the pipes slowly.

Why Us

If you live anywhere in the Los Angeles area, there’s only one plumber you should call –– and that is Hank and Sons Plumbing Our office is located in Pomona and provides a wide range of services for just about any plumbing issue you can imagine. Get in touch to learn more about what we can do for you: 909-524-2906.