Quick answer
Hard freezes are uncommon along the Santa Cruz County coast, but cold snaps do reach higher elevations and shaded canyons in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the pipes most likely to freeze are the ones outside or in unheated spaces. Water expands as it freezes, which can split any kind of pipe. On nights near freezing, insulate exposed pipes, keep the heat steady, open sink cabinets on exterior walls and let a faucet trickle. If a pipe does freeze, thaw it with gentle heat, never an open flame.
- Know where your main water shutoff is before you need it.
- Insulate hose bibs, irrigation lines, backflow devices and pipes in garages, crawl spaces and pump houses.
- Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night, and no lower than 55°F if you go away.
- On the coldest nights, let cold water trickle from faucets served by exposed pipes.
- Thaw a frozen pipe with a heating pad, hair dryer or warm towels; call a plumber if you cannot find or reach the frozen section.
Which pipes freeze first
The American Red Cross lists the pipes that freeze most often:
- Outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and sprinkler lines
- Pipes in unheated interior spaces such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets
- Pipes that run along exterior walls with little insulation
Around Santa Cruz County, add a few local ones to that list: irrigation backflow preventers above ground, pipes in detached garages and sheds, and, on rural properties, the lines and pressure tank in a well pump house. Homes in the mountains, such as around Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton, Bonny Doon and the Summit area, are more likely to see freezing nights than homes near the coast.
Before a cold snap
- Find the main shutoff. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly limits the damage. Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and work well on pipes in crawl spaces, garages and pump houses. Insulated covers fit over hose bibs and above-ground backflow devices.
- Disconnect garden hoses. A hose left attached can trap water in the spigot.
- Drain irrigation lines you will not use over the winter, following the manufacturer's instructions for your system.
- Seal drafts near pipes, such as gaps where pipes pass through exterior walls.
On freezing nights
The Red Cross recommends:
- Keep the thermostat steady. Set it to the same temperature day and night. It may cost a little more to run, but much less than repairing a burst pipe.
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks so warm air reaches the plumbing. Move cleaners and chemicals out of children's reach.
- Let a faucet trickle. When it is very cold, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through the garage.
If you are leaving for the holidays, leave the heat on and set no lower than 55°F, and ask someone to check on the house.
If a pipe freezes
Only a trickle from a faucet is the usual sign. The Red Cross advises:
- Keep the faucet open. As the ice melts, running water helps melt the rest.
- Apply gentle heat to the frozen section with an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, a portable space heater kept away from anything flammable, or towels soaked in hot water.
- Never use an open flame. No blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or similar device.
- Keep heating until full pressure returns, then check the other faucets in the house, since more than one pipe can freeze.
Call a licensed plumber if you cannot find the frozen area, cannot reach it, or cannot thaw it. If the pipe has already split, shut off the main water valve first.
After a pipe bursts
- Shut off the main water valve.
- Turn off electricity to any area where water is near outlets or appliances, if it is safe to reach the panel.
- Move belongings out of the water and start drying the area.
- Have the damaged section repaired, and check nearby pipes for cracks that have not leaked yet. Our hidden leak guide covers signs of leaks you cannot see.
Frequently asked questions
Do pipes really freeze in Santa Cruz County?
It is uncommon near the coast, but it does happen during cold snaps, especially at higher elevations in the Santa Cruz Mountains and in pipes that are outdoors or in unheated spaces.
What temperature should I keep my house at to prevent frozen pipes?
The Red Cross recommends keeping the thermostat at the same temperature day and night, and no lower than 55°F when you are away.
Should I let faucets drip on cold nights?
On very cold nights, yes, for faucets served by pipes on exterior walls or in unheated spaces. A slow trickle of cold water is enough.
How is pricing quoted for frozen or burst pipe repair?
Flat rate, quoted on site before work begins.
Sources
- American Red Cross, Frozen Pipes
Need help with frozen or burst pipes?
Wade's Plumbing & Septic handles pipe repair and replacement and leak detection across Santa Cruz County and nearby Santa Clara County communities. Quotes are free and pricing is flat rate, quoted on site before work begins. Request service or call during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
