WHY ARE MY PIPES FROZEN? A BURGESON’S PLUMBING TECH EXPLAINS
If you've suddenly lost water pressure or no water is coming out of certain fixtures you’re probably wondering if your pipes are frozen and, more importantly, how to thaw them before a pipe bursts.
At Burgeson’s, we help homeowners across Southern California, including mountain communities like Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Wrightwood, and Idyllwild, prevent and repair frozen pipes every winter.
WHY EXPOSED PIPES FREEZE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES
Exposed pipes like those in attics, crawl spaces, build-ups, garages, and outdoor walls are often the first to freeze during cold snaps. In Southern California's mountain communities, freezing temperatures are much more common, and even a short, cold night can damage unprotected plumbing.
POOR OR MISSING INSULATION
Pipes without proper insulation are vulnerable to freezing. Water inside a frozen pipe expands and can crack the pipe, leading to costly plumbing repairs.
COLD DRAFTS
Even indoor plumbing can freeze if cold air from drafts reaches it through garage doors, attic hatches, or vents. Sealing drafts in mountain homes helps prevent frozen pipes and keeps your plumbing safe all winter.
WHY INTERIOR WALL PIPES FREEZE IN MOUNTAIN HOMES
Even in Southern California, interior wall pipes in mountain communities can freeze during prolonged cold weather.
EXTERIOR WALLS WITH INADEQUATE INSULATION
Water lines running through exterior walls in homes across Crestline, Running Springs, and Idyllwild may freeze quickly if insulation is thin or missing.
AIR LEAKS NEAR FIXTURES OR OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS
Drafts near hose bibbs, dryer vents, or outdoor faucets can allow cold air to reach pipes behind walls. Burgeson's can help seal these problem areas and prevent future frozen pipe issues in Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and many other mountain communities.
HOW TO TELL WHICH PIPE IS FROZEN
Signs of a frozen pipe in your mountain home include:
1. No water at one faucet → A freeze is likely near that fixture’s supply line.
2. Slow or sputtering water → A partial freeze or early-stage ice buildup.
3. No water anywhere in the house → Your main supply line may be frozen.
4. Visible frost or bulging → A freeze is occurring at that exact location.
If the pipe is bulging, turn off your main water valve immediately to prevent a burst.
HOW TO THAW A FROZEN PIPE SAFELY
Before doing anything, turn on the affected faucet to relieve pressure.
Safe ways to thaw an exposed pipe:
2. Warm (not boiling) towels
3. Portable heater set a safe distance away
4. UL-listed heat tape
Avoid open flames, boiling water, or unattended space heaters.
If you cannot locate the freeze, or thawing the pipe doesn’t restore water, contact Burgeson's, a professional plumber serving Southern California mountain communities.
WHAT IF THE PIPE BURSTS?
A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in any mountain home. Steps to take:
1. Shut off your main water valve.2. Turn off the electricity near the affected areas.
3. Call a professional plumber immediately.
4. Dry the area to prevent mold.
Even a small crack can release gallons of water in minutes, so fast action is critical.
HOW TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MOUNTAIN HOMES
Preventing frozen pipes is easier than repairing burst lines.
1. Insulate vulnerable pipes – foam sleeves, heat tape, pipe warmers, freeze-proof hose bibbs, and insulated hose bibb covers.2. Let faucets drip during cold nights – keeps water moving.
3. Open cabinet doors – allows warm air to reach pipes under sinks.
4. Seal drafts around doors, windows, and vents – protects hidden pipes.
5. Maintain consistent indoor temperatures – avoid drastic drops at night.
These tips are especially important for mountain homes in Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Wrightwood, and Idyllwild.
DEALING WITH FROZEN PIPES? CALL BURGESON’S
If your pipes are frozen, starting to thaw, or you suspect a burst, contact Burgeson’s, the trusted plumbing company for Southern California’s mountain communities.
With years of experience helping homeowners in Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Wrightwood, Idyllwild, and surrounding areas, we provide fast, reliable service for frozen pipe repair, plumbing emergencies, and preventative solutions.
Don’t wait! Schedule an appointment today and protect your mountain home from frozen pipes.
