Yes, frozen pipes can be prevented with proper insulation, especially around exterior walls and in unheated spaces like garages or crawl spaces. In California, pipes freeze during sudden cold snaps when temperatures drop below 32°F, particularly overnight.
The most vulnerable pipes are those in exterior walls, unheated basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Even in California’s mild climate, a few hours below freezing can cause problems, especially if pipes aren’t properly insulated or if there are gaps in your home’s insulation.
Simple prevention includes insulating exposed pipes, sealing air leaks around pipes, and letting faucets drip slightly during freezing weather to keep water moving through the system.