Absolutely. While Colfax doesn’t experience harsh winters like other parts of the country, we do get cold snaps that can drop temperatures below freezing, especially overnight in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Pipes in unheated areas like garages, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls are particularly vulnerable to freeze damage.
When water freezes in pipes, it expands and creates tremendous pressure that can crack or completely burst the pipe, leading to significant water leaks. Even a few hours of below-freezing temperatures can cause problems, especially in pipes that aren’t properly insulated. The damage often isn’t discovered until temperatures rise and the ice melts, allowing water to flow through the damaged section.
We recommend insulating exposed pipes before winter arrives and keeping cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks. If you’re planning to be away during cold weather, consider having us winterize your plumbing system to prevent freeze damage and potential water leaks.