How To Protect Your Pipes During Winter In California

When you think of California winters, freezing pipes might not be the first worry that comes to mind. However, temperatures in many inland areas, including Ontario, can drop low enough to cause real trouble for unprotected plumbing.

A single cold night can lead to frozen pipes, which often burst and cause severe water damage. Taking steps for winter pipe protection is a smart way to guard your home. It is a key part of proactive home maintenance that can save you from a major headache and an unexpected call for emergency plumbing services.

The good news is that preventing frozen pipes does not require extreme measures here. With a few simple actions, you can significantly reduce the risk. Let us walk you through the most effective strategies, from simple insulation to what to do if a freeze is coming.

Know Your Home’s Vulnerable Spots

Pipes are most likely to freeze in places where they are exposed to cold air. In our region, these are typically:

• Outdoor Plumbing: Hose bibs (outdoor faucets), irrigation lines, and pool supply lines.
• Unheated Interior Spaces: Pipes running through garages, attics, crawl spaces, or along exterior walls.
• Under Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets: Pipes on walls that face the outside can get very cold, especially if cabinet doors are closed.

Finding these spots in your home is the first step. Look for any pipes that are not within the insulated, heated living space of your house.

Proactive Prevention: Before the Cold Arrives

The best time to act is long before the first frost forecast. Here is a checklist to follow every fall:

• Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Always disconnect garden hoses from spigots. Drain the hoses and store them indoors. If possible, shut off the water supply valve to your outdoor faucets from inside the house and then open the outdoor spigot to drain any remaining water.
• Insulate Exposed Pipes: This is the core of winter pipe freezing prevention. Use foam pipe insulation sleeves, which are inexpensive and easy to install, on any pipes you can access in garages, attics, or crawl spaces. For particularly vulnerable pipes, consider using thermostatically controlled heat tape, but follow installation instructions carefully.
• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or spray foam to seal any openings where cold air could blow on pipes. Check where pipes enter your home from outside and around dryer vents.
• Schedule a Water Heater Check: Your water heater works harder in cooler months. Having it serviced ensures it runs efficiently, providing reliable hot water and is a key part of overall water heater services before winter.

What to Do When a Freeze is Forecasted

When the weather report calls for a night well below freezing, take these immediate steps:

• Let Faucets Drip: During extremely cold nights, allow cold water to drip slowly from faucets connected to exposed pipes. A small, steady trickle relieves pressure in the system, making a burst much less likely even if ice forms.
• Open Cabinet Doors: Open the doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow your home’s warmer air to circulate around the pipes inside.
• Maintain a Consistent Thermostat Setting: Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature both day and night. Avoid turning down the heat dramatically overnight, as the cost of a higher heating bill is far less than the cost of repairing a burst pipe.

If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Act quickly:

• Keep the faucet open. As the pipe thaws, water will begin to flow.
• Carefully warm the frozen area with a heating pad, hair dryer, or towels soaked in warm water. Avoid using any open flames.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
• If you fail to locate the freeze, cannot thaw it, or see any signs of a leak or burst, it is time to call a professional immediately. As your local Ontario plumbers, we at Sweetwater Plumbing are on call 24/7 for such emergencies to help minimize damage.

A little preparation makes all the difference. By insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and knowing what to do during a cold snap, you can confidently protect your home. We believe in empowering homeowners with clear, practical advice. But remember, if you are ever unsure about your pipes or face an emergency, our team at Sweetwater Plumbing is just a call away, ready to provide the fast, expert help you need to keep your home safe and dry.