Tips for Preparing Outdoor and Indoor Plumbing for Cold Weather in Southern California

While Southern California is known for its mild winter temperatures, it’s still important to prepare your plumbing for the occasional cold snap. Freezing temperatures, even if brief, can cause serious damage to outdoor and indoor plumbing if not properly addressed. Here’s how to prepare your plumbing to ensure it survives the cooler months.
1. Protect Outdoor Pipes and Faucets
Even though Southern California typically doesn’t experience prolonged freezing temperatures, overnight lows can still dip below freezing, especially in mountain and desert areas. Exposed outdoor pipes are the most vulnerable during these times.
Tip: Install insulated covers on outdoor faucets and hose bibs. You can also wrap pipes with foam insulation or heat tape, particularly if they’re located in areas that experience frequent temperature drops.
Tip: Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots and drain them to prevent any residual water from freezing inside the hose. If possible, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets, especially if you have irrigation systems or hoses that are rarely used during the winter.
2. Inspect Irrigation Systems
Southern California homeowners often rely on irrigation systems to keep their landscaping lush. If temperatures drop, water in irrigation lines can freeze, causing damage. To prevent this:
Tip: Winterize your irrigation system by draining the lines and turning off the water supply. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, consider using a system-specific winterization service or following the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper shutdown.
3. Prepare Indoor Plumbing
While indoor plumbing in Southern California doesn’t face freezing temperatures as often, it’s still crucial to take precautions, especially for homes with pipes running along exterior walls or in unheated areas like garages and attics.
Tip: Ensure that your home’s thermostat stays set to a minimum of 55°F, even when you’re not home. This will help prevent cold drafts from reaching your pipes.
Tip: Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially those on exterior walls, to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. If temperatures are forecasted to drop dramatically, consider using a space heater in areas with vulnerable plumbing.
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can sneak in through gaps around windows, doors, and vents. This can cause localized freezing of pipes.
Tip: Check for any cracks or gaps around windows and doors and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping to prevent cold air from reaching your plumbing.
While Southern California’s winters are relatively mild, it’s still crucial to prepare your plumbing for the occasional chill. By taking these basic and simple steps to protect both outdoor and indoor plumbing, you can prevent costly damage and ensure your plumbing system stays in top condition throughout the colder months. Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Orange County, 949.371.2025