Preparing Your Plumbing for Winter in San Diego

Yes, we live in San Diego, and yes, our winters are mild compared to most of the country. But that does not mean your plumbing is immune to cold weather problems. Every year I get calls from surprised homeowners dealing with frozen pipes, especially during those occasional cold snaps when temperatures drop into the 30s.

Why San Diego Homes Are Vulnerable

Ironically, homes in mild climates like San Diego are often MORE vulnerable to freeze damage than homes in cold climates. Why? Because builders in our region do not insulate pipes or install them deep underground like they do in places where freezing is expected.

Many San Diego homes have water pipes running through exterior walls, garages, and crawl spaces with little to no insulation. When we get an unusual cold night, these exposed pipes can freeze and potentially burst.

Areas of Your Home Most at Risk

• Outdoor hose bibs: These are the most common source of freeze-related pipe bursts
• Pipes in exterior walls: Especially on north-facing walls
• Garage plumbing: Unheated garages can get surprisingly cold
• Pipes under raised foundations: Crawl spaces allow cold air to circulate around pipes
• Irrigation systems: Backflow preventers and exposed valves are vulnerable

Winter Preparation Checklist

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

This is the single most important step for San Diego homeowners. When a hose is connected to an outdoor faucet, water cannot drain from the faucet and the pipe behind it. If that water freezes, it can crack the pipe inside your wall, potentially causing significant water damage when it thaws.

Disconnect all hoses in late fall. If you have frost-free hose bibs, they still need the hose disconnected to work properly.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Focus on pipes in your garage, under your home in crawl spaces, and any pipes running through exterior walls. Foam pipe insulation from any hardware store works well and simply slips over the pipe.

Know Your Shut-Off Valves

Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe does burst, being able to quickly shut off the water can minimize damage. Test your shut-off valve to make sure it works properly.

Service Your Water Heater

Your water heater works harder in winter because the incoming water is colder. Before the cold season, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, check the anode rod, and inspect for any signs of leaks or corrosion. A well-maintained water heater is more reliable when you need it most.

Check Your Irrigation System

While you probably will not need to fully winterize your irrigation system like homeowners in freezing climates, you should:

• Insulate the backflow preventer with a cover or towel on cold nights
• Check for leaks or damaged sprinkler heads before the rainy season
• Adjust your watering schedule for winter, less evaporation means less watering

What to Do During a Freeze Warning

When the National Weather Service issues a freeze warning for San Diego County, take these immediate steps:

1. Disconnect all outdoor hoses if you have not already
2. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
3. Let vulnerable faucets drip overnight
4. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers or towels
5. If you have a pool, run the pump to keep water moving
6. Keep your garage door closed if you have plumbing in the garage

Signs of Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Other signs include:

• Frost visible on exposed pipes
• Strange smells from drains (ice can trap sewer gases)
• Bulging or cracked pipes

If you suspect a frozen pipe, do NOT try to thaw it with an open flame. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. Better yet, call a professional. Frozen pipes can burst when thawed if not handled properly.

We Are Here to Help

At Hydro Hero Plumbing, we offer winter plumbing inspections and preparation services throughout Chula Vista and San Diego County. We can identify vulnerable areas in your plumbing system and make recommendations to protect your home. And if you do experience a frozen or burst pipe, our 24/7 emergency service is just a phone call away.