5 Ways To Prepare Your Plumbing for the Winter in California

Southern California has amazing weather year-round, and it can be hard to believe there’s actually a winter season. Those who live in much colder climates are familiar with taking precautions to ensure they don’t experience plumbing issues. Even in California’s warmer climate, there are the five ways to prepare your plumbing for the winter in California to protect your home.

1. Check Your Water Heater

Make it a habit to check your water heater in the winter months to ensure it’s running properly for you and any additional guests you may have visited during the holidays.

For example, it’s a good time to open the pressure relief valve. Simply open it up and let any built-up water pressure escape.

The experts at Stephens Plumbing can also perform a full inspection for you and perform any service that might be needed.

For more information on water heaters check out our blog: Why is My Water Heater Leaking?

2. Clean Your Drains

The rainier season, plus holiday entertaining, can lead to clogs in your plumbing system. The winter months are a great time to clean out the drains.

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain (Plus 5 Things You Can)

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Even if you don’t anticipate temperatures getting cold enough to cause a problem, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Simply insulate any exposed pipes with foam insulation or pipe wrap to prevent any problems—it’ll keep the heat in (and the cold out).

4. Seal Up Any Leaks

Check your windows, doors, crawl spaces, and attics for drafts so you’re not losing heat or letting in cold air. This will help your furnace run more efficiently, helping maintain the temperature in your home and keeping your electricity costs from getting too high.

5. Clean Your Gutters and Storm Drains

Southern California gets most of its rain in the winter, so there’s always a risk of flooding. So prepare, and clean out those gutters and storm drains to keep flood water away from your home and its plumbing as much as possible.

Bonus Tip: Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe bursts, you’ll need to act quickly to shut off the water and prevent further damage. Therefore, it’s important to know where your water shut-off valve is located.

Main shut-offs are usually located near the basement water meter or the water line that connects to the house’s plumbing system in a garage. However, it can vary from house to house. Sometimes the main shut-off valve can even be located on the street outside your home or yard.

If you have trouble locating your main shut-off valve, you can always call your local water utility company for assistance.

For more information: Where to Find Your Main Water Valves… And How to Shut Them Off in an Emergency

For Professional Plumbing Assistance

Call the experts at Stephens Plumbing. Whether you have a plumbing problem or just want a professional opinion, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.