When you hear “winterizing plumbing,” you probably imagine snowstorms and frozen lakes. Here in Paramount, CA, our winters look a little different. We might not be shoveling snow, but when temperatures drop into the 40s at night, it can still shock your plumbing system.
The transition to cooler weather is the perfect reminder to perform annual maintenance. A little preparation now can prevent burst pipes, cold showers, and expensive emergency calls later.
At Plumber 007, we recommend every homeowner run through this simple 4-point checklist before the holiday season begins.
1. Insulate Your Exposed Pipes
In Southern California, many homes have water pipes running along the exterior walls or in unheated garages. Because we don’t build for blizzards, these pipes often lack heavy insulation.
While a hard freeze is rare, it only takes one freak cold snap to crack a copper pipe. The fix is cheap and easy: go to the hardware store and buy foam pipe insulation sleeves. Wrap any exposed water lines you can see outside or in the garage. It costs a few dollars but saves thousands in potential water damage.
2. The Water Heater Tune-Up
Your water heater works harder in winter than any other season. Why? Because the groundwater entering your home is colder, meaning your heater has to burn more energy to bring it up to 120°F.
The Checklist:
- Flush the tank: Drain a few gallons to remove sediment so it runs efficiently.
- Check the Temperature: Ensure it is set to 120°F. Anything higher risks scalding and wastes money; anything lower might run out quickly during a morning shower.
3. Disconnect Garden Hoses
This is the most common mistake we see. You might not be watering the lawn as much, but leaving a hose connected to the spigot can trap water inside the faucet.
If the temperature drops, that trapped water expands and can crack the brass fixture or the pipe inside the wall. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them. If you have a shut-off valve for your outdoor spigots, turn it off for the season.
4. Check Your Rain Drains and Gutters
Winter in Paramount means rain. If your gutters are clogged with autumn leaves, rainwater will spill over and pool around your home’s foundation.
Check your yard drains and downspouts. Ensure they are clear so that when the storms hit, water flows away from your home, not back into your crawl space or basement.
Don’t Want to Do It Yourself?
We know the holidays are busy. If you don’t have time to crawl around the garage or flush your water heater, let us handle the mission.
Plumber 007 offers comprehensive seasonal inspections to ensure your home is watertight and warm for the winter.
Schedule your Winter Tune-Up today or call +1 562-242-2124. Stay warm, Paramount!