While San Diego is known for its mild climate, winter can still bring unexpected plumbing challenges—especially during sudden cold snaps or heavy rains. Homeowners often assume they’re safe from the issues colder regions face, but overlooking seasonal maintenance can still lead to leaks, clogs, or even burst pipes in local homes.
At Ava’s Plumbing, San Diego’s fastest licensed plumbing team, we know that even small temperature dips and winter rainstorms can cause problems if your plumbing system isn’t properly prepared. These winter plumbing tips will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly throughout the season.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes (Yes, Even in San Diego)
Though freezing temperatures are rare, they’re not impossible—especially in inland areas or overnight in higher elevations. If you have exposed pipes in your garage, attic, or crawl spaces, make sure they’re insulated to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Foam pipe insulation is an inexpensive solution and easy to install.
2. Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Even if you’re not using your outdoor faucets during winter, water left in connected hoses can freeze and damage your plumbing. Disconnect garden hoses and install insulated faucet covers to protect your hose bibs. Also, check for any leaks around these fixtures that could worsen during a storm or cold snap.
3. Service Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder during winter, so now is the time to inspect it for sediment buildup, leaks, or signs of aging. Flushing your water heater once a year can improve performance and extend its lifespan. If your unit is over 8–10 years old and not performing efficiently, consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model before winter use spikes.
4. Be Mindful of Drain Clogs
Holidays mean guests, extra cooking, and more strain on your drains. Avoid dumping grease, oils, or food scraps down the kitchen sink. In bathrooms, make sure hair catchers are installed in shower drains. A clogged drain can quickly escalate into a plumbing emergency if ignored.
5. Inspect for Slow Leaks Before Rainy Season
Winter in San Diego often brings heavy rain. If your plumbing has hidden leaks, they can become worse when the ground gets saturated. Leaks in underground pipes may also go unnoticed until they cause foundation or yard damage. Have a plumber inspect for leaks or water pressure issues before winter rain hits.
6. Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)
Homes with basements or crawl spaces may rely on sump pumps during San Diego’s rainy season. If you have one, make sure it’s working properly by pouring water into the pit and seeing if it activates. A failed sump pump can result in flooding and water damage—especially during heavy storms.
7. Cover Vents and Seal Drafts Near Pipes
Cold air coming in through crawl spaces or vents can freeze the surrounding area and damage pipes nearby. Make sure vents are properly closed or covered and seal any drafts or gaps that allow cold air into utility areas.
8. Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is
In case of a burst pipe or major leak, you’ll want to shut off your home’s main water supply as quickly as possible. If you don’t know where your main shut-off valve is located, find it now. It’s usually near your water meter or at the point where your main water line enters your home.
9. Schedule a Winter Plumbing Inspection
A professional inspection can uncover minor issues before they turn into costly winter plumbing emergencies. Our uniformed, licensed plumbers can assess your water heater, pipes, fixtures, and drainage systems to make sure your home is ready for cooler temperatures and holiday hosting.
How we can help
At Ava’s Plumbing, we take pride in being San Diego’s fastest licensed plumbers, offering 24-hour emergency services, even on weekends and holidays. Whether you’re dealing with a winter pipe concern, a last-minute water heater issue, or just want peace of mind through an inspection, our expert team is here to help.
We offer free estimates, uniformed professionals, and financing options to make your winter plumbing upgrades or repairs as easy as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Ava’s Plumbing today and stay prepared all winter long.