Why Mild Winters Still Require Plumbing Prep: Key Steps to Protect Your Pipes

When you live in a place with a warm climate like Southern California, prepping your plumbing for winter may not be top of mind. But even if you rarely see freezing temperatures, one cold night can still do a number on your pipes. Fortunately, there are some easy precautions you can put in place to safeguard your home — and Scott English Plumbing is here to guide you every step of the way.

We’ve been serving residents of Orange County, CA, and the surrounding area for over 20 years, helping folks just like you with their plumbing, water heaters, drains, and sewer lines. Our mission is not just to do business, but to empower our clients with the information they need to stay comfortable and safe all year long. 

Let’s get into what you can do to avoid the headaches and expenses that come with frozen or burst pipes, keeping your plumbing in good shape when temperatures drop. Reach out to us with any questions or to book an appointment!

The Risks of Mild Winters for Plumbing Systems

Living where winters are mild has its perks — no snow shoveling or ice scraping, just a slight chill in the air. While daily life may stay mostly unchanged, your plumbing system can still feel the effects of those brisk nights. When cold air creeps into unheated spaces or sneaks past small gaps near your pipes, it doesn’t take much for trouble to start. Since homeowners don’t always prepare for winter weather, it leaves their property vulnerable to frozen pipes that can then crack, leak, or even burst, causing a domino effect of damage.

Key Plumbing Prep Steps for Mild Winter Climates

Don’t worry, there’s good news! You can prevent frozen pipes and all the pitfalls that follow. This means that when the temperature drops, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

Keeping Pipes Warm

Unheated spaces like attics, garages, and crawl spaces leave pipes at risk of cold weather. But, you don’t need a major remodel to keep them safe; just some pipe insulation so they can stay warm and shielded from harm. Foam sleeves or heat tape are also affordable and easy to install, and go a long way in avoiding damage.

Check for Leaks, Cracks and Corrosion

Corrosion is a sign that your pipe may already have a leak that has caused calcification. Cracks or leaks in your pipes that may have since sealed themselves with corrosion tend to leak again when the pipes expand and contract with the changes in temperature. A quick inspection of both indoor and outdoor plumbing reveals any vulnerable spots that could use repairs before the weather cools down. If you notice any corrosion, leaks or small cracks, getting them repaired sooner rather than later will minimize property damage and reduce the need to have work done under emergency circumstances on the weekend or evening.

Drain & Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

If you do live in or have a home in one of our areas that freezes, outdoor hoses should never stay connected once the cold temperatures roll around. Water trapped inside an attached hose can freeze, and since it has nowhere to expand, it will send pressure back through the faucet and into your plumbing. Disconnect your hoses, drain them thoroughly, and store them away for the season.

Seal Drafty Areas Near Plumbing Components

Small drafts can add up to big problems. Those chilly gaps around windows, doors, and exterior walls let cold air reach your pipes, especially in spots like the kitchen and bathroom where plumbing runs close to the walls. By sealing these drafts with caulk or weather stripping, you’re not only keeping your home cozier but also protecting your pipes from the chill. It’s a quick fix with lasting results.

Adjust Water Heater Settings

When cold weather hits, your water heater has to work harder to heat the water. A simple adjustment to your water heater’s settings helps keep the water temperature consistent throughout winter. Try setting it a bit higher than usual so that it doesn’t have to work overtime to warm the water on those chilly days. Just remember, no need to go above 120°F to keep it efficient and safe.

Know the Location of Your Shut-Off Valve

Knowing where to find your main shut-off valve is crucial if pipes freeze and burst. The shut-off valve is typically close to where the water line enters your home. Once you know where it is, practice turning it off and on. If you ever need to act fast, you’ll be ready, saving yourself from a flood of trouble.  If you see corrosion on the pipes and valves at your shut off valve, it is at higher risk of leaking when temperatures drop.

Additional Winter Plumbing Tips for Mild Climates

When temperatures dip, a few extra habits can help keep your pipes in good shape.

Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Keeping your home’s temperature consistent, especially overnight, helps protect your plumbing system. A stable indoor climate prevents cold spots from forming in areas where pipes lie close to exterior walls. If you usually lower the thermostat at night, consider maintaining a minimum temperature of 55°F to safeguard your pipes.

Let Faucets Drip During Cold Snaps

A slow, steady drip from a faucet keeps water moving through your pipes, which prevents it from freezing. Focus on outdoor faucets connected to plumbing located along exterior walls, as these are more susceptible to cold air. Just a trickle can relieve pressure and help prevent frozen pipes, which keeps your plumbing system functioning even when temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Quickly Thaw Frozen Pipes

When winter chills bite, frozen pipes can grind your day to a halt. To thaw them out, try gently warming the pipe with a hairdryer, starting near the faucet and moving slowly along the frozen section. Avoid open flames or extreme heat, as they can cause damage. If you notice any cracks or leaks — or if the pipe remains stubbornly frozen — don’t wait. This is the moment to call in a professional who can safely restore your water flow and prevent costly damage.

Winterize Your Plumbing System With Help From the Scott English Team

Taking these simple steps to winterize your plumbing system keeps you ahead of the game, no matter how mild the winter might seem. At Scott English Plumbing, we’re here to help you protect your home. Our team knows what it takes to keep pipes safe through the winter, so you can count on us for expert guidance and service. Give us a call today and gear up your pipes for winter!