Preventing Frozen Pipes in San Diego

2/8/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen Spigot

We’re in the middle of winter and seeing a lot of cold nights.  While San Diego has one of the best climates in the US, it is not uncommon for the weather to drop below freezing during these few winter months.  With these low temperatures come the real threat of pipes freezing or bursting from the low temperatures.  Avoiding frozen pipes can save you thousands of dollars.  Here are a few tips to help keep the water flowing and pipes from freezing:

Ensure your Pipes are well insulated

This will need to be done long before a predicted freeze, but is the most important and effective way to prevent pipes from freezing.  Most plumbing pipes run though the attic where the temperature usually closely mimics the exterior temperature.  Ensuring that all water pipes and fire sprinkler pipes are well wrapped is the best way to protect them from the elements.

Drain your sprinkler system

Turn of the supply to your sprinkler system and open the valves on the coldest nights.  This will allow the pipes to expand as needed during a freeze without breaking. 

Leave a faucet slightly opened

In the case of freezing weather a dripping faucet is a good thing.  On the coldest of nights open a faucets slightly to allow water to drip.  This will not only make it less likely that the pipe will freeze as the water will be moving, but if it does freeze it will reduce the pressure and make a rupture much less likely. 

Know where your shutoff is

In the event you do get a leak or have a plumbing issue, knowing where the water shutoff is and ensuring that it works will allow you to stop the water flow.  Test your shutoff at least once a year and make sure it moves freely and actually stops the water flow to your home.

If you do end up with water damage in your home Contact SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul at (619) 600-5305 24/7 and we will make it "Like it never even happened.”