Note to readers: This post was updated on July 26, 2026 to reorganize the tips for clarity and add links to our shutoff valve and emergency plumbing guides. We refreshed the details below so the advice reflects how we approach this work today.
Winters in the San Gabriel Valley are mild compared to most of the country, but overnight temperatures can still dip low enough to stress your plumbing — especially if you’re traveling for the holidays and won’t be home to catch a problem early. A little prep now can save you from a costly repair (and a ruined trip) later.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes running through garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are the most vulnerable to cold. Wrap them with pre-slit foam pipe insulation or heat tape, available at any hardware store. Avoid materials that trap moisture against the pipe, since that can encourage corrosion over time.
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Disconnect garden hoses and store them inside. This protects both the hose and the outdoor spigot it’s attached to — water left in a hose bib can freeze and crack the fitting. If you have an irrigation system, drain it or have it blown out before the first cold snap.
3. Keep the Heat On While You’re Away
If you’re traveling for the holidays, don’t turn the heat off completely. Set the thermostat to at least 55°F so interior pipes stay above freezing. This is especially important for a vacation home or a property that sits empty for stretches at a time.
4. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is
If a pipe does burst while you’re out of town, every minute counts. Know where your main shutoff valve is located before you leave, not after water is already spreading across the floor. Our guide on how to shut off water to your house walks through it step by step. It’s also worth locating the shutoffs for your washing machine and dishwasher if you won’t be using them while away.
5. Fix Small Leaks Before They Become Big Ones
A slow drip that’s been low priority all year can turn into a real problem when temperatures drop and pipes contract and expand. If you’ve been putting off a repair, the week before you leave town is a good time to finally deal with it.
6. Keep Cabinet Doors Open on Cold Nights
Pipes under sinks near exterior walls benefit from warm air circulation. On unusually cold nights, leave cabinet doors open so household heat can reach them.
7. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Check your foundation and exterior walls for gaps that let cold air in near pipe runs. Sealing these is a cheap, easy way to reduce freeze risk without touching the plumbing itself.
Have a Plan Before You Leave
Save a plumber’s number in your phone before you head out for the holidays. If something does go wrong while you’re traveling, having someone you can call — and a neighbor who can let them in — makes a huge difference in how much damage a burst pipe actually causes. Western Rooter & Plumbing serves the San Gabriel Valley and is available for emergency calls if you run into trouble over the holidays.
