How to Prevent Frozen & Burst Pipes in Oklahoma Winters

Oklahoma may not seem like a frozen pipe hotspot, but our dramatic temperature swings make us especially vulnerable. When temperatures plummet from 60°F to 10°F overnight, pipes that were fine yesterday can burst today. The 2021 winter storm caused more than $1 billion in water damage across Oklahoma from burst pipes alone.

Why Oklahoma Homes Are at Higher Risk

Unlike homes in northern states, many Oklahoma properties were not built with extreme cold in mind:

• Pipes are often routed through uninsulated exterior walls and attics
• Crawl spaces lack adequate insulation and vapor barriers
• Outdoor spigots may not have frost-proof valves
• Rapid temperature drops do not give pipes time to gradually adjust

7 Ways to Protect Your Pipes This Winter

1. Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas (garage, crawl space, attic) with foam pipe insulation. Pay special attention to pipes along exterior walls.
2. Disconnect outdoor hoses: Remove garden hoses and install insulated covers on outdoor faucets before the first freeze.
3. Let faucets drip: When temperatures drop below 20°F, open both hot and cold faucets to a slow drip. Moving water is harder to freeze.
4. Open cabinet doors: Under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes.
5. Maintain heat: Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away. The cost of heating is far less than water damage restoration.
6. Seal air leaks: Caulk gaps around pipes where they enter the house, and seal any cracks in exterior walls near plumbing.
7. Know your shutoff valve: Locate your main water shutoff valve now, not during an emergency. Every family member should know where it is.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle:

• Keep the faucet open so melting ice can drain
• Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame.
• Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section
• If you cannot locate the freeze or cannot thaw it, call a plumber immediately

When a Pipe Bursts: Immediate Steps

1. Shut off the main water supply immediately
2. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets or the electrical panel
3. Call ASAP Pro at (405) 992-4111 for emergency burst pipe water extraction
4. Document damage with photos and video for your insurance claim
5. Do not use a wet/dry vacuum near standing water if there is any electrical risk

Do Not Wait for Spring

A burst pipe can release 8 gallons of water per minute, causing catastrophic damage in under an hour. Call (405) 992-4111 any time, day or night, for 24/7 emergency water damage response across all of Oklahoma.