How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Tulsa
To prevent frozen pipes in Tulsa, keep the heat at 55°F or higher, let faucets on exterior walls drip during hard freezes, open sink cabinets, disconnect garden hoses, and insulate pipes in the garage, attic and crawl space. Most frozen pipe damage starts in those unheated spaces.
Tulsa winters are usually mild, which is exactly why hard freezes catch people off guard. Homes here are built for heat, not cold, and plenty of plumbing runs through garages, exterior walls and crawl spaces with little insulation. A few hours below about 20°F is enough to freeze an exposed pipe.
Which Pipes in a Tulsa Home Freeze First?
| Location | Why It Freezes | Most Common in |
|---|---|---|
| Hose bibs and outdoor spigots | Fully exposed to wind and cold | Every home |
| Pipes in exterior walls | Thin insulation between pipe and outside air | Kitchens and bathrooms on outside walls |
| Garage pipes | Unheated space, door left open | Homes with a garage water heater or laundry |
| Attic pipes | Attic air can be as cold as outside | Homes with plumbing or a water heater in the attic |
| Crawl space pipes | Vents and gaps let cold air underneath | Older pier-and-beam homes |
| Pipes under sinks on exterior walls | Closed cabinet doors trap cold air | Kitchen and bathroom sinks |
10 Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Before the Cold Arrives
- 01
Disconnect and drain garden hoses. A hose left connected holds water against the spigot and can split the pipe behind it.
- 02
Cover outdoor spigots with insulated faucet covers from any hardware store.
- 03
Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, attic and crawl space with foam pipe sleeves.
- 04
Close crawl space vents and seal gaps where cold air gets under the house.
- 05
Know where your main water shut-off is. If a pipe does burst, every minute counts. Here is how to find and shut off your main water valve.
During a Hard Freeze
- 06
Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, day and night, even if you are away.
- 07
Let faucets on exterior walls drip a thin, steady stream, both hot and cold. Moving water is far less likely to freeze.
- 08
Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks so warm room air reaches the pipes.
- 09
Keep the garage door closed, especially if the water heater or washer is in there.
- 10
Leave interior doors open so heat reaches back rooms and corners.
What If a Pipe Is Already Frozen?
If you turn on a faucet and get only a trickle or nothing at all, a pipe may be frozen.
- Keep the faucet open so water can flow once the ice melts.
- Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, a heating pad or warm towels, starting near the faucet and working back.
- Never use an open flame, propane torch or charcoal heater.
- If you cannot find the frozen section, or the pipe is inside a wall, call a licensed plumber.
- Watch the pipe closely as it thaws. A crack that was sealed by ice often starts leaking the moment it melts. Here is why pipes burst after the freeze ends.
What Does Frozen Pipe Damage Cost?
It depends on where the pipe broke and how long it ran. A small split under a sink caught right away may mean a quick plumbing repair and a little drying. A pipe that bursts in an attic or wall while you are away can soak ceilings, insulation, drywall and floors in several rooms, and that is when frozen pipe water damage restoration has to dry the structure before mold starts. Sudden burst pipe damage is commonly covered by Oklahoma homeowners policies, but some policies have conditions if a home was left unheated. Check yours before winter.
Frozen Pipe FAQ
Frozen Pipe FAQ
Pipes in unheated or exposed spots can freeze when outside temperatures stay around 20°F or below for several hours. Wind makes it worse.
Yes, during hard freezes. A slow drip from faucets on exterior walls keeps water moving and relieves pressure in the line.
No. Set the thermostat to at least 55°F, and consider shutting off the main water valve before you leave. Our holiday travel water damage checklist covers the rest.
Yes. PEX handles freezing better than copper but can still freeze, and the brass fittings can crack.
Shut off the main water valve, turn off power to wet rooms if it is safe, and call for emergency water removal and a plumber at the same time.
Do Not Wait
Pipe Already Burst? Call Now.
Shut off the main water valve and call (918) 347-0890. A burst pipe water damage crew is dispatched immediately anywhere in the Tulsa metro, day or night.
24/7 Emergency Helpline
(918) 347-0890Keep Exploring
