Are frozen pipes ruining your winter? Discover essential prevention tips and emergency solutions to protect your home and wallet.
Frozen pipes can cause costly damage and disrupt water supply during cold weather. Experts recommend these steps to help prevent pipes from freezing and to address issues if they do.
### Prevention Tips
#### Insulate Pipes
Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation, particularly in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and garages where temperatures are typically colder. Utilizing
UL-approved
products for insulation ensures both safety and effectiveness. Consider adding
heat tape
or heat cables on pipes that are prone to freezing—typically those located on exterior walls or in unheated spaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines for such products to maximize protection against the cold.
#### Cover Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets are vulnerable in frigid temperatures. Cover them with insulated faucet covers and make sure to disconnect and drain garden hoses. This prevents water from freezing in the hose, protecting the connected pipe from potential bursts due to ice expansion.
#### Drip Faucets
Let both hot and cold water drip from faucets during extremely cold weather. Moving water is less likely to freeze. When temperatures fall into the teens or lower, allow the faucet to drip at a steady pencil-thin stream. Focus on dripping faucets in rooms where plumbing runs through exterior walls since these pipes are particularly exposed to the cold.
#### Open Cabinets
For sinks located on exterior walls, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the pipes. This small step can significantly reduce the risk of pipes freezing in unheated spaces, providing an added layer of protection.
#### Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Prior to freezing weather, completely remove, drain, and store any outdoor hoses. If outdoor faucets are equipped with shut-off valves inside the house, close them and drain any water from the faucet to prevent freezing.
#### Maintain a Consistent Thermostat
Setting the thermostat to a consistent temperature, day and night, is critical in preventing frozen pipes. If you're planning to leave the house for an extended time, ensure the thermostat remains set to at least
55°F
to keep your pipes warm and avoid sudden temperature fluctuations that could lead to freezing.
#### Seal Drafts
Check for and seal drafts around windows, doors, and exterior walls where pipes are located. Use caulk or weather stripping to close any cracks or gaps. Adding insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces helps maintain a more stable temperature, providing additional protection against the cold.
### What to Do If Pipes Freeze
#### Keep Faucets Open
If you suspect a pipe is frozen, keep the affected faucet open to allow water to flow as the ice begins to melt. This will relieve pressure that may cause pipes to burst once they thaw.
#### Locate the Frozen Area
Identify where the ice blockage is by checking areas that are most likely to be exposed to cold air, like attics, basements, exterior walls, or under sinks. This location-based strategy will help you apply the necessary heat effectively.
#### Apply Heat
1.
Hair Dryer
Begin at the faucet end of the pipe and work back towards the frozen section. Move the hair dryer along the pipe, applying gentle heat.
2.
Space Heater
A space heater can be placed near the frozen pipe, but keep it away from water and flammable materials. Always monitor while it's in use.
3.
Heating Pad
Wrap an electric heating pad around the frozen part of the pipe and set it to low.
4.
Towels Soaked in Hot Water
Soak towels in hot water, wringing them out before wrapping them around the frozen pipe. Replace these as they cool to maintain warmth.
#### Never Use an Open Flame
Avoid using open flames such as propane torches to thaw pipes; this poses a significant fire hazard and can damage the pipes, ultimately causing more issues.
#### Check for Leaks
After thawing, inspect for cracks or leaks. Even a small crack can rapidly escalate into a major leak once water pressure resumes. If any leaks are found, immediately turn off the main water supply and contact a plumber for urgent assistance.
### Local Resources and Emergency Contacts in Tulsa
If you find yourself dealing with plumbing issues due to frozen pipes in Tulsa, here are some local emergency contacts
-
City of Tulsa Water Emergency Line
For water service issues, call (918) 596-9488.
-
Oklahoma Natural Gas
For gas emergencies, dial 800-458-4251.
-
Emergency Management Information
More detailed resources can be found at [City of Tulsa Emergency Management](https://www.cityoftulsa.org/government/departments/communications/emergency-management/).
#### Local Plumbers
-
Airco Service
-
Wooten Plumbing
-
Air Comfort Solutions
Taking these preventive measures can save you from the headache and expense of dealing with frozen pipes. Stay warm and protect your plumbing this winter season!