How to Prepare Your Pipes for Freezing Weather in Oklahoma

Identify the vulnerable areas

Check where water lines pass through unheated areas or along exterior walls. Outdoor plumbing is another concern. Ask a plumber about suitable protection for areas you cannot reach safely.

Prepare outdoor water connections

Remove and drain garden hoses. Winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation according to the setup and manufacturer’s instructions; homes differ. If you do not know how your outdoor line is supplied or drained, ask a plumber instead of guessing.

Take precautions during very cold weather

Keep heat on and avoid lowering it overnight during extreme cold. Where plumbing is inside cabinets, opening the doors can let room warmth reach it; move cleaners out of children’s reach. The Red Cross recommends a cold-water trickle at a faucet served by exposed pipes in very cold conditions.

If you think a pipe has frozen

Very little water at a faucet can be a warning sign. Do not use an open flame to thaw a pipe. Call a plumber if the frozen area is inaccessible, cannot be located or you cannot safely restore flow.

Make a household freeze plan

• Record where accessible water shutoffs are located.
• Keep equipment and irrigation winterizing instructions together.
• Make a list of exposed areas to discuss with a plumber.
• Arrange for someone to check the property if you will be away.

Give the plumber the details that matter

Describe which faucets are affected, when flow changed, and whether you can see any leaking water. State whether the problem involves indoor plumbing or an outdoor line.

A request through LocalTradeConnect is for a professional connection, not emergency response. For active damage, use an available plumber directly rather than waiting for a website request to be reviewed.