Frozen pipes in Tulsa: what to do

Tulsa winters are usually mild, but hard freezes and winter storms do happen. Many local homes have pipes in crawlspaces, attics, garages, or exterior walls, and those are the pipes most likely to freeze. Here's how to prevent it and what to do if it happens.

Before a freeze

• Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots.
• Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you're away.
• Open the cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
• Let faucets on exterior walls drip slowly overnight.
• Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, attics, and garages with foam pipe sleeves.
• Find your main water shutoff now, before an emergency, and make sure it turns.

If a pipe is frozen (no water, or just a trickle)

1. Open the faucet the frozen pipe feeds so melting water has somewhere to go.
2. Apply gentle heat, starting at the faucet end: a hair dryer, a heating pad, or warm towels. A space heater can help if you keep it away from anything flammable and stay with it.
3. Never use an open flame like a torch or propane heater on a pipe.
4. Keep the heat on until you have full water pressure, then check the pipe for leaks.

If a pipe bursts

1. Shut off water at the main valve right away.
2. If water is near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, stay out of the water and turn off power only if you can do it safely.
3. Turn off the water heater (set gas to "pilot" or "vacation," or switch off the breaker for an electric heater).
4. Call a plumber: (555) 010-0199. Take photos for your insurance claim.

How to shut off your water

The main shutoff is usually where the water line enters the house. Look in the garage, a utility closet, under the kitchen sink, or in the crawlspace. To close it, turn a round wheel valve clockwise, or turn a lever handle a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. If you can't find it inside, the meter box near the street usually has a valve, but you may need a meter key to turn it.

See also: Emergency plumbing · Leak detection and repair

Frequently asked questions

What temperature do pipes freeze at?

Water freezes at 32°F, but pipes in unheated or exposed spots are usually at risk once outdoor temperatures drop well below freezing, especially overnight or when it's windy. Pipes in exterior walls, attics, crawlspaces, and garages freeze first.

Should I drip my faucets when it freezes in Tulsa?

Yes. A slow drip from faucets on exterior walls keeps water moving and relieves pressure in the line, which lowers the chance of a burst pipe. Drip both the hot and cold sides if the faucet has separate lines.

How do I shut off the water to my house?

Turn the main shutoff valve clockwise, or turn a lever handle so it sits perpendicular to the pipe. The valve is usually where the water line enters the house. If you can't find it or it won't turn, the meter box near the street may have a valve that needs a meter key.

Can I thaw a frozen pipe myself?

Often, yes, if the pipe is easy to reach and isn't cracked. Open the faucet, then warm the pipe with a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels, starting at the faucet end. Never use an open flame. If you can't find the frozen section, can't reach it, or see any cracks, call a plumber.

When should I call a plumber for frozen pipes?

Call when a pipe has burst or is leaking, when you can't find or reach the frozen section, when several fixtures have no water, or when thawing hasn't worked after about 30 minutes to an hour of gentle heat.

Need a plumber? Call (555) 010-0199 or request a quote.