Winter in Oklahoma can be unpredictable, and when temperatures plummet below freezing, your home’s plumbing becomes vulnerable. A frozen pipe can quickly turn into a burst pipe, leading to costly water damage and a major headache. At Roto-Rooter Oklahoma, we want to help you prevent these plumbing emergencies.
Here’s your essential checklist to prepare your home’s plumbing for an Oklahoma freeze:
- Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
- Your garden hoses can hold water that freezes and expands, cracking your outdoor spigots and pipes. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them indoors. If you have an outdoor faucet with a shut-off valve inside your home, turn it off and open the spigot to drain any remaining water.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes
- Pipes in unheated areas like your garage, crawl space, attic, or basement are most at risk. Wrap these pipes with foam pipe insulation (available at any hardware store), heat tape, or even old towels or newspapers. This provides a crucial barrier against the cold.
- Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
- For sinks on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors below them (kitchen and bathroom) overnight. This allows warmer indoor air to circulate around the pipes, helping to prevent freezing.
- Let Faucets Drip During Severe Cold
- If temperatures are forecast to be extremely low for an extended period, allowing a slow, steady drip of cold water from faucets (especially those on exterior walls) can relieve pressure in your pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze solid.
- Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
- In the event a pipe does freeze or burst, knowing how to quickly turn off your main water supply can minimize damage. Locate this valve now and ensure everyone in your household knows how to operate it.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Preparing now can save you thousands in repairs and prevent significant water damage. If you suspect a frozen pipe or experience a burst pipe in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate. Roto-Rooter Oklahoma is available 24/7 for all your plumbing emergencies.
Call us immediately at 1-800-ROTO or schedule service online at rotorooterok.com.