Winterize and Energize: 8 Tips to Prep Your Home for the Big Chill!
With dangerously cold temperatures forecasted, these simple steps can help prevent frozen pipes, water damage, and costly emergency repairs.
Central Oklahoma winters can turn serious fast. When temperatures drop well below freezing, unprotected homes are at risk for frozen pipes, burst lines, and costly water damage. Because extreme cold is not something we experience often, many homes are not prepared when it hits.
This checklist focuses on practical, proven steps you can take now to protect your home before the big chill arrives. A little preparation today can help prevent major repairs and disruptions later.
Bring Outdoor Pets Inside
If you have pets that normally stay outdoors, bring them inside during extreme cold. This is not optional.
Oklahoma cold snaps can be dangerous, especially when wind chill and overnight temperatures stay well below freezing.
Prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia or frostbite quickly. If it is too cold for you to be outside comfortably,
it is too cold for your pets.
Even temporary shelter is not enough during severe cold. A garage, laundry room, or enclosed porch is far safer than
leaving an animal exposed to the elements.
Once pets are safely inside, it is time to turn your attention to the house itself. This checklist covers the most effective ways to prepare your home for the big chill.
1. 
Insulate Pipes
Properly insulating exposed pipes is your first line of defense. Focus on pipes in garages, crawlspaces, exterior walls, and under sinks. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and widely available and can prevent freezing during overnight hard freezes.
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Seal gaps around windows, doors, vents, and exterior wall penetrations. Keeping cold air out helps maintain indoor temperatures and protects nearby plumbing.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Don’t overlook outdoor plumbing. Disconnect and drain hoses to prevent freezing and expanding water that could damage your pipes.
4. Keep the Heat On
Do not turn the heat off during extreme cold, even if you are away or the house is vacant. Set the thermostat no lower than the mid-50s to help prevent pipes in walls, attics, and garages from freezing.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during overnight freezes. This allows warm air to circulate around plumbing and reduces freezing risk.
6. Let Faucets Drip
During hard freezes, allow faucets to drip at a slow but steady pace. Moving water helps relieve pressure in the pipes and reduces the chance of freezing.
7. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets
If your home has an interior shutoff for outdoor faucets, turn it off and drain the line completely. This is especially important in older homes.
8. Adjust Water Heater Settings
Make sure your water heater is set to a temperature that prevents freezing. Adjust settings accordingly for a cozy and worry-free winter.
By following these winter plumbing tips, you’ll ensure a warm and comfortable season in your Oklahoma home.
Landlords and Property Owners
Please make sure your tenants have this information and understand what to do during extreme cold.
Frozen pipes in one unit can cause damage well beyond a single property and may leave tenants displaced
for weeks.
Clear communication and preventative steps now can help avoid costly repairs, insurance claims,
and emergency calls later.
Already Have a Burst Pipe?
Here’s a list of trusted plumbers in the Shawnee area:
- Jimmy B Quick Plumbing (James Gawf) 405-765-6545
- Southeastern Plumbing (Keith Kuykendall), 405-273-3237
- Complete Plumbing (Steve Chlouber) 405-878-6012
Additional Resources
- Cold Weather Plumbing Tips (callthechamps.com)
- The Essential Guide to Winterizing Your Plumbing (okatmechanical.com)
- How Do You Winterize Plumbing in a Vacant House? (mrrooter.com)
- How to Winterize Your Plumbing System and Prevent Freezing Pipes (okatmechanical.com)
- How to Winterize Your Plumbing and Prevent Frozen Pipes (oatey.com)
