House Plumbing 101: Winter Care Tips for Edmond Homeowners

In many cases, a cold winter evening will be the only time that Edmond feels like it is actually winter, until a cold night causes an otherwise quiet house to become a plumbing emergency. Winter in Edmond can also lead to some very difficult home plumbing emergencies, specifically when your home's pipes freeze as part of a house plumbing issue, which are often both the most expensive and stressful type of problem that you may encounter as a homeowner.

Edmond homeowners will learn how to protect their household plumbing from freezing pipe damage with these proven practical winter plumbing tips to help them avoid costly plumbing emergencies and potential water damage long before the temperatures drop.

Why Winter Plumbing Problems Matter in Edmond

The majority of homeowners who own homes believe that their pipes would never freeze since they live in a state with no snow and do not reside in northern states. However, this thought process can be very dangerous for homeowners living in central Oklahoma.

Central Oklahoma has had over 70 days per year of temperature at or below 32 degrees and will sometimes have severe cold snaps which will drop the temperature to the teens or even colder. In the month of February during the freeze in 2021, the Oklahoma City metropolitan area experienced an enormous amount of frozen pipe calls and numerous water main breaks.

Frozen pipes are dangerous because:

• Water expands when it freezes, creating extreme pressure inside pipes

• Even strong pipes can crack or burst

• A crack as small as one eighth of an inch can release up to 250 gallons of water per day

• Water damage claims from burst pipes often exceed $5,000

How to Protect Household Plumbing During Winter

Insulate Exposed Pipes First

Pipes located in attics, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls freeze first.

Focus on:

• Foam pipe insulation sleeves

• Sealing air leaks near pipe entry points

• Insulating crawl space access doors

Let Faucets Drip During Freezing Nights

When temperatures drop below 20°F, a slow drip can prevent freezing.

Best practices:

• Drip both hot and cold lines if possible

• A pencil-thin stream is enough

• Prioritize faucets on exterior walls

Keep Your Thermostat Above 55°F

Turning down the heat to save money can backfire fast.

• Keep indoor temperatures at 55°F or higher

• Maintain a consistent temperature day and night

• Do not turn heat off when leaving town

Open Cabinets Under Sinks

Cabinet doors block warm air from reaching plumbing.

During freezes:

• Open cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks

• Especially important for sinks on exterior walls

Disconnect Hoses and Protect Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets are a common failure point.

Before winter:

• Disconnect all garden hoses

• Shut off interior valves feeding outdoor spigots

• Drain remaining water

• Install insulated faucet covers

Winter Plumbing Action Steps for Homeowners

Here’s what you can do today to reduce risk:

1. Walk your home and identify exposed plumbing

2. Insulate pipes in attics, garages, and crawl spaces

3. Seal gaps where cold air enters near pipes

4. Set thermostats no lower than 55°F

5. Disconnect hoses and shut down irrigation systems

6. Locate and label your main water shutoff valve

Professional tip: If your home has frozen before, consider heat tape or a professional winter plumbing inspection.

Why Winter Plumbing Care Is Critical in Edmond

Edmond homes face unique risks:

• Rapid temperature swings

• Ice storms that cause power outages

• Pipes routed through attics in slab-foundation homes

• Crawl spaces exposed to wind chill

When power is lost, indoor temperatures drop fast, increasing the chance of frozen pipes even inside the home.

If you want professional help protecting your household plumbing this winter, working with a local Edmond plumbing team ensures solutions are tailored to Oklahoma conditions.

Final Thoughts on Winter Plumbing Protection

Key takeaways for Edmond homeowners:

• Frozen pipes are common in Oklahoma

• Prevention costs far less than water damage repair

• Small steps like dripping faucets and insulation make a big difference

• Knowing your shutoff valve location matters in emergencies

Preparing now protects your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Written by A&T Mechanical | Updated January 2026