Q&A: How to protect your home from bursting pipes

Widespread thawing in the Oklahoma City metro is welcome news for anyone tired of the cold, but with it comes possible risks for homeowners. Metro plumber Damon Brewer shared his tips for keeping your home protected as temperatures begin to climb back up.

Q: What is the risk of plumbing issues after the big freeze?

A: Oklahoma City experiences arctic temperatures this week, bringing ice to much of the metro and state. Ice expands, and can create pressure on plumbing systems. As temperatures climb and anything frozen begins to thaw, homeowners might start to notice leaks. Sometimes, Brewer says it can take multiple days after an initial freeze for issues with pipes to be discovered or become noticeable.

Q: What do I do if I have a leak?

A: If a homeowner notices a leak, Brewer recommends shutting your water off if you are familiar with how to do it.

"No one wants to walk through soggy, wet, cold carpet," he said. "Please find out where your water shut off is, because sometimes a plumber can't be there immediately, if not at all."

After shutting off your water, Brewer recommends calling a plumber who can help thaw the pipes in a frozen home.

Q: How can I avoid frozen pipes?

A: Brewer recommends keeping doors to cabinets with pipes open, and removing any objects under your sink which might be inadvertently insulating your pipes, such as paper towels. Then, he suggests dripping your faucets but at a steady flow roughly the size of a pencil lead. He said simply "dripping" the faucet still creates an opportunity for some pipes to freeze.

"[It] will save you tens of thousands of dollars," he said, addressing concerns some people have about water bills. He said service to get pipes thawed, alone, can cost $400 to $1,000.

He said to be mindful of other connections, such as to a washing machine.