How to Tell if Your Pipes Are Frozen

Cold weather can creep up fast in Oklahoma City. One night of freezing temperatures is all it takes for water lines to ice over and stop flowing. If you’ve ever turned on a faucet and nothing came out, you’ve probably asked yourself how to tell if pipes are frozen. Catching the problem early can keep it from turning into a burst pipe or major repair.

At Suntech, we’ve been helping homeowners across the OKC metro since 1986. Our team understands how Oklahoma’s quick cold snaps affect homes from Norman to Edmond, and out through Midwest City and Mustang. When temperatures drop, we’re the local plumbing experts families rely on.

Understanding Frozen Pipes in Oklahoma City

The weather here doesn’t always make sense. One day feels like spring, and the next brings an overnight freeze. That sudden swing is tough on plumbing. When the water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls. If the pressure builds too much, the pipe can crack.

Homes in neighborhoods around Oklahoma City, Norman, and Edmond often have lines that run through attics, crawl spaces, and garages. Those areas stay cold, especially when wind chills dip below freezing. Even with good insulation, a strong north wind can drop the temperature enough to cause trouble.

Common Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen

Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times, the signs are small. Here’s what to look for:

• Water slows to a trickle or stops completely
• Frost or condensation on visible pipes
• Strange knocking or clanking when you turn on the tap
• A musty smell or damp spot on a wall or ceiling
• Toilets that won’t refill after flushing

If you notice any of these, the safest move is to shut off the water and take a closer look.

Immediate Actions to Take if You Suspect Frozen Pipes

A few quick steps can make a big difference:

1. Turn off the main water supply to stop pressure from building.
2. Open faucets throughout the house to relieve any trapped water.
3. Gently warm the frozen area using a hair dryer or small space heater.
4. Never use open flames or torches.
5. Once water starts flowing, check for leaks or dripping.
6. Call Suntech if you can’t find the frozen section or if you see signs of damage.

Even if you get the water moving again, it’s smart to have a plumber check things over. Pipes that freeze once are likely to do it again unless the root cause is fixed.

How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you’re comfortable handling it yourself, thaw the line slowly and carefully.

• Begin near the faucet end so melted water has somewhere to drain.
• Wrap the pipe in warm towels or use gentle heat from a hair dryer.
• Keep the faucet open during the process.
• Let water run for a few minutes once it starts flowing again.
• Inspect nearby areas for cracks or bulges before turning water fully back on.

If the frozen spot is hidden behind walls or under floors, don’t push it. It’s safer to have a licensed plumber handle it.

When to Call a Professional Plumber for Frozen Pipes

Sometimes the only way to fix the problem is with the right tools and experience. If you see water pooling, hear hissing, or notice a sudden drop in pressure after a thaw, it’s time to call Suntech. Our plumbers use safe heating methods and inspection equipment to locate frozen lines without cutting into your home. We’ll also check your system for weak spots so you’re not dealing with repeat issues every winter.

Preventing Future Frozen Pipes in Oklahoma City Homes

A few preventive steps can save a lot of stress later.

• Add insulation to pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages
• Seal gaps around doors, windows, and wall openings
• Keep cabinet doors open on cold nights so warm air can circulate
• Let faucets drip slowly when temperatures drop below freezing
• Schedule a plumbing inspection before winter weather hits

Suntech offers regular maintenance through the Suntech Club, our annual membership program. Members get priority scheduling, discounts, and seasonal system checks to help prevent frozen pipes and other cold-weather problems.

Schedule Your Plumbing Inspection Today

Frozen pipes don’t always burst, but when they do, the damage can be serious. If you’ve had problems before or want peace of mind heading into winter, schedule a plumbing inspection with Suntech. Our experienced plumbers serve the entire greater Oklahoma City area, including Norman, Edmond, Midwest City, and Mustang.

Call us today at (405) 785-0950 or schedule online now!