Water Heater Help OKC
Freeze Protection for Water Heaters and Pipes
Lessons from the February 2021 Oklahoma freeze.
In February 2021, Oklahoma City recorded −14°F on Feb. 16 — one of the coldest readings in its history — and frozen pipes and water heaters were widespread. Garage and attic installs are most at risk.
Before a hard freeze
- Insulate exposed hot and cold supply lines near the heater, especially in garages.
- Keep garage doors closed; consider a thermostatically controlled heat source rated for garages.
- Know where your main water shutoff and the heater's cold-water valve are.
- Drip faucets on exterior walls.
During an outage
Gas tank heaters with a standing pilot often keep working without electricity; most power-vent and tankless units don't. Tankless units installed in unheated spaces can be damaged by freezing unless drained or protected — check your manual.
After a freeze
If a line burst, shut off the water first. Don't relight or restore power to a heater that may have drained or frozen until it's checked.
Sources
General information only. Not professional, legal or medical advice.