| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Varies by home - confirm in your quote |
| Time | Varies by home - confirm in your quote |
| Who's qualified | Independent, insured spray foam insulation contractor |
When should I prepare for a hard freeze in Tulsa?
Prepare before the first hard freeze, typically in November. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and install covers on outside faucets. Open cabinet doors under sinks and let indoor faucets run slowly during a hard freeze. Insulate exposed pipes in garages or crawl spaces and cover open crawl-space vents to stop cold air from reaching plumbing. Keep thermostats at 65 degrees or higher in cold weather.
What fails first in Tulsa during a hard freeze?
Exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages, crawl spaces, and outside walls freeze first. Pipes carrying water below 55°F are at risk. The City of Tulsa recommends insulating outside walls and unheated areas. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Without attic insulation and air sealing, heat escapes and cold air enters, making pipes more vulnerable. Oklahoma code requires piping below 55°F to be insulated to at least R-3.
How much does it cost to fix frozen pipes versus prevent them?
Preventing frozen pipes with attic insulation and air sealing costs less than repairing burst pipes. The federal tax credit covers up to 30% of insulation cost, not to exceed $1,200. OG&E offers attic insulation rebates up to $500, and PSO offers up to $600. Air sealing plus attic insulation can save an average of 14% on heating and cooling costs. The Oklahoma rebate program limits one insulation rebate per address within a 10-year period.
What should I ask the insulation contractor?
Ask if the contractor is independent and insured. Request a quote for attic insulation to at least R-38 and air sealing. Confirm the work meets manufacturer specifications and all state, local, and federal codes. Ask if an energy audit is required before adding insulation, as some utilities require it. Inquire about rebates from OG&E or PSO, which require work by a participating contractor. Check the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder for available incentives.
What are warning signs of frozen pipes in Tulsa?
Warning signs include no water flow from faucets, frost on exposed pipes, and strange smells from drains. If you suspect a frozen pipe, keep the faucet open and apply heat to the pipe with a hair dryer or warm towels. Never use an open flame. The City of Tulsa recommends letting faucets drip slowly during hard freezes. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve immediately and call a plumber.
What to do next
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and install covers on outside faucets before the first hard freeze.
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages or crawl spaces with foam pipe insulation (R-3 minimum per Oklahoma code).
- Open cabinet doors under sinks and let indoor faucets run slowly during a hard freeze.
- Keep thermostats at 65 degrees or higher in cold weather to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Call or text (918) 727-7715 or email [email protected] for a free quote from an independent, insured spray foam insulation contractor.
Tulsa Foam Pros is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
