Before freezing weather arrives, walk through your home and note the plumbing that needs attention. A hose still connected outside, a cold garage or a shutoff hidden behind storage can be easy to overlook. This checklist gives Yukon homeowners a practical place to start without taking on repairs that belong with a plumber.

1. Put outdoor hoses away

Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses. Cover outdoor faucets with properly fitted insulated covers. If an outdoor faucet has a separate indoor shutoff, have its winterizing procedure confirmed for your setup rather than guessing which valve to turn. Schedule irrigation winterization according to the manufacturer’s instructions; switching off the controller alone does not drain the system. See the City of OKC’s outdoor plumbing guidance.

2. Look for exposed supply pipes

Check safely accessible areas such as the garage and under sinks on exterior walls. Note missing or damaged insulation on both hot and cold supply pipes. Ask about pipe insulation and cold-air leaks around the piping, especially if a spot has frozen before. The U.S. Department of Energy explains that exterior-wall plumbing needs attention to both pipe insulation and the surrounding wall. Leave concealed pipes, crawl-space access and work near electrical or heating equipment to qualified professionals.

3. Make a cold-weather routine

When very cold weather arrives, keep the garage door closed if water lines run through that space. Open sink cabinets to let warm room air reach the plumbing, first moving cleaners out of children’s and pets’ reach. Keep the indoor temperature steady instead of using a nighttime setback during a severe cold spell. If you leave town, keep the heat on at no lower than 55°F, as recommended by the American Red Cross. Ask your water provider or plumber which vulnerable faucets, if any, should drip for your home’s layout and current conditions.

4. Find the shutoff before you need it

Locate your home’s main water shutoff and keep the approach clear. Make sure another adult in the household knows where it is. If you cannot identify it, or it looks damaged, have a plumber check it before freezing weather. If a pipe bursts, use the home’s shutoff only if you can reach it safely, and call a plumber. Your water provider can help when an emergency shutoff is needed. City of OKC guidance.

If a faucet slows to a trickle during a freeze, treat it as a possible frozen pipe and get help. Never use a torch or other open flame to thaw plumbing. American Red Cross.

Have a winter plumbing concern at your Yukon home? Call Bison Plumbing at 405-803-3327 to discuss the next step.