Frozen Pipe Information

Before Freezing WeatherPreventing Frozen Pipes

  • Insulate all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas (garages, attics, basements, crawlspaces, etc.)
  • Cover foundation vents
  • Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate faucets (Styrofoam covers can be purchased at home improvement stores.)
  • Winterize irrigation systems during the winter to prevent freezing and damage
  • Ensure water meter lid is properly seated and covering meter box

In Sub-Freezing Weather

  • Keep your home temperature set no lower than 55 degrees
  • Let water drip slowly from inside faucets, especially if the sink is adjacent to an outside wall
  • Open cabinet doors underneath sinks to expose the plumbing to room temperature
  • Close garage doors
  • If a washing machine is in an unheated area, shut off water to the machine
  • Winterize irrigation systems at home and at businesses to prevent system damage and leaks turning to ice in public spaces

When no one will be in a building for several days or longer

  • Leave heating system on a low setting (no lower than 55 degrees)
  • Open cabinet doors underneath sinks to expose the plumbing to room temperature
  • Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate faucets (Styrofoam covers can be purchased at home improvement stores.)

If your suspect your pipes are frozen

  • Use a hair dryer or rags soaked in hot water to thaw lines; do NOT use open flame
  • Water is usually available in at least one faucet, check other faucets for running water
  • If there is no water coming from any or your faucets, there may be a problem with your meter or an outdoor supply line. Please contact Fayetteville's Water/Sewer Operations office to report the issue. Call 479-575-8386 (Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). The after-hours phone number is 479-587-3555 (Fayetteville Dispatch)

Help for burst pipes

  • If able, shut of the supply valve at the location (sink, washing machine, etc.)
  • If needed, the service valve to the home / business can also be shut off (usually by the regulator or water heater)
  • To shut off water at the street, please contact Fayetteville's Water/Sewer Operations office at 479-575-8386 (Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). The after-hours phone number is 479-587-3555 (Fayetteville Dispatch)