How to Protect Your Rogers Home from Frozen & Burst Pipes During Winter Freezes

5 Most Vulnerable Freeze Points in Northwest Arkansas Properties

1. Exterior Hose Bibs & Sillcocks: Standard brass garden faucets that lack frost-proof anti-siphon valves hold residual water against exterior brick or siding, freezing first and splitting interior copper joints.
2. Unconditioned Crawl Spaces: Open foundation vents allow freezing winds to whistle across exposed supply pipes and drain traps under subfloors.
3. Pipes Running in Exterior Wall Cavities: Kitchen sinks and laundry lines positioned along north-facing exterior walls often lack sufficient insulation between drywall and outer sheathing.
4. Attic Fire Sprinkler & Water Supply Loops: Lines routed over attic insulation receive no radiant heat from living quarters and freeze rapidly during sub-zero nights.
5. Unheated Garages with Water Heaters: Water heaters and water softener lines located in uninsulated garages are exposed to cold drafts entering around overhead garage doors.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only a few drops emerge during a hard freeze, your line is frozen. Immediate action can prevent the ice blockage from developing into a catastrophic burst:

1. Keep the Faucet Open: As the ice begins to melt, water and steam need an escape route to relieve internal hydraulic pressure.
2. Apply Gentle, Safe Heat: Use a hairdryer, portable space heater, or warm towels wrapped around the exposed pipe section. Never use an open flame torch or propane heat gun, as this can rapidly boil trapped water, rupture pipes explosively, and ignite surrounding wall insulation.
3. Locate and Test Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: Position yourself near your main interior shut-off valve so you can immediately cut water supply if a split pipe begins spraying during the thawing process.