The City of Hot Springs Utilities is asking residents who are keeping faucets running due to cold temperatures to be mindful of the amount of water being used, as only a slight drip is needed.
“We are making all the water we can and are losing ground. People are running water in their homes, and that is okay, but it appears they may be running too much,” said Utilities Director Monty Ledbetter, who worked through the night Tuesday with several of his crew members to keep the water flowing.
Other tips to prevent pipes from freezing include disconnecting all garden hoses and covering outside faucets, keeping the temperature in your home at 68-degrees or higher, wrapping pipes near exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape, covering or closing open-air vents, and shutting off water supply valves to appliances (i.e., washing machines) if you plan to be away from home for an extended period.
Also, check faucets for water flow before you go to sleep and upon awakening. The first sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet.
If your pipes do break, shut off the water and water heater. If you cannot find the main control valve, or the valve does not work, call 501-321-6200. If you know where the pipes are frozen, you can thaw it using a good hair dryer. Start thawing nearest the faucet using a low heat setting and by waving the warm air back and forth along the pipe. Turn on faucets so any melted water can drip out. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes as it could start a fire and overheating in a single spot could cause the pipe to burst.
If none of your faucets work and you cannot locate where the pipes are frozen, you may need the assistance of a plumber.