ALERTS

Please rest assured, we at Rock-Moore PWA are commited to working tirelessly to ensure continuity of
service. Extreme cold temperatures pose certain threats that we feel are better dealt with in a proactive
manner. With that being said, here are some tips for you, the user, to ensure that the service on your
side stays ready to use during these colder times.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: FROZEN WATER LINES
Temperatures below freezing may cause homeowners to experience problems with frozen pipes. Pipes
that are most susceptible to freezing are outdoor faucets, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler
lines. Water supply lines in basements, crawl spaces, and garages can also freeze since these spaces are
not heated. Plumbing located in walls exposed to the outside are also at risk of freezing. Rock-Moore
PWA offers the following tips for preventing water pipes from freezing:
o Make sure the water meter box cover is not broken, missing, or open. Report missing or broken
covers to Rock-Moore Public Water Authority at (870) 799-2023 (office) or (870) 612-4037 (emergency
contact).
o Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Drain outside faucets and / or insulate them if you are unable to
drain them.
o Pipes located in unheated spaces should be insulated. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat
cables can be used to prevent pipes from freezing. These should be installed and operated per the
manufacturer's instructions.
Ο Open the vanity or cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach water pipes if a sink is on an outside wall.
You can also leave a very thin stream or drip of water running continuously when the temperature reaches
the low teens.
o Keep doors and windows in basements and garages tightly shut. Keep crawl space vents and doors
closed. Seal cracks in basement or crawl space walls.
o Turn off water at the shut-off valve and drain water pipes if leaving town for an extended period of
time.
Ο Use hot air from a hair dryer, heat gun, or a light bulb to thaw a frozen pipe. Never use an open flame
to thaw a pipe.
o Opening the water meter box during extremely cold weather, allows cold air to enter the meter boх,
which could freeze the water meter and cause pipes around the water meter to freeze.
o Do not attempt to thaw a frozen water meter or water pipes in the meter box. Any form of heat used
around the water meter could damage the water meter. Call Rock-Moore PWA at (870) 799-2023, if you
suspect the meter is frozen.
While the temperature remains extremely low, it is advised to leave a trickle of water running overnight to
prevent pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken
pipe.