Seasonal
Frozen pipes in northern Arizona: prevention and what to do
Updated
Short answer
Above about 4,000 feet, Arizona gets regular hard freezes. Keep heat on, insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses and let faucets drip on the coldest nights. If a pipe freezes, thaw it gently; if it bursts, shut off the main and start drying right away.
Where pipes freeze
- Exterior walls, especially on the north side
- Crawlspaces and under manufactured homes
- Garages and unheated additions
- Hose bibs, backflow preventers and irrigation lines
- Cabins with heat turned off or set too low
Prevention
- Keep the heat on — many plumbers suggest at least the mid-50s °F.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps.
- Let a faucet drip on the coldest nights.
- Insulate crawlspace and exterior-wall pipes; seal gaps that let cold air in.
- Disconnect hoses and cover or drain exterior faucets.
- For long absences, shut off the main and drain the lines.
If a pipe is frozen
Open the faucet. Warm the pipe with a hair dryer, heating pad or warm towels, working from the faucet back toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame. If you can't find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber.
If a pipe bursts
Shut off the main immediately, cut power to wet areas if it's safe, and start extraction. Water from a burst supply line is clean at first, so fast drying can save most materials.
Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover frozen pipes?
Can pipes freeze in Phoenix or Tucson?
Why did the pipe leak after it warmed up?
Editorial note: this guide is general information for Arizona homeowners, not professional, legal or insurance advice. For your situation, talk to a licensed contractor and your insurer.