LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — With the arctic air making its way into Arkansas, there are some things to remember when protecting your home.
Keeping your faucets running is just one of a few ways to keep your pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes are a familiar maintenance request plumbers see this time of year, and taking precautions could save you a hefty bill.
"We've already had a few people calling," Plumber Aaron Jackson said. "Wanting us to come and winterize their vacant homes."
Jackson said while some people are preparing for the extreme cold, not everyone is, and that's why he expects a lot of calls in the next few days.
"Everybody's going to be busy," Jackson said.
However, you can prevent it by taking a few simple steps.
"First thing they need to do is cover those outside hose bibs with those little covers," Jackson said. "Second thing, leave your cabinet doors open."
Additionally, Jackson said faucets should be left on and be more than just a drip.
"We tell them a little stream," Jackson said. "It will still run your water bill up but save you money in the long run."
If your pipes do burst, it can cause some significant damage.
UA Little Rock's Jack Stephen's Center was damaged in December 2022 after freezing temperatures caused a water coil to rupture.
Ahead of this freeze, the staff is doing everything possible to prevent something like that from happening again.
"We and our facilities team have been working for days," UA Little Rock Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Carrie Phillips said. "As soon as we start seeing and hearing those weather reports, pay attention, making sure that we're getting plans in place so that we can do everything we can to stay one step ahead of this."
Regarding dripping faucets, Phillips said not everybody on campus has to.
"We have so much insulation and prep work that we've done that that won't be an issue, except for a few key instances," Phillips said. "We have already started working with those departments and areas, so they'll be prepared."
When leaving your faucets on, Jackson said to turn on hot and cold water to prevent either side from bursting.