Residents in Scottsdale are being advised to take precautions to protect their home plumbing as winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The city has released a set of recommendations aimed at preventing frozen pipes and minimizing the risk of costly property repairs.
The guidance includes insulating exposed pipes outside or in unheated areas with materials such as towels or blankets, removing garden hoses from outside faucets, and covering vents around the home’s foundation. Homeowners with pools are encouraged to set timers for pool pumps to run overnight, as moving water is less likely to freeze. Drip irrigation and sprinkler systems should be turned off during cold weather.
It is also important for residents to know the location of their property owner’s cut-off valve, typically found next to the water meter box. In cases where temperatures are expected to fall below 28 degrees for four hours or more, the city suggests dripping outside faucets at a rate of five drops per minute. Cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to exterior walls should be left open to allow warm air circulation.
If residents discover that no water comes out when turning on an outdoor hose faucet, it may indicate frozen pipes. The city advises checking with neighbors and waiting until mid-morning if pipes are in sunny areas, as they may thaw naturally. Pipes located in shaded areas may not thaw until later in the day.
Should water pipes freeze and burst, homeowners are urged to turn off water at the main shut-off valve and contact a licensed plumber. Residents are warned: “Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house.”
For emergencies related to water service, Scottsdale Water customer service is available 24 hours a day at 480-312-5650.
Scottsdale’s municipal government operates under a council-manager structure and provides services through various departments including utilities such as water management (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/city-charter). The city covers approximately 185 square miles after northward expansion into the Sonoran Desert by 1990 (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history). It has grown from its origins in 1888 following Winfield Scott’s land purchase in Arizona’s Salt River Valley (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history).
Scottsdale has received recognition among the safest U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/recognition). Its history reflects a blend of Western heritage, cultural activities, tourism appeal, and community development (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history).
