LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - With below-freezing temperatures in tonight's weather forecast for Central Arkansas, and numerous customers continuing to experience electricity outages, it is especially important for customers to guard against the inconvenient and many times costly hazard of frozen water pipes in their homes.

Central Arkansas Water (CAW) is advising customers to leave a thin stream of water running continuously from at least one cold water tap in their homes, especially during the night, to protect household plumbing from freezing.

"It is one of the simplest yet most important precautions that a customer can take," utility officials say, with the added note that businesses, as well, can benefit from this preventive step. "If a vanity or sink is against an outside wall, open the vanity or cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach water pipes. Also, if heat is lost in the home, turn on both hot and cold water faucets and allow all to drip."

Frozen water pipes can result in expensive plumbing repairs, water damage, and the interruption of water service for a customer, the utility advises, so it is important to protect water pipes from extremely cold temperatures.

Customers may obtain a list of freeze precaution tips at www.carkw.com<http://www.carkw.com/> or by visiting CAW's Customer Service Center at 221 East Capitol Avenue in Little Rock or the utility's booth at the City Services Building at 120 Main Street in North Little Rock. Or customers may call the Customer Service Center at (501) 372.5161, Option 6.

A customer who needs emergency assistance with shutting off water service because of burst or leaking plumbing should call CAW at (501) 377.1239. Utility personnel are available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies.

(Source: Central Arkansas Water)