Pennsylvania American Water Urges Customers to Be Prepared during Sub-Freezing Weather

Pennsylvania American Water (NYSE:AWK) urges customers to prepare for sub-zero temperatures and offers practical steps to avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs.

Rhea-AI Summary

Pennsylvania American Water (NYSE:AWK) urges customers to prepare for sub-zero temperatures and offers practical steps to avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs. Key advice includes locating and testing your main shut-off valve, insulating exposed pipes, draining irrigation systems, and safe thawing methods if pipes freeze.

The company reminds customers that internal plumbing is the homeowner's responsibility and provides online resources and printable tags for emergency valve identification.

Argus Jan 28 session

-2.67% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – AWK

On Jan 28, the day this news came out, AWK closed 2.67% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Jan 28 session.

Key Figures

Recommended thermostat setting: 55 degrees Freeze alarm trigger: 45 degrees

Recommended thermostat setting

55 degrees

Minimum indoor temperature suggested when away from home

Freeze alarm trigger

45 degrees

Indoor temperature threshold for alarm notification

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 23

5 events

1. Jan 23

   Winter storm prep

   24h Move

   -1.4%

   New Jersey American Water outlined storm readiness steps and customer safety guidance.

2. Jan 22

   Cold weather advisory

   24h Move

   -1.4%

   Iowa American Water advised customers on protecting plumbing from extreme cold.

3. Jan 22

   Infrastructure funding

   24h Move

   +0.4%

   PENNVEST awarded over $6.1M to support Pa. infrastructure replacement projects.

4. Jan 21

   Treatment plant spend

   24h Move

   -0.3%

   California American Water committed $6M to a new Fox Park treatment plant.

5. Jan 20

   Water storage program

   24h Move

   -0.3%

   ASR program injected significant Carmel River flows into groundwater storage.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

freeze alarm

1 terms

freeze alarm technical

"Consider purchasing a freeze alarm. The alarm will call a user-selected phone number..."

A freeze alarm is a device that detects drops in temperature and alerts owners or authorities when conditions become dangerously cold. It helps prevent damage caused by freezing, such as burst pipes or equipment failures, by providing early warnings. For investors, it signals the importance of monitoring and protecting assets from environmental risks that could lead to significant losses.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Tips to protect pipes during ongoing statewide below-zero temperatures

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures across the Commonwealth reach sub-zero levels, Pennsylvania American Water encourages customers to prepare their home and pipes, providing handy tips to help avoid costly repairs and unwanted stress from frozen pipes. The company also reminds customers that internal plumbing is the responsibility of the homeowner.

"It's important that customers take steps to protect their pipes from freezing, especially during extended cold periods like we're experiencing now," said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Jim Runzer. "Taking time to prepare and regularly checking on your pipes during extremely cold days will help ensure you and your loved ones stay safe and comfortable."  

To prepare now, customers should:  

• Know how to shut off your water: Locate your main water shut-off valve. In many homes, it is located near the water meter or close to where the water pipe enters the home. Hang an I.D. tag on the valve so it can be found quickly during an emergency. Download a tag to print here. 
• Test your main water shut-off valve: Once located, test the shut-off valve by closing it. Once completely closed, check sinks and other water fixtures to ensure the shut-off valve is working properly.  
  • Ball valves generally only require a quarter turn to close. 
  • Gate valves are generally closed by turning the handle clockwise and should turn easily.  
  • If the valve does not close easily, it may need to be serviced.  
  • Bonus: While you are there, check your incoming water service line material! Pennsylvania American Water is working with customers to identify their service line material. If they are found to be made of lead or galvanized steel, they will be replaced in the future. Visit pennsylvaniaamwater.com/leadfacts for information and easy 3-step instructions.  
• Check sprinkler or irrigation systems: Make sure everything is turned off and fully drained. 
• Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines: Check for pipes in areas that might be prone to freezing, such as crawl spaces, unheated rooms, basements, garages and exterior walls. Fix drafty windows, insulate walls around pipes and plug drafts around doors. 
• Protect your pipes: Where pipes are exposed to cold, wrap them with insulation or heat tape (even fabric or newspaper can help). 

When temperatures stay below freezing: 

• Give pipes a helping hand: If pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the doors to let warmer room temperatures flow in. 
• Keep water moving through the pipes: Allow a small trickle of water to run. The cost of the extra water is typically lower than the cost of repairing a broken pipe. 

If pipes freeze:  

• Shut off the water immediately: Do not attempt to thaw pipes without turning off the main water shut-off valve. 
• Thaw a frozen pipe by warming the air around it: Use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Do not leave space heaters unattended and avoid using kerosene heaters or open flames.  
• Once pipes are thawed: Slowly turn the water back on. Check pipes and joints for any cracks or leaks potentially caused by freezing.  

When customers are away from home, consider the following: 

• Set your thermostat at 55 degrees to prevent freezing. 
• Have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check the property to help ensure the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen.  
• Consider purchasing a freeze alarm. The alarm will call a user-selected phone number if the inside temperature drops below 45 degrees. 

Find more cold weather protection tips here. 

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.  

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with 1,200 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.  

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How should Pennsylvania American Water (AWK) customers shut off their main water during sub-zero weather?

Locate and test your main shut-off valve now; tag it for emergencies and ensure it closes fully. According to Pennsylvania American Water, ball valves need a quarter turn and gate valves turn clockwise; if a valve is stiff it may need servicing.

What immediate steps does Pennsylvania American Water (AWK) recommend to prevent frozen pipes on Jan 28, 2026?

Insulate exposed pipes, open cabinet doors and allow a small trickle of water to run during extreme cold. According to Pennsylvania American Water, these steps help keep water moving and warm air around pipes to reduce freezing risk.

What should AWK customers do if their pipes freeze during the January 2026 cold snap?

Shut off the main water before attempting to thaw and warm the air around the pipe with safe heat sources. According to Pennsylvania American Water, use a hair dryer or hot water and avoid open flames or unattended space heaters.

Does Pennsylvania American Water (AWK) replace lead or galvanized service lines and how can customers check?

The company is working to identify service line materials and will replace lead or galvanized lines in the future. According to Pennsylvania American Water, customers can visit the lead facts page for simple 3-step instructions and identification guidance.

What do AWK customers need to do with sprinkler or irrigation systems before freezing weather?

Turn off and fully drain sprinkler and irrigation systems to prevent freeze damage. According to Pennsylvania American Water, fully draining systems and shutting valves reduces burst risk during prolonged sub-zero temperatures.

How can homeowners protect a vacant property from frozen pipes per Pennsylvania American Water (AWK)?

Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees, arrange regular checks, and consider a freeze alarm that calls at low temperatures. According to Pennsylvania American Water, these measures help ensure heat remains on and pipes do not freeze while away.