A freeze-resistant drinking fountain is exactly what it sounds like—it’s a fixture designed to provide drinking water without freezing, even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.
In this article, we’ll cover the two main ways to install a unit to prevent freezing, and the two types of buried valve systems. We’ll also explain how to determine the correct depth to bury valves that are to be installed below the frost line, and list the types of freeze-resistant models available from the top fountain manufacturers.
Why Install Freeze-Resistant Fountains?
The biggest advantage of a freeze-resistant fountain is that it can be used year-round without the need for winterization. This is especially important for locations that experience year-round foot traffic and need continuous access to drinking water—such as schools and universities, parks, rest areas, correctional facilities, pet areas, and other public spaces in regions where temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
Two Installation Methods
There are two main installation methods for ensuring a fountain’s water supply won’t freeze:
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Buried Valve Installation: The drinking fountain’s valve is installed below the frost line, and the unit uses a freeze-resistant push button. The frost line is the maximum depth at which water will freeze in a particular area. The frost line depth varies significantly by region. Most areas in the U.S. have frost lines between 0 and 6 feet, while northern states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Alaska can exceed 8 feet. To find your area’s frost depth, consult local building codes, or contact a local building official. Most frost-resistant units are designed for depths up to 6 feet.
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Wall-Mounted Installation: The fountain is installed on the exterior of a heated building, with a freeze valve box. The water lines are located inside, where the temperature remains above 50°F.
Freeze-Resistant Outdoor Units
There’s a wide range of freeze-resistant outdoor fountains available, with variations in style, materials, and function. We carry models from all major manufacturers, including:
- Elkay
- Haws
- Halsey Taylor
- Murdock
- Oasis
Both wall-mounted freeze-resistant units (using a freeze valve box and indoor water lines) and stand-alone fountains (using freeze-resistant or sealed freeze-resistant valves) are available.
Units come in durable materials including cast iron, cast bronze, cast brass, polyethylene, stainless steel, and concrete.
You can browse a selection of our most popular units on our Outdoor Drinking Fountains page. However, not all of the freeze-resistant models we carry are listed online.
Need Help Selecting the Right Model?
Our experts have been working with these manufacturers for more than 15 years, and can help you find the best fountain for your application. We can also provide information about delivery times, shipping, and more.
Give us a call:
📞 Toll-Free: 800-442-6622
📞 Pittsburgh: 412-781-9100
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