One of the questions we hear from clients in colder regions is: Will freezing temperatures damage my drinking fountain? 

It’s an understandable concern. When water freezes inside a fountain’s fittings, it expands and can cause components to crack. Once the ice thaws and water flows again, those cracks can lead to leaks, wasted water and unexpected repair costs. 

To investigate this risk, Astra Street Furniture tested the Venice Drinking Fountain’s internal valve assembly under freezing conditions. The result? After more than a week in freezing conditions, the assembly was thawed and passed a pressure test with no leaks. 

Why can freezing water damage a drinking fountain? 

Water trapped inside a valve or fitting needs room to expand as it freezes. If the component cannot accommodate that expansion, it may split or crack. 

The damage may only become apparent after the ice melts, when the fitting can no longer hold water pressure. A fountain can then discharge water until someone notices the problem and isolates the supply. 

For councils, schools and other facility managers, this can mean water loss, pooling around the fountain and unplanned maintenance. 

How was the Venice Drinking Fountain tested? 

The test focused on the fountain’s internal valve system, which are the components responsible for controlling water flow. 

The internal valve system was: 

1. Charged with pressurised water and left in freezing conditions for more than one week, allowing the water inside the line to freeze fully. 
2. Thawed completely before any components were disturbed. 
3. Pressure-tested before disassembly to check whether it remained watertight. 
4. Disassembled for visual inspection, including its seals, springs, washers and brass components. 

Testing before disassembly was an important step: it confirmed that the assembly held pressure after thawing, without first being adjusted or repaired. 

What did the test show? 

The valve assembly passed the pressure test with no leaks. 

The inspection found: 

• No visible cracking, splitting or deterioration. 
• Intact O-rings and rubber seals, with no reported loss of shape. 
• No visible distortion or damage to the brass and metal components. 

What does this mean for frost-prone locations? 

The Venice Drinking Fountain uses brass and stainless components in its internal valve assembly. The test provides practical evidence that this assembly survived the freezing and thawing conditions tested without leaking or showing visible damage. 

That is useful information for clients considering fountains for alpine areas, tablelands and other locations exposed to winter frosts. 

Where has the Venice Drinking Fountain been used? 

At Greygums Oval Bush Food Trail in Cranebrook, Astra supplied Penrith City Council with a Venice Drinking Fountain featuring a bottle filler and dog bowl. The projects shows how the Venice range can support drinking water access in public outdoor spaces.  

Planning a drinking fountain for a cold-climate site? Speak with the Astra Street Furniture team on 1300 613 880 about the Venice Drinking Fountain and your location’s requirements.