Letting faucets drip during freezing temperatures can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This simple action keeps water moving, reducing pressure buildup and the risk of costly damage. Understanding how and when to apply this method is crucial for homeowners facing cold weather.
Why Should You Let Faucets Drip in Cold Weather?
Preventing Pipe Freezing: When water freezes, it expands, potentially causing pipes to burst. A dripping faucet keeps water moving, which helps prevent freezing.
Reducing Pressure: Even if a small section of the pipe freezes, a dripping faucet can relieve pressure between the ice blockage and the faucet, reducing the risk of a burst.
Cost-Effective Prevention: Compared to the cost of repairing burst pipes, letting faucets drip is an inexpensive preventive measure.
How to Properly Drip Faucets to Prevent Freezing
- Identify Vulnerable Pipes: Focus on faucets connected to pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or exterior walls.
- Drip Both Hot and Cold Lines: This ensures that both lines remain active and reduce the chance of freezing.
- Set a Slow Drip: A steady drip is sufficient; it doesn’t need to be a stream. This conserves water while maintaining movement.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks, especially those on exterior walls.
Additional Tips to Prevent Pipe Freezing
- Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape, especially in unheated areas.
- Seal Cracks and Openings: Prevent cold air from coming in by sealing gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the house.
- Maintain a Consistent Thermostat Setting: Keep your home at a consistent temperature, even at night.
- Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Drain and store them, and close any inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs.
What to Do if Pipes Freeze
- Turn Off the Water Supply: If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off the main water supply to minimize damage.
- Thaw Pipes Safely: Use a hairdryer or space heater, never an open flame, to thaw frozen pipes.
- Call a Professional: If you cannot locate or safely thaw the frozen section, contact a plumber.
People Also Ask
How Much Should You Let Faucets Drip to Prevent Freezing?
A slow drip is sufficient. The goal is to keep water moving through the pipes, which helps prevent freezing and reduces pressure buildup.
Can Pipe Insulation Alone Prevent Freezing?
While insulation significantly reduces the risk, it may not be enough in extreme cold. Combining insulation with dripping faucets offers better protection.
What Temperature Should You Keep Your House to Prevent Freezing Pipes?
Maintain your thermostat at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) even when you’re away. This helps ensure that your home’s interior stays warm enough to protect pipes.
Do All Faucets Need to Drip to Prevent Freezing?
Focus on faucets connected to pipes in unheated or exposed areas. Interior faucets connected to well-insulated pipes may not need to drip.
Is Dripping Faucets an Effective Long-Term Solution?
While effective, it should be part of a broader winterization strategy, including insulation and sealing air leaks, to protect your pipes.
Conclusion
Letting faucets drip is a simple yet effective way to prevent pipe freezing during cold weather. By keeping water moving, you reduce the risk of expensive and inconvenient pipe bursts. Combine this method with other preventive measures like insulation and sealing air leaks for comprehensive protection. For more home maintenance tips, explore our guide on winterizing your home.