Why Does a Dripping Faucet Prevent Pipes From Freezing?

Cozying up in a warm home with your favorite hot beverage and fuzzy slippers is a fun winter pastime for many people, but the fun can come to a sudden stop if your pipes freeze up. Frozen pipes can cause a host of issues, ranging from no hot water to flooding and water damage. If you've heard that running a dripping faucet prevents freezing pipes, it's not a myth. When you run water from the faucet on a consistent, slow drip, it keeps everything moving and helps reduce pressure, which may prevent your pipes from entering deep-freeze mode.

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Do Dripping Faucets Prevent Freezing Pipes in the Winter?

When pipes freeze, the water inside expands and puts excess pressure on the pipe walls. If the pipes can't withstand the pressure, they can burst and cause serious water damage. When you run water at a constant slow drip or trickle, the flow helps prevent ice crystals from forming and creating blockages.

While exact results can vary, many homeowners who live in colder climates can prevent frozen pipes by maintaining a dripping faucet during the winter seasons. Plumbing pipes with stagnant water are prone to freezing up when the temperatures outside reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) or lower. If enough water freezes inside the pipes, blockages and other plumbing issues can occur.

How Does Keeping Faucets Running or Dripping Actually Work?

Keeping the faucet that's furthest from your main water line at a drip or slight trickle may help prevent freezing pipes. The light flow of the running faucet creates continual movement through your plumbing system. This movement also helps relieve pressure in ice that's already formed in the pipes. When the ice begins to thaw, the pressure created between the ice blockage and the faucet can lead to bursting.

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Is Keeping Faucets Running or Dripping Effective at Preventing Frozen Pipes?

Allowing your faucet to run or drip when the weather report predicts freezing weather may be effective at reducing the risk of frozen pipes. However, there are scenarios in which the water in your pipes can freeze even when you have the faucet turned on. Extreme outdoor temperatures and improper insulation can both contribute to frozen pipes, so it's important to protect your plumbing system.

In addition to running your faucet, here are some tips to help prevent frozen pipes:

• Insulate your pipes. Insulating your home's plumbing pipes can provide an extra layer of warmth during cold snaps. You can purchase precut insulation sleeves at most hardware stores, or you can hire a plumber to help with the job.

• Adjust your thermostat. In winter, it's generally recommended to keep your thermostat running at no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). This can help reduce the chance of pipes freezing up during periods of extreme cold.

• Leave cabinet doors open. If you have plumbing pipes located on outdoor walls, opening the cabinet doors beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks may help prevent freezing pipes. When you open the cabinet doors, the warm air from your home will heat the interior pipes and potentially prevent the outdoor pipes from icing over.

• Turn off outside water for the winter. Before frigid temperatures take hold, it's important to turn off the water supply to any outdoor spigots. You'll also want to completely drain the spigot and any connected hoses. This can help reduce the risk of frozen and/or burst outdoor pipes.

• Schedule a plumbing inspection. If your plumbing system is older or you're concerned about your pipes freezing during this winter, you might benefit from scheduling a plumbing inspection. A professional plumber can assess your pipes and assist with insulation and pipe sealing. They can also reinforce cracked or worn pipes or replace them completely.