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Whenever temperatures plummet, my brother frantically runs around his home, leaving nearly every faucet dripping. This age-old tradition is something we all follow, believing it protects our pipes from freezing. The concern is valid: frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly repairs. Fixing the pipe itself might cost between $200 and $1,000, but the real expense comes from the water damage caused when the ice melts and floods your home.
However, many of us have been dripping faucets every winter without questioning if it truly works or if it’s just an outdated myth. Fortunately, the practice does help prevent pipes from bursting, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The Right Way to Drip Faucets During Cold Weather
Here are four essential tips to keep in mind when letting your faucet drip during cold weather:
1. Dripping a faucet won’t prevent your pipes from freezing. While a steady flow of water can slightly delay the process by introducing warmer water into your home (since underground pipes are insulated by the earth and remain relatively warm), water freezes regardless of whether it’s moving. If temperatures drop low enough and stay there, your pipes can still freeze even with a dripping faucet. So, why drip the faucet? It helps prevent pipes from bursting. When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipes. If all faucets are closed during thawing, the water has no escape and will force its way out, potentially causing damage. A dripping faucet provides an outlet, reducing the risk of pipe bursts.
2. You don’t need to drip every faucet in your house. Focus on the faucet farthest from where water enters your home. This ensures the water flow benefits the entire plumbing system. If you’re unsure where the water enters, choose any faucet—it’s better than doing nothing.
3. The term “drip” is key. A steady stream isn’t necessary—a slow drip suffices. Consider collecting the dripping water in a bucket or container to avoid waste. You can use this water for tasks like filling filtered pitchers, washing dishes, or watering plants.
4. If your pipes freeze despite a dripping faucet, keep the faucet open. This allows water to escape during thawing. Additionally, shut off the main water supply and take steps to protect your belongings to minimize potential damage from a burst pipe.
