Winter's icy grip can bring beauty to the landscape, but it also brings the risk of frozen pipes, a homeowner's worst nightmare. While it might seem counterintuitive to waste water by letting a faucet drip, this simple act can be a crucial preventative measure against costly and disruptive pipe bursts. Understanding why and how this works can save you a significant amount of money and stress during the coldest months of the year.

Why Are My Pipes Freezing Anyway?

Water expands when it freezes. This is a fundamental property of water, and it's the core reason why frozen pipes are such a problem. When water inside a pipe freezes, the expanding ice creates tremendous pressure. This pressure builds up between the ice blockage and the closed faucet, eventually exceeding the pipe's ability to contain it. The result? A burst pipe, leading to potentially significant water damage inside your home.

The areas most vulnerable to freezing are pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated spaces. This includes:

  • Exterior walls
  • Crawl spaces
  • Attics
  • Garages

These areas are more exposed to the elements and therefore more susceptible to temperature drops that can freeze the water inside the pipes.

The Drip Defense: How a Tiny Trick Prevents Big Trouble

So, how does a small drip of water prevent this catastrophic scenario? The answer lies in the continuous movement of water. When a faucet is dripping, even at a slow rate, it keeps the water inside the pipes moving.

Here's the key principle: Moving water is much less likely to freeze than stagnant water.

The constant flow, however slight, prevents the water from reaching a complete standstill, significantly reducing the chances of ice formation. Even if some ice crystals begin to form, the continuous movement disrupts their growth and prevents them from forming a solid, pressure-building blockage.

Is Dripping Every Faucet Necessary?

Not necessarily. The faucets you should prioritize are those connected to pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing, as mentioned earlier (exterior walls, crawl spaces, etc.). If you only have a couple of faucets in these locations, focus on those.

However, if you're unsure which pipes are most vulnerable, it's better to err on the side of caution and drip faucets throughout your house, especially those furthest from your water meter. This ensures that water is circulating through the entire plumbing system.

Finding the Perfect Drip: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

The ideal drip is a slow, steady trickle. You don't need to open the faucet wide enough to create a constant stream.

A drip roughly the size of a pencil lead is usually sufficient.

Experiment with different faucet openings to find the right balance. Check the faucet periodically to ensure the drip is consistent and hasn't stopped or increased significantly.

A Word About Water Conservation: Responsible Dripping

While dripping faucets is a valuable preventative measure, it's important to be mindful of water conservation, especially if you're on a metered water system.

Here are a few tips to minimize water waste:

  • Collect the dripping water: Place a bucket or container under the faucet to collect the water. You can then use this water to water plants, flush toilets, or for other non-potable purposes.
  • Fix any existing leaks: Before you start dripping faucets, make sure you've addressed any existing leaks. A leaky faucet will waste even more water when left dripping.
  • Consider pipe insulation: Insulating your pipes is a more sustainable long-term solution to prevent freezing. Properly insulated pipes are less likely to freeze in the first place, reducing the need for dripping faucets.
  • Only drip when necessary: Don't drip faucets when the temperature is above freezing. Only drip when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for an extended period.
  • Monitor the weather: Pay attention to weather forecasts and only drip faucets when temperatures are expected to drop significantly.

More Than Just Dripping: Other Ways to Protect Your Pipes

Dripping faucets is a valuable tool, but it's not the only way to protect your pipes from freezing. Combining dripping faucets with other preventative measures provides the best protection.

Here are some additional steps you can take:

  • Insulate your pipes: Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install. Wrap insulation around exposed pipes in unheated areas, paying particular attention to joints and elbows.
  • Seal any cracks or openings: Seal any cracks or openings in your foundation, walls, or around pipes that could allow cold air to enter. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these gaps.
  • Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially important for pipes located on exterior walls.
  • Let the heat in: During extremely cold weather, keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even when you're away from home. Don't let the temperature drop too low, as this can increase the risk of freezing pipes.
  • Know where your main water shut-off valve is: In the event of a burst pipe, knowing how to quickly shut off your main water supply can minimize water damage. Locate your shut-off valve and make sure you know how to operate it.
  • Consider heat tape: For pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing, you can use heat tape. Heat tape is an electrical wire that wraps around the pipe and provides supplemental heat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing and using heat tape.
  • Drain your sprinkler system: If you have an outdoor sprinkler system, drain it before the onset of freezing weather. This will prevent the pipes in the system from freezing and bursting.
  • Disconnect garden hoses: Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them. Leaving hoses connected can trap water and cause the faucet and connecting pipes to freeze and burst.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze (But Haven't Burst!)

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, or no water at all, your pipes may be frozen. Don't panic!

Here's what you should do:

  1. Keep the faucet open: As you thaw the pipe, the water will begin to flow. Keeping the faucet open allows the water to flow freely and helps to melt the ice.
  2. Apply heat to the frozen pipe: You can use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater to apply heat to the frozen section of pipe. Start at the faucet end and work your way back towards the unexposed pipe.
  3. Wrap the pipe with warm towels: Soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the frozen pipe. Re-soak the towels as they cool.
  4. Never use an open flame: Do not use a propane torch or other open flame to thaw frozen pipes. This can damage the pipes and create a fire hazard.
  5. Call a plumber: If you can't thaw the pipe yourself, or if you suspect the pipe has already burst, call a licensed plumber immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze?

A: Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 degrees Celsius) or below, especially if they are not properly insulated.

Q: Does dripping hot or cold water make a difference?

A: Dripping either hot or cold water will work, but cold water is generally recommended to conserve energy. Heating water to drip it is an unnecessary expense.

Q: Will dripping faucets prevent pipes from bursting for sure?

A: While it significantly reduces the risk, it's not a guaranteed solution. Combining it with other preventative measures like insulation is best.

Q: How much water does dripping faucets waste?

A: A slow drip can waste several gallons of water per day. Collecting the water in a bucket and reusing it can help minimize waste.

Q: Is it safe to use a space heater to thaw frozen pipes?

A: Yes, but keep it a safe distance from flammable materials and never leave it unattended.

The Final Drop

Dripping your faucets during cold weather is a small effort that can save you from a major headache. By understanding the science behind it and combining it with other preventative measures, you can keep your pipes safe and your home dry throughout the winter.