Dripping Faucets: Essential Winter Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As winter temperatures plummet, homeowners face the challenge of preventing frozen pipes. One effective method is to allow faucets to drip, but knowing when and how to do this correctly is crucial. Experts recommend starting this practice when temperatures drop to 20°F (-6°C) or lower. This threshold signals a heightened risk of pipe freezing, which can lead to costly damage.

Understanding when to start dripping is essential. When forecasts indicate that temperatures will dip to 20°F for an extended period, particularly overnight, it’s time to take action. Dripping faucets serves two primary purposes: it keeps water moving, which hinders ice formation, and it alleviates pressure that can build up within pipes. When water freezes and expands, it can create an ice blockage. If both ends of the pipe are sealed, the pressure can cause the pipe to burst. A slow drip provides an outlet for this pressure, reducing the risk of damage.

Identify Vulnerable Faucets

Not every faucet in the home requires dripping. Homeowners should focus on those connected to pipes that run along exterior walls, through unheated spaces like attics or garages, or in crawl spaces. These are the areas most susceptible to freezing temperatures. Interior pipes, which are surrounded by heated air, are generally safe.

To prioritize which faucets to drip, walk through your home and identify sinks located on outside walls. Common culprits include bathroom and kitchen sinks. If your home has a utility sink in an unheated area, such as a garage or basement, that faucet should also be included. Avoid dripping faucets located on interior walls or in consistently heated areas, as this would waste water and increase utility bills.

Setting the Right Drip

Achieving the correct drip rate is essential. The goal is a slow, steady trickle of water, approximately the thickness of a pencil lead. This flow should be enough to keep water moving without wasting resources. For faucets with separate hot and cold handles, open both slightly to allow water to flow from both lines. For single-handle faucets, position the handle in the middle to draw from both hot and cold supplies. The ideal drip will produce individual drops that merge into a thin stream, avoiding both too slow and too fast a flow.

In addition to dripping faucets, another helpful tip is to open cabinet doors under sinks located on exterior walls. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes, preventing cold air from causing freezing. This method can be particularly effective in kitchens and bathrooms. If children or pets are present, ensure that any hazardous materials are moved out of reach before leaving the cabinet doors open.

Outdoor Faucet Protection

Outdoor spigots, or hose bibs, require specific attention to prevent freezing. If your home has a dedicated shutoff valve for outdoor faucets, turn it off before temperatures drop. After shutting the valve, open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water from the line. It is also important to disconnect garden hoses, as trapped water in these hoses can freeze and damage the spigot.

For homes without a shutoff valve for outdoor faucets, consider wrapping each spigot with old towels or rags, and cover them with plastic to keep moisture out. Foam faucet covers, available at hardware stores, can also provide insulation against freezing temperatures.

By following these guidelines, homeowners can effectively minimize the risk of frozen pipes this winter. Taking proactive steps not only protects the integrity of plumbing systems but also saves on costly repairs associated with burst pipes.