Quick Summary: Yes, leaving a faucet dripping can help prevent pipes from freezing. When water is moving, it’s harder to freeze. A slow, steady drip keeps water flowing through your pipes, which can stop them from bursting in very cold weather. Just make sure the drain is open so the water can escape!
Winter can be tough on your home’s plumbing. When temperatures drop, pipes can freeze and even burst. That’s a headache no one wants! You’ve probably heard the old trick about dripping faucets. Does it really work? Is it worth the cost of the water? This guide will walk you through exactly how dripping faucets can save your pipes, and your wallet, from freezing damage.
We’ll cover why pipes freeze, how a simple drip makes a difference, and what else you can do to protect your home. Let’s keep those pipes flowing freely all winter long!
Why Pipes Freeze (and Why It’s Bad)
Pipes freeze because the water inside them gets too cold. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can put a lot of pressure on your pipes. If the pressure gets too high, the pipe can crack or burst. Burst pipes can cause major water damage to your home, leading to costly repairs. It’s much better to prevent freezing in the first place!
Understanding the Freezing Process
Here’s a simple breakdown of how pipes freeze:
- Temperature Drop: When the temperature outside (or inside unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces) falls below freezing (32°F or 0°C), the water in your pipes starts to cool down.
- Still Water Freezes Faster: Water that’s sitting still freezes much faster than water that’s moving.
- Expansion: As the water freezes, it expands. This expansion creates pressure inside the pipe.
- Bursting: If the pressure from the expanding ice becomes too great, the pipe can burst, leading to leaks and water damage.
The Risks of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause a lot of problems. Here are some of the most common risks:
- Burst Pipes: This is the most serious risk. A burst pipe can release a large amount of water very quickly, causing significant damage to walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Water Damage: Even if a pipe doesn’t burst, small cracks can still leak water, leading to mold growth and structural damage over time.
- Inconvenience: Frozen pipes can cut off your water supply, making it difficult to cook, clean, or even flush the toilet.
- Costly Repairs: Repairing burst pipes and water damage can be very expensive. Prevention is key to saving money.
How a Dripping Faucet Helps
A dripping faucet can prevent freezing by keeping the water moving. Even a very slow drip can make a big difference. Here’s why:
- Constant Flow: The continuous drip keeps water flowing through the pipes. Moving water is much less likely to freeze than still water.
- Pressure Relief: If some of the water in the pipe does start to freeze, the drip provides a place for the expanding ice to move, relieving some of the pressure.
- Warmer Water Source: The small amount of water constantly being drawn from the water source is likely warmer than the water sitting stagnant in the pipes.
How Much Should You Drip?
You don’t need a torrent of water flowing! A slow, steady drip is enough. Think of it as a trickle, not a stream. Here’s how to set it up:
- Identify Vulnerable Faucets: Focus on faucets that are on outside walls or in unheated areas.
- Turn on the Faucet: Slowly turn on the cold water faucet.
- Adjust the Flow: Adjust the faucet until you have a slow, steady drip.
- Monitor: Check the faucet regularly to make sure it’s still dripping.
Which Faucets to Drip
Not all faucets need to drip. Focus on the ones that are most likely to freeze. These include:
- Faucets on Exterior Walls: These are more exposed to the cold.
- Faucets in Unheated Areas: Basements, crawl spaces, and garages can get very cold.
- Faucets Furthest from the Water Heater: These pipes will have the coldest water.
Other Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Dripping faucets are a good start, but there are other things you can do to protect your pipes from freezing.
Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating your pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install.
- Foam Sleeves: These are easy to slip over exposed pipes. You can find them at most hardware stores.
- Heat Tape: This is an electrical tape that wraps around pipes and provides heat. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Professional Insulation: For hard-to-reach areas, consider hiring a professional insulator.
Seal Drafts
Cold air can get into your home through cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Sealing these drafts can help keep your pipes warmer.
- Caulk: Use caulk to seal cracks around windows and door frames.
- Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping to doors and windows to create a tight seal.
- Insulation: Add insulation to your attic, basement, and crawl spaces.
Keep the Heat On
Even if you’re going away for a few days, keep the heat on in your home. Set the thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C). This will help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Open Cabinet Doors
During very cold weather, open cabinet doors under sinks. This allows warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
If a pipe does burst, you’ll want to be able to shut off the water quickly. Make sure you know where your main water shutoff valve is and how to use it.
The Cost of Dripping Faucets
Some people worry about the cost of dripping faucets. While it’s true that you’ll be using more water, the cost is usually much less than the cost of repairing a burst pipe. Let’s break down the potential costs.
Estimating Water Usage
A slow drip might use about 1 to 3 gallons of water per day. Let’s say it’s 2 gallons. Over a month, that’s 60 gallons.
Calculating the Cost
The cost of water varies depending on where you live. However, it’s usually quite low. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the average price of water in the United States is about $1.50 for 1,000 gallons. So, 60 gallons would cost about 9 cents.
Weighing the Benefits
Compared to the cost of repairing a burst pipe, which can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars, the cost of dripping faucets is minimal. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
| Cost | Description | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Water usage per day | Amount of water used by a slow drip | 1-3 gallons |
| Water usage per month (estimated) | Total water used in a month from a dripping faucet | 60 gallons |
| Average water price (per 1,000 gallons) | Typical cost of water in the US | $1.50 |
| Estimated monthly cost | Cost of dripping faucet per month | $0.09 |
| Cost of burst pipe repair | Potential expense of repairing a burst pipe | $500-$5000+ |
When to Call a Plumber
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze. Here’s when to call a plumber:
- No Water: If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, it could be a sign that a pipe is frozen.
- Visible Ice: If you see ice on your pipes, call a plumber immediately.
- Leaks: If you notice any leaks, even small ones, call a plumber.
- You’re Not Comfortable: If you’re not comfortable dealing with frozen pipes yourself, it’s always best to call a professional.
FAQ: Dripping Faucets and Frozen Pipes
Does dripping a faucet really prevent freezing?
Yes, a slow, steady drip keeps water moving, making it harder to freeze. Moving water needs much lower temperatures to freeze than standing water.
How much should I drip the faucet?
A slow, steady drip is enough. You don’t need a constant stream. Just a trickle will do.
Which faucets should I drip?
Focus on faucets on outside walls or in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.
Is it expensive to drip faucets?
No, the cost is usually minimal. It’s much cheaper than repairing a burst pipe.
What temperature should I keep my house at to prevent freezing?
Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) even when you’re away.
Can I use heat tape on plastic pipes?
No, heat tape is only for metal pipes. Using it on plastic can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
What do I do if my pipes freeze anyway?
Call a plumber immediately. Don’t try to thaw frozen pipes yourself with a torch or open flame.
Conclusion
Protecting your pipes from freezing is an important part of home maintenance. Dripping faucets, along with other measures like insulation and sealing drafts, can help prevent costly damage. While a dripping faucet might seem like a small thing, it can make a big difference when temperatures plummet. Remember to focus on vulnerable faucets, maintain a slow, steady drip, and consider the minimal cost compared to the potential expense of burst pipes. Stay warm, and keep those pipes flowing freely!
