Letting your faucets drip can help prevent pipes from freezing, but it’s not a foolproof guarantee. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
How dripping helps:
- Relieves Pressure: When water freezes, it expands. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on pipes, which can cause them to burst. Allowing a small, steady drip of water relieves some of this pressure, reducing the risk of bursting.
- Keeps Water Moving: Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water. The dripping action keeps the water molecules moving, making it harder for them to form ice crystals.
What you don’t need to do is make it run, or turn on every faucet in the house. Start with the faucet furthest away from the main source, and just use a slow, steady drip.
Best Practices:
- Insulation is Key: Proper insulation is the most effective way to prevent frozen pipes.
- Dripping as a Supplement: Dripping faucets should be used as a supplement to insulation, not a replacement.
- Know Your Home: Understand the vulnerabilities of your home’s plumbing and take appropriate precautions.