Burst water pipes caused by freezing temperatures can be substantial, with homeowner claims often averaging over $10,000. Water expands by about nine percent when it freezes, and this expansion creates immense pressure within the confined space of a pipe. This pressure is the primary factor leading to pipe rupture, which typically occurs not at the point of the ice blockage but in the section of water trapped between the blockage and a closed faucet. Dripping faucets is a simple, proactive measure homeowners use to mitigate this risk by relieving the critical pressure buildup.
Temperature Triggers for Dripping Faucets
Understanding the outdoor temperature is necessary to determine when to begin dripping water. While water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes are generally not at immediate risk until the outdoor temperature drops to a more extreme level. The danger increases significantly when the ambient temperature is forecast to drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. At this threshold, pipes can freeze in six hours or less, making preventative action necessary.
Temperatures between 20 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit present a moderate risk, with freezing typically taking longer, sometimes over twelve hours. The duration of the cold snap is a factor, as pipes are more likely to freeze after a prolonged period of sub-freezing weather. Dripping works by allowing warmer water from the main supply line to continuously flow through the vulnerable pipes, which helps prevent the water from stagnating and reaching the freezing point. The continuous flow serves a more important function by preventing pressure from building up between an ice blockage and the faucet, ensuring any trapped water has a path to escape the system.
How to Properly Drip Faucets
The selection of which faucets to drip should focus on those most exposed to cold air, specifically those connected to plumbing running along exterior walls or in unheated spaces. Faucets in basements, attics, or crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to freezing. A good practice is to identify the faucet farthest from the home’s water meter and set it to drip, as this ensures water movement across the greatest length of the plumbing system.
The required flow rate is minimal, intended to maintain continuous movement without wasting excessive water. A slight trickle or a steady drip of about one or two drops per second is usually sufficient to achieve the necessary pressure relief.
For two-handle faucets, it is important to turn both the hot and cold water handles just enough to get a drip from each line, protecting both pipes. Open the cabinet doors beneath sinks located against exterior walls to allow warm indoor air to circulate around the enclosed pipes. Finally, disconnect and drain any outdoor garden hoses, and ensure the corresponding indoor shut-off valves for exterior hose bibs are closed to prevent water from freezing inside the outdoor spigot.