When temperatures drop below freezing, residents should drip faucets (both hot & cold) to prevent frozen pipes, focusing on those along exterior walls by letting a pencil-lead-sized trickle flow, opening under-sink cabinets for air, and placing containers to catch water for reuse, all while knowing their main water shut-off location and keeping heat on.
Why Drip Faucets?
- Relieves Pressure: Moving water won't freeze as easily as stagnant water, and a drip relieves pressure that builds up in pipes, preventing bursts.
When to Drip:
- When temperatures are forecast to be below freezing (around 28°F or lower for several hours) or during a cold snap.
How to Drip (Properly):
- Select Faucets: Focus on those connected to pipes along exterior walls, in unheated areas like garages, attics, or crawl spaces.
- Only One Faucet (Sometimes): Often, just one faucet per household (the furthest from your water source) is enough, but some advise dripping both hot and cold on exposed lines.
- Get the Right Trickle: A steady drip, about the width of a pencil lead or a spaghetti noodle, is sufficient.
- Open Cabinets: Open doors under sinks to let warm air reach uninsulated pipes.
- Catch the Water: Place jugs or pitchers under faucets to collect water for flushing toilets or other uses.
- Keep Heat On: Don't turn your heat off; keep it at a low, safe temperature (around 70°F).
What to Avoid:
- Don't Drip Outdoor Spigots: Insulate outdoor faucets and cover them instead.
- Don't Drip If You Lose Power for Extended Periods: Turn off your main water supply if power is out for over 24 hours and pipes are at risk.
Before the Cold Arrives:
- Locate Shut-Off: Know where your home's main water shut-off valve is.
- Insulate: Wrap vulnerable pipes with foam insulation.
- Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect and store garden hoses.
- Insulate Outdoor Spigots: Use insulated covers for exterior faucets.