Blogs from January, 2025

Why Letting Your Faucets Drip Can Prevent Frozen Pipes from Bursting

As temperatures drop in the winter months, frozen pipes become a major concern for homeowners, especially in areas like Lakeway, Texas, where cold snaps can sometimes catch us off guard. One simple, yet highly effective strategy for preventing costly plumbing damage is to let your faucets drip. But why does this work, and how long does it take for frozen pipes to cause serious damage? In this blog, we’ll explain how a small drip can save you from a major disaster and share other tips for keeping your plumbing safe during the colder months.

How Dripping Faucets Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop below freezing (32°F or 0°C), water inside your pipes can begin to freeze. As water freezes, it expands, creating pressure within the pipe. This pressure can lead to the pipe bursting—often in hidden areas like walls or attics—leading to significant water damage and expensive repairs. But what does a dripping faucet have to do with preventing this?

A constant drip keeps water moving through the pipes, even if it's just a trickle. The key here is movement—frozen water doesn’t move, and it’s the still water inside the pipe that’s most at risk. When water is allowed to flow, even in small amounts, it makes it harder for the water in the pipe to freeze. By keeping the water moving, you relieve the pressure that builds up inside the pipe, and reduce the likelihood of it bursting.

How Long Does the Temperature Need to Stay Below Freezing for Damage to Occur?

A common question is, "How cold does it have to get before my pipes are at risk?" The short answer is that pipes are at risk when temperatures remain below freezing for an extended period of time. However, there’s no exact number of hours or days that guarantees damage—it depends on several factors, including:

• Pipe Location: Pipes in exterior walls or unheated areas (like basements, crawlspaces, and attics) are more vulnerable to freezing, even if temperatures are only below freezing for a few hours.
   

• Insulation: Well-insulated pipes are less likely to freeze because the insulation helps keep the pipe's temperature above freezing.
   

• Windchill: Wind can exacerbate freezing temperatures. Even if the temperature outside is right around freezing, a strong wind can make pipes more susceptible to freezing.
   

Generally, a period of 6 hours or more below freezing is when the risk of frozen pipes increases, but the duration of the cold snap, combined with other factors like the location of your pipes, will influence how long it takes for pipes to freeze. During extremely cold weather, letting your faucets drip continuously can help keep your pipes safe.

When Should You Let Your Faucets Drip?

It’s a good idea to let faucets drip when the outside temperature falls below 32°F, particularly if you know that the cold will last for several hours or more. Pay special attention to the following:

• Exposed Pipes: If you have any pipes running along exterior walls, in unheated spaces, or under sinks in exterior-facing walls, these are the pipes most at risk of freezing and bursting. A slow drip from the faucet connected to these pipes can help keep things flowing.
   

• Faucets Near Vulnerable Areas: Areas like attics, basements, and crawlspaces should also be monitored. If you have pipes running through these areas, it’s essential to take action by letting faucets drip.
   

If you have a history of freezing pipes or a particularly cold snap is expected, it's always best to take precautions early.

How Much Should You Let Your Faucet Drip?

It’s often recommended to let the faucet drip at a very slow pace—just enough to keep water moving through the pipes. You don’t need to let the faucet run wide open. A slow drip, with a small, steady stream of water flowing, will do the trick.

If you’re unsure about how much is enough, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cold is on the Right Plumbing. We can assess your plumbing system and provide personalized advice on how to best protect your home from freezing pipes.

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Plumbing

Letting your faucets drip is just one part of keeping your pipes safe during freezing weather. Here are a few additional tips:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes: Pipe insulation is a great way to prevent freezing. Focus on pipes in unheated areas, like attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Insulation helps maintain a steady temperature and prevents pipes from cooling to freezing temperatures.
    

2. Open Cabinet Doors: If you have sinks located against exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens.
    

3. Seal Drafts and Gaps: Look for gaps or drafts around windows and doors near your pipes. Seal any openings with weatherstripping or caulk to keep cold air from seeping in.
    

4. Leave the Heat On: If you're leaving your home for an extended period during cold weather, make sure the heat stays on. It doesn’t have to be high, but a steady temperature of around 55°F will help prevent pipes from freezing.
    

5. Drip Both Hot and Cold Faucets: While cold water is most at risk of freezing, letting both hot and cold water drip from your faucets is recommended. Hot water pipes can freeze as well, especially if they run through unheated spaces.
    

What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

Even with the best precautions, sometimes things go wrong. If you suspect a pipe has frozen:

• Turn off the water supply: The first thing you should do is turn off the main water valve to prevent any flooding or water damage once the pipe thaws.
   

• Thaw the Pipe Slowly: You can use a hair dryer, heat lamps, or space heaters to gradually thaw the pipe. Start at the faucet end of the pipe and work your way toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame, as this can damage the pipe or cause a fire.
   

• Call a Professional: If you're unsure where the pipe is frozen or if you can't safely thaw it yourself, call Cold is on the Right Plumbing at 512-PLUMBER. We can quickly assess the situation and safely thaw the pipe to prevent damage.
   

Conclusion: Keep Your Pipes Safe This Winter

While the winter weather in Lakeway, Texas, may not always be extreme, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the unexpected cold snap. Letting your faucets drip, insulating your pipes, and following other preventative steps will help keep your plumbing system safe and avoid the costly repairs associated with burst pipes.