How Many Water Faucets Should You Leave Dripping During Freezing Temperatures?

With colder weather approaching and the risk of freezing temperatures, it's crucial to know how to protect your home's plumbing. One of the most effective methods is to leave at least one faucet dripping to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This article provides detailed guidance on how to properly ensure your plumbing stays safe and functional even when the temperature drops.

Key Points to Consider

According to industry experts, such as the Rooter Man and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, only one faucet needs to be left dripping, but it's crucial to choose the correct faucet for this task. The ideal faucet is the one that is the farthest from the point where water enters your home through the pipes. This ensures that water is flowing through the entire system, offering better protection against freezing.

Proper Faucet Selection

The Rooter Man suggests: 'You only need to allow one faucet to drip. This faucet should be the farthest away from the area where water enters your home through the pipes.' This reduces the risk of water pooling and freezing in areas of the pipes that are closer to the entry point.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service adds: 'If you know the farthest faucet from your water meter, you can run only that faucet and it will draw water all the way through the house.' This approach minimizes the amount of water wasted while still offering significant protection against freezing.

The Importance of Cold Water Faucets

It's essential to use a cold water faucet instead of a hot water faucet. Running the cold water faucet helps water flow through the pipes, which relieves pressure on the home's water system. Cold water is less likely to freeze, reducing the risk of bursting pipes. The article from Rooter Man emphasizes, 'Running the cold water faucet allows water to flow through the pipes and relieves pressure on the homes water system.'

Practical Tips for Dealing with Freezing Temperatures

For homes with insulated heated basements, focusing on branches with pipes routed through exterior walls can be particularly effective. In such cases, faucet dripping should be done in the branch that has a history of freezing.

Personal experience shared by a homeowner in New York City (NYC) highlights another solution. The homeowner, after dealing with frozen pipes in the kitchen, took the following steps:

Opened up enough of the wall behind the cabinets and appliances to reveal the placement of the copper supply lines. Discovered that the builders had installed the copper supply lines on the cold side of the insulation. Replaced the lines with flexible PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes, as they are less likely to burst if they freeze. Rerouted the pipes to the warm side of the insulation.

Since making these changes, the homeowner has not faced any issues, even during NYC's occasional near 0°F (-18°C) weather. This DIY project demonstrates a practical and effective way to protect your home's plumbing from freezing temperatures.

For more detailed insights and step-by-step guides, you can refer to the following resources:

Drip…drip…drip…How Many Dripping Faucets Should You Have - Rooter Man How many faucets should you leave dripping - Protecting your plumbing from freezing temperatures How to Properly Drip a Water Faucet - Mississippi State University Extension Service

To further ensure your home's plumbing safety, consider these additional steps:

Insulate exterior faucets and pipes to prevent freezing. Seal all gaps in your home's walls and windows to prevent drafts. Let the warm air from an open window or door in the basement or garage enter the pipes that are near the exterior. If you're away from home, leave the heat at a minimum of 55°F (12.8°C).

By following these tips and using the proper faucet for dripping, you can significantly reduce the risk of pipe bursts during freezing temperatures, ensuring your home's plumbing remains safe and functional.