💧 Yes, You Should Let Your Faucets Drip In Freezing Water!
In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing. For homeowners, this means that water pipes can freeze and potentially burst.
To prevent this from happening, many people “drip” their faucets during the cold season – but at what temp should I drip my faucets?
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Let’s explore!
💧 Why Frozen Pipes are a Problem
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to major plumbing issues in homes.
Cold water pipes that freeze are prone to bursting when the temperature of the water inside them falls below 32◦F (0◦C). When this happens, water pressure builds up within the pipe, which could lead to a rupture and flooding of your home.
This pressure puts significant pressure on the inside of your pipe regardless of the type, including metal or plastic pipes.
In addition to water damage, a burst pipe can lead to mold growth and property damage caused by ruined insulation and drywall.
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To avoid this problem, homeowners should ensure their homes are well-insulated in cold weather and take steps such as turning off any outdoor spigots or draining exposed pipes after every use.
According to the Insurance Information Insitute, 19.9% of Homeowners’ Insurance Losses in 2020 were caused by water damage and freezing.
📗 Related Reading: How To Winterize Pipes to Protect Your Home
Protect Pipes in Outdoor and Unheated Areas
Homeowners should take precautions to protect pipes in outdoor areas and unheated spaces, especially when temperatures drop.
Outdoor pipes are vulnerable to freezing due to their lack of insulation and can quickly burst if the temperature drops below 32◦F (0°C).
Unheated places such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces are also at risk for frozen pipes due to cold air seeping through walls or openings.
Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets during freezing weather allows for circulating warm air to keep your pipes warm.
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To prevent this problem, homeowners should insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves, install heated cables around outdoor spigots, and seal up any openings where cold air could enter an unheated area.
Installing outdoor freeze-proof faucets and hydrants can also prevent frozen pipes.
These steps can help ensure that plumbing systems stay safe and functioning during winter.
Conclusion
By implementing drip-temperature management when temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C), homeowners can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a pipe burst due to frozen plumbing systems.
Insulating exposed pipes is also recommended for extra protection against freezing temperatures.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
These simple steps can save you from costly repairs later on down the line and prevent your pipes from freezing in the short term.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHEN
