Dripping Faucets: A Simple Solution to Prevent Frozen Pipes - T-Tees - Your Answers Await, Life's Questions Unraveled

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Winter can be a challenging time for homeowners, especially when it comes to preventing frozen pipes. One common question that arises is, “When should I drip my faucets?” The answer is simpler than you might think – you only need to allow one faucet to drip. However, it’s crucial to choose the faucet farthest away from the area where water enters your home through the pipes.

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The Right Time to Let Your Faucets Drip

When the mercury dips to around or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), it’s time to start dripping at least one faucet. Pay close attention to pipes in unheated areas such as attics, garages, basements, or crawl spaces, as these spaces tend to mirror outside temperatures.

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The most vulnerable pipes in your home, prone to breaking, bursting, and freezing, are typically found in basements, crawl spaces, attics, kitchen cabinets, and garages. Unlike other pipes in your home, they lack proper insulation, leaving them exposed to the elements.

To help you prevent frozen pipes, here are some useful tips:

Drain and store outdoor hoses: Remove and store all outdoor hoses to prevent water from freezing inside them.
Insulate water supply lines: Take a walk around your home and secure any unheated water supply lines, both inside and outside. Ensure all hot and cold water pipes are properly insulated.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets: Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let warm air circulate around the plumbing, preventing freezing.
Allow water to drip: When temperatures plunge dramatically, allow hot and cold water to drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. This helps to keep the water flowing and prevents freezing.
Maintain a warm home temperature: Keep your home heated to a reasonably warm temperature throughout the day and night.

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Can One Dripping Faucet Truly Make a Difference?

Indeed, it can! However, it’s important to choose the right faucet to drip. Ideally, it should be as far away from the water source as possible, allowing the water to flow through the entire length of the system. If you’re unsure where the incoming water source is located, setting any faucet to drip will still offer some benefit.

Contrary to a common misconception, the drip itself doesn’t prevent freezing solely because the water is in motion. Extreme temperatures can cause water to freeze even while it’s flowing. The real magic of a dripping faucet lies in its ability to relieve pressure that builds up between the ice blockage and the faucet. This pressure relief helps prevent pipes from bursting when they begin to thaw.

What Should You Do if Your Pipes Freeze?

Discovering a frozen pipe can be alarming, especially when you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out. In such a situation, it’s essential to act swiftly. Leave the faucet on and call professional plumbers immediately. If you suspect a burst pipe, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve while leaving the faucets on.

If you have any concerns about the state of your plumbing or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team at Rooter Man. We specialize in treating pipes affected by extreme weather conditions. Contact us today at 504-464-0145 or visit us online at Rooter Man for more information. Our experts are here to help, ensuring a trouble-free winter for your home.

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