How to Run Faucets When It Freezes

Allow faucets to drip during the night to prevent freezing.

If you live in an area where the temperatures drop below zero in the winter, you already know you have more to worry about than cold feet. Subzero temperatures pose the risk of freezing water pipes that can be difficult to thaw. In worst-case scenarios, pipes may burst as the ice expands, causing a costly cleanup and pipe replacement. Emergency measures -- beyond typical insulation and providing heat -- often prevent freezing.

Instructions

1. Locate faucets the farthest from your water supply. These faucets draw water directly from the water source and run throughout your plumbing. Keeping water flowing to the most distant point ensures that water flows through the entire pipe.

2. Turn the cold water faucet on to allow a steady drip or trickle of water from the faucet. Flowing water is not necessary. A drip or trickle keeps the water flowing through the pipe.

3. Leave the faucet on throughout the night and when temperatures are below zero.

4. Turn the faucet on to allow a steady flow of water through the pipe every few hours and just before bed to flush the pipe. Return the faucet to a steady drip or trickle.

5. Turn the faucet on to full force in the morning, and allow it to run for several minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Although pipes can freeze any time they are subjected to temperatures below freezing, heat from the home typically prevents pipes from freezing until outside temperatures drop to near or below zero -- unless the pipe is exposed to outside air.

• Insulate pipes from outside air by sealing cracks and crawl spaces and insulating unheated areas in the fall before winter arrives.

• Open doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate during the night when temperatures drop to near or below zero. A small fan or portable heater can be placed in front of the cabinet doors to keep the area warm overnight.

• Wrap pipes with insulation or old towels to prevent freezing when extreme cold weather arrives.

• Do not turn the thermostat in your home down during the night if danger of pipes freezing is eminent. Maintain temperatures inside the home at 68 to 70 degrees as a safety precaution against possible frozen pipes.

• Hot water pipes can freeze in extreme cold -- allow both hot and cold water faucets to drip when temperatures remain below zero.

References

• Montana State University: Prevent Freezing Pipes
• Utah State University Extension: How Do I Prevent Pipes from Freezing?
• American Red Cross: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension: Water Pipes