How Often to Run Water So Pipes Don't Freeze: Home Preparation and Prevention

Running water through your pipes can be a lifesaver during freezing temperatures, but how often should you do it? A good rule of thumb is to let cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.

This can help prevent pipes from freezing, but it's essential to know how much water to let drip. According to experts, a slow drip of about 1 gallon per hour is sufficient.

If you're away from home for an extended period, you might want to consider letting water run through the pipes for a few hours before you leave. This can help ensure the pipes don't freeze and burst while you're away.

A good time to let water run is during the coldest part of the night, typically between 4 and 8 am.

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Dripping faucets can be a simple yet effective way to prevent pipes from freezing.

Let the water drip on very cold days, specifically when the temperature hovers around or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius).

It's essential to focus on pipes located in unheated areas like attics, garages, basements, or crawl spaces, as they're more prone to freezing.

Drain and store outdoor hoses, and secure any exposed water supply lines in unheated areas both inside and outside.

Allowing a faucet to drip from an exposed pipe can help relieve pressure that's building up in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet.

A common misconception is that the drip prevents water from freezing because it stays in motion when it's running through the pipes.

The real reason a dripping faucet can help prevent pipes from bursting is that it helps to prevent them from bursting when the pipes begin to thaw.

You can leave your kitchen and bathroom cabinets open so the warm air in your home can get to the plumbing, but be sure to remove stored chemicals first.

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To prepare your home for freezing temperatures, let water drip from a faucet to help prevent pipes from freezing. Run water is the best advice plumbers can give.

Insulate exposed piping, close up crawl spaces, and seal any vents in your crawl spaces to keep your pipes safe. This will help prevent pipes from freezing inside your home.

Leaving cabinet doors open in your kitchen and bathroom will help warmer air surround the pipes and prevent freezing. This is a simple yet effective way to keep your pipes safe.

Make sure to disconnect your hose before freezing temperatures arrive to prevent frozen hose spigots. Frozen spigots can leak inside the house when you try to use them for the first time.

Having ice melt on hand is a good idea, especially if you have guests coming over during the holidays. This will help you keep your walkways and driveways clear of ice and snow.

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Pipes can start to freeze at 20°F, which is the temperature alert threshold noted by Farm Bureau Insurance, and in some cases, pipes may even burst at this temperature.

If your pipes are exposed to cold air or not insulated, they can still freeze even if the temperature is above 20°F, and dripping your faucets won't necessarily prevent this from happening.

Farm Bureau Insurance's threshold of 20°F is a good guideline to keep in mind when protecting your pipes from freezing, but it's essential to take additional precautions to prevent pipes from freezing in the first place.

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