Leaving faucets dripping during freezing weather can help prevent pipes from bursting
When temperatures drop, the water in your pipes can freeze and lead to a burst pipe. But you may be able to prevent that by allowing water to drip from your faucets.
If there are freezing temperatures outside, the American Red Cross says you should let cold water drip from faucets. Water running through your pipes, even at a slow trickle, can help prevent them from freezing, the Red Cross says.
Water expands when it freezes. If the water inside of a pipe freezes, it can block part or all of the flow of water within the pipe, causing the pressure to increase, which in turn could cause the pipe to burst.
You should allow cold water to drip rather than warm water, since your cold water supply is far more likely to freeze than your hot water supply. Additionally, if you know the location of the faucet farthest from your main water supply, you should drip that one. That faucet will get water moving all the way through your home, allowing you to limit the faucets you drip to just the one, according to Mississippi State University. Faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls and uninsulated areas, such as an attic, should also be priorities for dripping.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3jgdCtf
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If there are freezing temperatures outside, the American Red Cross says you should let cold water drip from faucets. Water running through your pipes, even at a slow trickle, can help prevent them from freezing, the Red Cross says.
Water expands when it freezes. If the water inside of a pipe freezes, it can block part or all of the flow of water within the pipe, causing the pressure to increase, which in turn could cause the pipe to burst.
You should allow cold water to drip rather than warm water, since your cold water supply is far more likely to freeze than your hot water supply. Additionally, if you know the location of the faucet farthest from your main water supply, you should drip that one. That faucet will get water moving all the way through your home, allowing you to limit the faucets you drip to just the one, according to Mississippi State University. Faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls and uninsulated areas, such as an attic, should also be priorities for dripping.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3jgdCtf
------------------------------
At VERIFY, we're answering your questions about what's true and false. Visit our website at verifythis.com
If you've seen a viral claim online and you're not sure whether it's true, let us know! Email questions@verifythis.com or text us at 202-410-8808.
Find us on social @verifythis.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verifythis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VerifyThis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verifythis/
