How Many Faucets Should You Leave Dripping?

Preventing pipes from freezing during cold weather is a common concern for homeowners. One popular recommended method is to let faucets drip. However, questions often arise about how many faucets should be left dripping and how to do it correctly. 

In this article, you’ll find clear, straightforward answers to these questions. This guide will make sure that your home's plumbing remains safe during freezing temperatures.

How Many Faucets Should You Leave Dripping?

The general rule is to allow one faucet to drip. It should be the one farthest from where water enters your home. This strategy will make sure that water moves through the entire plumbing system. Thus, it will reduce the risk of freezing. 

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If you're not sure about the location of your main water line, you must let all faucets drip. This may increase your water bill slightly. But, it's a preventive measure against the costly repairs you may end up with burst pipes. 

More About Faucets Dripping

Understanding the specifics of how and when to let those faucets drip can further protect your plumbing.

When to Drip Faucets?

It's crucial to let faucets drip when temperatures drop to the pipes' freezing temperature. But at what temperature do pipes freeze exactly? Water freezes at 32°F (0°C), but most home pipes don’t freeze until the temperature drops to around 20°F (-6°C). 

Dripping faucets help prevent ice blockages, which can lead to burst pipes. Pipes in unheated areas like attics, garages, basements, or crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to freezing. Therefore, during such cold spells, letting faucets drip can help prevent damage. 

One of the most common places homeowners forget to let water drip is the bathroom. A dripping bathroom faucet can prevent pipes in bathroom sinks and showers from freezing. Bathroom pipes are often located along exterior walls. So they are more vulnerable to cold weather.

How Much to Let a Faucet Drip?

A slow drip faucet is sufficient to prevent freezing. Always aim for a steady drip. This should be approximately one drop per second. This minimal flow keeps water moving. Thus, it reduces the likelihood of freezing. 

How to Drip Faucets Correctly?

1. Choose the faucet that is farthest from your main water supply. If you’re not sure, dripping faucets in more than one area is the best way to do this.
2. Open both hot and cold water lines slightly. This prevents both lines from freezing.
3. If you have an outdoor faucet, installing an outdoor faucet protector helps shield it from freezing temperatures. Wrapping outdoor spigots with an outdoor faucet cover for winter provides extra insulation.
4. Many homeowners focus on bathrooms but forget about kitchen faucets. Letting the kitchen faucet drip prevents the pipes under the sink from freezing. This is especially true if the sink is installed against an exterior wall. 
5. Maintain the faucet drip until temperatures rise above freezing. This continuous flow is crucial during long periods of cold temperatures. 

How Much Water To Drip from a Faucet?

A minimal amount of water is all you need to prevent freezing. A slow drip faucet, roughly one drop per second, is enough. This small flow is effective in keeping the water moving. Thus, it can prevent ice formation. 

Final Thought

Letting faucets drip during freezing temperatures is a simple but effective method to prevent pipes from freezing temperatures and bursting. You must understand when to drip faucets and how to implement this practice correctly. Only then can you safeguard your home's plumbing system during cold weather.

Faucet quality plays a major role in dripping faucets. It can prevent unnecessary leaks and provide proper water flow. Residence Supply offers premium-quality faucets for kitchens and bathrooms. Explore our collection and find the best faucets for your home.