Experts Say This One Simple Step Will Keep Your Pipes from Freezing All Winter

Now that Phil has seen his shadow, it’s time to prepare for a long winter. While you’re busy preparing for cold weather, don’t forget to protect your home’s plumbing from freezing temperatures—especially if you’re planning on jetting somewhere warmer for a while.

We spoke with Joseph Wade, VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, for expert advice on preventing your pipes from freezing over during winter. Here, he identifies the most important measure that is simple and crucial for preventing damage.

Leave Your Faucet Dripping During Freezing Temps

“When outdoor temperatures fall below freezing (32°F), the water inside your home’s pipes can freeze,” Wade says. “As water turns to ice, it expands, which can put a lot of pressure on the pipe and cause it to burst– leading to costly water damage. Letting water run just a little bit keeps it moving, and moving water is much less likely to freeze solid.”

According to Wade, even a small amount of water flowing through your pipes is enough to prevent them from freezing. He adds that running water can help prevent ice from forming on your pipes and relieve the pressure that can cause frozen pipes to burst.

How Much Water Needs to Come Out?

“You don’t need a strong flow, just a slow and steady drip or a very thin stream about as thick as a pencil lead is enough,” Wade says. Turning your faucets on full force is unnecessary, especially if you’re facing prolonged freezing weather. 

It is true that you’ll be using up a small amount of water with this method—though it’s not really a waste, given the alternative.

“Although this method requires additional water usage, it’s a small price to pay for preventing water damage from freezing,” Wade reminds us.

Temperature

“Most plumbers recommend starting the drip when the outside temperature is expected to fall below about 20°F (or any time it stays below freezing for several hours),” Wade says. He adds that, if your home’s insulation is poor, you should consider turning on your faucets earlier to guarantee that your pipes don’t go cold too fast. 

Leaving Your Faucets on During Vacation

If you’re planning on heading somewhere warmer for the winter, we don't blame you. Just make sure to turn your faucets on before you leave. Wade warns that if you plan to vacation when freezing temperatures are forecast at home, you should leave your water running. 

He flags this as especially important if you lower your thermostat to save energy (55°F or higher is recommended),” Wade adds, noting that it’s important to keep your home’s temperature above freezing when you’re away.

Other Helpful Tips

In addition to turning on your faucet, Wade has a few other recommendations to help you prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter. He advises maintaining a minimum temperature of 55°F. Wade also recommends insulating any exposed pipes to protect them from the cold; he recommends wrapping them in foam insulation sleeves. 

Wade adds that it’s also important to keep your cabinets open during cold temperatures. This allows warm air to flow into the cabinet, preventing your pipes from freezing. 

The last two steps are to check your outdoor hoses and have your furnace serviced. “Remove outdoor hoses and drain the exterior spigots so water doesn’t get trapped and freeze,” Wade advises. “Get your furnace or heater serviced before winter sets in. Make sure it’s in good working condition to diminish any chance of a breakdown during a long, cold winter night.”

When in doubt, always call in the professionals, especially if you feel your pipes are frozen. Getting a quick checkup could prevent your pipes from bursting later on.