Should You Let Your Faucets Drip in Freezing Temperatures?
Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)
When temperatures drop in the winter months, there are a few things to consider in the household. One of these tasks is deciding whether – as recommended – you should let the faucets drip when it gets colder. But what if the temperature drops below freezing? The short answer from the Red Cross is: Yes, because letting the faucets drip in the winter months prevents the pipes from freezing. Even though dripping faucets can slightly increase the water bill, much higher costs loom if a pipe bursts. Your pipes can freeze and burst at temperatures of about -6°C or below. However, if the pipes are exposed to colder air or have not been well insulated, this can even happen at higher temperatures. Signs that your water lines are frozen can include no water coming out of the faucet, or frost or ice forming on visible pipes. Other indications of frozen pipes may include a strong odor from the drains, unusual noises from the pipes, or signs of water damage in the house. If your pipes are frozen but not burst, all is not lost, as you can thaw them with a hairdryer; just be sure not to stand in water while doing so.