During the winter season the pipes tend to freeze, making it a bit difficult to have drinking water, however There is a theory that leaving taps dripping in winter prevents pipes from bursting due to freezing. and we tell you if it’s true.
According to NationWide Insurance, frozen pipes can not only prevent water from flowing, but can lead to bigger problems. by causing them to explode and thereby cause flooding in homes.
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Do the water pipes burst if the water freezes during the winter storm?
The American Red Cross points out that there is a chance of this happening, since water can expand as it freezes, putting pressure on any material that contains it, including metal or plastic pipes.
“No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to burst“,
points out the Red Cross.
Beyond the winter storm, everything will depend on the temperature, but we will explain this a little later.
Could leaving the faucets dripping save the water pipe?
According to various sources, including the American Red Cross and Mississippi State University, among others, leaving faucets dripping can prevent pipes from bursting.
The american red cross emphasizes that in addition, add heat to section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or using towels soaked in hot water can help defrost and restore pressure.
Should you drip hot or cold water to prevent freezing and why?
For this procedure to work, the dripping water from the faucet must be coldas it is more likely to freeze than warm water.
According to the american red cross, if temperatures outside the home are below freezing, cold water should be allowed to drip because flowing water, even if it is a slow trickle, can prevent pipes from freezing.
At what temperature does water in pipes freeze?
The University of Illinois Building Research Council notes that a freeze event in home water pipes can occur around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To take preventive measures, dripping faucets should be considered if temperatures are below freezing: 32 degrees Fahrenheit the least.
What other method is there to prevent pipe freezing?
The American Red Cross recommends protecting the pipes before the arrival of cold weather with some measuresas:
- Drain water from pools and supply lines of the water sprinklers.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoorsclose the internal valves that feed the taps from the external hoses.
- Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. The insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Search the house for areas where water supply lines are located in unheated zonessuch as in the garage, under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide added protection against freezing.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipessuch as a pipe sleeve, thermal tape, thermal cable or similar materials.