Should I Drip My Faucets In Freezing Weather?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You live in a region where temperatures regularly drop below 20°F (-6°C) and your home has older, uninsulated copper pipes in exterior walls. A slow drip can keep water moving and reduce the chance of a burst.
• Good fit: You are staying away from a vacant property for several days during a cold snap and have no heat‑pump backup. Leaving a faucet dripping is a simple, low‑tech safeguard while you arrange for temporary heating.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Your utility bill is already high, the water source is scarce, or you live in a drought‑prone area. The extra water usage may outweigh the risk mitigation.
• Warning sign: Your home uses modern PEX or CPVC piping that is properly insulated and your furnace maintains interior temperatures above freezing; a drip may be unnecessary and wasteful.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Preventing pipe bursts can save thousands of dollars in repairs and avoid water damage to your home.
• A drip requires no special equipment and can be started quickly by anyone.

Cons

• Continuous water flow increases your water bill and, in severe cold, can lead to ice buildup around the faucet if not monitored.
• It does not address underlying insulation problems; you may still be vulnerable if the temperature drops suddenly.

Decision Checklist

• Is the outside temperature expected to stay below the freezing point for more than 24‑48 hours?
• Are your pipes exposed, uninsulated, or known to be prone to freezing?
• Do you have a way to monitor the faucet and shut it off if ice begins to form?

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of dripping, you can improve pipe insulation, seal drafts around exterior walls, install heat tape on vulnerable sections, or keep your home’s thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C). For short cold periods, opening cabinet doors under sinks can allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

Final Recommendation

If you have old, uninsulated pipes in a climate that regularly dips below 20°F and you lack reliable heating backup, a controlled drip is a practical short‑term safeguard. In well‑insulated homes, newer piping systems, or areas with moderate cold, focus on insulation and heating solutions instead. When in doubt, consult a licensed plumber or local building authority to assess your specific situation.