Does One Dripping Faucet Really Prevent Frozen Pipes?

How much value does one dripping faucet have? A lot, if it keeps your home's water pipes from bursting during frigid weather. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during a bout of freezing temperatures, with homeowner claims averaging over $10,000. The cost of a water leak from frozen pipes is even higher for business owners, where claims average about $27,000 but can occasionally be much more!

But can one dripping faucet really save the day? If it's the right one. The dripping faucet should be as far away from the water source as possible so the water will flow through the entire length of the system. If you aren't sure where the incoming water source is located, setting any faucet to drip will help. A common misconception is that the drip prevents water from freezing because it stays in motion when it's running through the pipes. Although this helps, the truth is that at extreme temperatures water can freeze even while it is flowing. The real reason a dripping faucet can help prevent pipes from bursting is that the constant drio
relieves pressure that is building up in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet, and helps to prevent them from bursting when the pipes begin to thaw....more: Click for Details