Over 100 million on alert for dangerous cold — what you need to know about ‘dripping’ your faucets

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Prevent your pipes from bursting even when you sleep

frozen pipe
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

When bad weather hits and temperatures stay low for an extended period, you may have to deal with the frustration and inconvenience of frozen pipes. Not only are you without running water, but there's the added worry that they may burst.

And this weekend looks especially frigid, with 100 million Americans on alert for dangerously cold weather across the East.

Do you need to drip your faucets 24/7?

Dripping faucet in bathroom

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

“During extreme temperatures, it’s a good idea to allow a constant drip from the faucet so water is always flowing"

Chuck Pound, plumbing expert and supervisor at American Home Shield

According to experts, you should keep your faucets on throughout the day and night.

“During extreme temperatures, it’s a good idea to allow a constant drip from the faucet so water is always flowing," explains Chuck Pound, plumbing expert and supervisor at American Home Shield.

"This keeps water moving in your pipes and prevents pressure from building up; reducing the risk of frozen —or even burst pipes.”

While it may seem tempting to turn the faucets off when you turn in for the night, especially if the annoying dripping sound keeps you awake, his advice is to leave the taps dripping where possible.

Should every faucet be turned on?

The good news is that you don’t need to keep every faucet turned on to relieve pressure on your pipes. Instead, you should focus on specific areas of your home.

“Particular attention should be paid to faucets with piping on exterior walls, and fixtures furthest away from the shut-off valve on your main water waterline,” advises Pound.

He also recommends being able to locate and identify your home’s main water shut-off valve in case of emergencies.

How much of a drip is enough?

Man turning off bathroom faucet

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

While you don’t need to fully open your faucets, you might be wondering how much is enough for it to make a difference without wasting water. Luckily, according to Pound, you won't have to make a big splash. “You want a fast drip — about 1 to 3 seconds apart,” says Pound.

However, depending on weather severity, this amount may increase. “When there is an extreme, deep freeze, increasing to a small thin stream of water is ideal,” Pound advises.

When do you need to drip your faucets?

Monitor the weather forecast to check when the temperature starts to drop. A warning sign that your pipes are at risk of freezing is when the temperature reaches 32°F.

But Chuck recommends taking action when it drops lower. “Plan to drip your faucets when the forecast calls for temperatures to drop into the 20s or to be below freezing for long periods of time, for example, longer than a few hours.”

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Camilla Sharman
Camilla Sharman
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. 


Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.


Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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