Knowing exactly when faucets need to drain is far from common knowledge. However, as temperatures remain near freezing on both sides of the Atlantic, this question needs to be answered.
Can you get away with waiting another week – or are your faucets in danger right now? Here, experts reveal exactly when taps should drip – and what the most common dripping mistake is that you should avoid. These bathroom ideas could save your faucets this season.
When to drain faucets – answers to your questions
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
“Frozen pipes become a real threat at -6.6 degrees Celsius or below,” says Jake Romano, a plumber with a plumbing and drain cleaning company in Ottawa. At these temperatures, Jake explains that if the faucet is connected to a pipe, you should drain it.
“When the temperature drops below freezing and a water supply is exposed to these freezing temperatures, the water in the pipe can freeze.” When this happens, the water in the pipe expands. “Without going anywhere, your pipe can expand and break,” he shares.
Similarly, Enoch Heise of Legacy Plumbing, one of the highest rated plumbing companies in the Dallas Metroplex, reiterates Jake’s warning.
Enoch Heise
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Enoch Heise is a professional plumber with Legacy Plumbing, Inc., one of the top-rated plumbing companies in the Dallas Metroplex.
(Image credit: Future)
He adds that he also recommends leaving faucets dripping this time of year — especially if they are on the outside walls of the home. “It’s also a good idea to open the cabinet doors to help circulate warm air near the pipes,” adds Enoch.
What is the most common mistake when the faucet drips?
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
You may now know when to drain faucets, but the tricky part is yet to come. Enoch warns that many people often forget to drip both hot and cold water through the faucet, leaving your pipes exposed at the end of the process.
“This can be more difficult with single-handle faucets like many kitchen faucets.” However, it is critical. “If there is no water flowing through either the hot or cold water pipes, there is no freeze protection for those pipes,” he says.
For the same reason, after planning a bathroom, the plumber adds, you should also remember to “ensure that any toilets on the exterior wall are flushed regularly.”
These large and small bathroom ideas will keep your home flowing throughout the winter season. For now, we’ll keep an eye on the thermometer.
FAQs
Does shutting off the water prevent the pipes from freezing?
Shutting off your home’s main water supply can be an effective step in preventing your pipes from freezing, especially when traveling in cold weather. When the water is turned off, it is also important to drain the pipes by opening the faucets. This removes water that could potentially freeze and cause pipes to burst. Remember that it’s not just about stopping the flow of water, but also about making sure there is no standing water in the pipes that could freeze.
What temperature should my home be so the pipes don’t freeze?
To prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter, it is generally recommended to keep your home’s internal temperature at around 55°F. This is also the ideal temperature to turn on your thermostat while on winter vacation.
This temperature is warm enough to reduce the risk of freezing the pipes in your home, especially those that run through unheated areas such as basements or attics. Maintaining this temperature is key to protecting your pipes during the cold season.
In addition to monitoring your internal plumbing systems, it’s important to learn how to protect an outdoor faucet as well. Outdoor faucets are directly exposed to the elements and can be the first to freeze in the winter. Therefore, it is usually a good idea to cover your outdoor faucet.
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