Running water at night when temperatures are below freezing

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I’ve been told to run the faucet furthest from the water meter at a slow trickle at night to prevent the pipes in our two story home from freezing (it’s about 5 degrees F where I am). Why do they recommend doing this at night only and not during the day—for example, when you’re away at work? If the temperature is below freezing both periods what is the difference? Wouldn’t you want to do this day and night?

In: Physics

22 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Generally most of the pipe is in areas it won’t freeze, but if the water is stagnat the few cold areas can eventually freeze. By running a little bit of water you keep moving relatively warm water through that section of pipe. It’s still possible for pipes to freeze if it gets cold enough, the required tempature is just lower.

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