Running water at night when temperatures are below freezing

Question

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

Answer 1

Hi. This is me, showing up with a frozen cold water line with temps at 11 degrees in Texas. 😬