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

If your house is built within the last 20-30 years you have nothing to worry about. Water lines are no longer allowed to be run in exterior walls, or anywhere else that has a risk of frost.

If your power goes out (no heat) and youre on municipal water (runs without electricity) then yes running it would help to avoid freezing. If you’re on a well that requires electricity that obviously won’t be an option.

But in general, if you have power and your house isn’t old this isn’t something you need to worry about.

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