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
Most people here have it mostly right.
Flowing water does freeze slower. What is missing is that the water in your house is under pressure so it sits still, when it begins to freeze the expanding ice stays in place, thus bursting your pipes. When you drip your faucet, you’re giving the place for the ice to expand into.
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