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at what temperature should you drip your fauc...

You generally want to start dripping your faucets when the outdoor temperature is expected to drop to around 20°F (about −6°C) or lower for several hours, especially overnight, to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

Key temperature guidelines

  • Many plumbing and home‑protection guides suggest starting a drip when forecasts call for about 20°F or below for at least 3 hours, particularly if the house has any vulnerable plumbing.
  • Some sources recommend being more cautious and beginning a light drip as temperatures approach 32°F (0°C) in homes with poor insulation, older pipes, or pipes in exterior walls or unheated areas.
  • If temperatures head toward 0°F (−18°C) or below, increasing the drip to a small but steady trickle offers more protection.

A simple way to think about it:
If it’s dipping below freezing and your pipes are in cold spots, be cautious; if it’s dropping near 20°F or below, treat it as “drip for safety” weather.

How much to drip

  • A slight stream is enough—often described as:
    • “One drop every few seconds”
* “Five to ten droplets per minute”

* “About one to two drips per second” when it’s very cold.
  • Your water utility or local plumber may suggest a stronger flow (like a narrow 1/4‑inch stream) in extreme cold or in very freeze‑prone homes.

Which faucets to drip

  • Prioritize the faucet farthest from where the water enters your home so water moves through the longest stretch of piping.
  • Pay special attention to:
    • Faucets on exterior walls
    • Fixtures above unheated spaces (garages, crawl spaces, basements, attics)
    • Any bathroom or kitchen that has frozen before.

Extra freeze‑prevention steps

Alongside dripping, you can greatly cut risk with a few extra habits:

  1. Keep indoor heat steady
    • Try not to let your home drop much below about 55°F (13°C), even at night or when you’re away in winter.
  1. Open cabinets
    • Open under‑sink cabinet doors so warm room air can reach the pipes.
  1. Protect outdoor spigots
    • Disconnect hoses, drain lines, and use insulated covers on outside faucets instead of leaving them running.
  1. Add insulation where you can
    • Foam pipe sleeves or heat tape on exposed or draft‑prone pipes are strong long‑term protections.

TL;DR:

  • Start a light drip when it’s near or below freezing if your home is prone to frozen pipes , and almost always drip when the forecast shows around 20°F (−6°C) or colder for several hours.
  • Use a small, steady drip, focus on the most vulnerable faucets, and pair this with basic insulation and indoor heating to protect your plumbing. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.