Winter Storm Preparedness: Drip or Not to Drip?
To drip, or not to drip, that is the question on many Houston-area residents’ minds as the region prepares for the anticipated hard freeze and potential historic snowfall.
Ahead of the winter storm — expected to hit late Monday evening into early Tuesday — Harris County and City of Houston officials provided conflicting advice. County officials recommended that residents leave their pipes dripping to prevent water from freezing inside them, which could cause the pipes to burst when they thaw, while city officials warned that dripping faucets could cause citywide water pressure issues.
Chato Woodard, a local plumbers union representative, said leaving faucets to drip can prevent freezing. "Of course, everybody kind of argues about it — running water, not running water," he said. "I’m a big proponent of letting that water drip if you’re not using it. You use it typically during the day — you wash your hands, go to the restroom, get a drink of water from there. But at night, for a long period of time, typically you don’t run water."
What is the Best Course of Action?
Houston Mayor John Whitmire and a Houston Public Works official said over the weekend that dipping faucets across the city could cause pressure to drop in the city’s water system. "We discourage the leaking of your pipes because it affects water pressure for fire suppression, but wrap your pipes if at all possible," Whitmire said. "And then, of course, you can drip them if you have no other recourse."
City’s Recommendation
Houston Public Works Director Rand Macchi reiterated the mayor’s message, saying that dripping faucets could cause further stress on an already delicate water system. "The reality of the situation is on the best of days in the City of Houston — and the mayor has done a tremendous job of documenting this over the last year — our system is fragile," he said. "There’s still more than 1,00 active water main leaks across the city, so the strain on the pressure that the system can deliver is significant."
Instead of dripping faucets, Macchi recommended that city residents leave the cabinet doors open below the sink to allow warm air to circulate around water pipes. "Take the precautions that you can," he said. "Wrap your pipes on the exterior. Make sure that you open underneath your cabinets so there can be some warm air that gets in there. Generally don’t expect there to be major catastrophes if (residents take) as much precaution as you can."
Additional Tips and Precautions
For homeowners, Macchi said it is also important to know how to turn the water off to your house in the event of a water leak. "Part of that’s also understanding what’s going on at your home," he said. "Make sure you know where your shutoff valve is. If for some reason your home doesn’t have one, (or) you can’t get to it to shut the water off, be sure to call us and we’ll help you to take care of that part of it."
What if the City’s Water Pressure Gets Too Low?
Macchi said that if the city’s water pressure gets too low, the city could be forced to issue a boil water notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I leave my pipes dripping to prevent freezing?
A: The answer depends on your location. If you live in an area where the city provides water service, it’s best to follow the city’s recommendation. If you live in a rural area, you may want to consider dripping your pipes to prevent freezing.
Q: What are the risks of not dripping my pipes?
A: Not dripping your pipes can lead to water pipes freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage to your home and belongings.
Q: What is the city’s recommendation for preventing frozen pipes?
A: The city recommends wrapping your pipes on the exterior and opening cabinet doors below the sink to allow warm air to circulate around water pipes.
Q: What should I do if my pipes freeze?
A: If your pipes freeze, turn off the main water valve and call a plumber to inspect and repair any damage.
