• Here's what homeowners should do when freezing temperatures hit Arizona to protect their pipes.
  • Does dripping a faucet really work to keep pipes from freezing?
  • Best practices to prevent frozen pipes.

When Below-Freezing Temperatures Hit Arizona

Many people move to Arizona to escape the cold weather. While it's true that Arizona doesn't typically experience deep cold the same way they do in Duluth, Minnesota, or Buffalo, New York, many people are surprised to learn that it actually does get cold here.

What to do if your Arizona pipes freeze?
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Despite what national weather maps would have you believe, Phoenix is not the only place in our state - and some parts can get very cold. Depending on where in the state you live, snow and freezing temperatures are not uncommon during the winter months.

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What Should Arizona Homeowner's Do During Freezing Weather?

Parts of Arizona experience cold snaps from time to time. The first time I experienced deep, freezing temperatures, I called my dad for advice. He's lived in states where it freezes regularly in the winter, so I was sure he'd know what to do.

READ: The Top 11 Coldest Places to Spend Winter in Arizona

What to do if your Arizona pipes freeze?
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He told me to leave a faucet slowly dripping before going to sleep. The idea is that the moving water would prevent the pipes from freezing.

Does Leaving a Faucet Dripping Keep Pipes from Freezing?

So, does Dad's advice to leave a faucet dripping work? Yes, it does! Leaving the faucet dripping overnight kept the water moving and helped prevent it from freezing inside the pipes.

When water freezes, it expands, which creates another problem. The expanding ice can cause your pipes to burst, which could lead to thousands of dollars in damage. By keeping a slow drip, you relieve the pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk they'll burst and cause an expensive fix.

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The Right Way to Prevent Freezing Pipes in Arizona

Here are some tips for the best way to prevent burst pipes:

  • Make sure you turn your faucet on a slow drip.
  • Choose the faucet farthest from your home's main water valve. You don't need to leave every faucet dripping—just one or two should do the trick.
  • If your pipes freeze, don't turn the faucet off—this allows the water to leave the pipe when it begins to thaw.
What to do if your Arizona pipes freeze?
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If your home's water supply is on a well, dripping a faucet overnight in freezing temperatures could also help prevent freezing.

READ: The Reason Why Arizona's Winter Could Be Strange This Year

It might not be as effective as homes connected to a municipal water supply, but it still works. If you're not sure if your well can handle it, consider talking to a plumber or expert for specific advice.

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Doesn't Dripping a Faucet Waste Water?

Even though it gets cold in Arizona, we're still in a drought and concerned about wasting water. Dripping faucets can prevent freezing but consider collecting the water in a bucket instead of letting it trickle down the drain. You can use it to water your plants or for cleaning.

Sources: Life Hacker | AZ Central | Phoenix New Times | US Department of Energy

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Stacker compiled a list of counties with the worst droughts in Arizona using data from U.S. Drought Monitor.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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