Reminder, let faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes

By on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

UNION – With winter weather settling back in, various city governments, most recently Union, are asking residents to be mindful of frozen pipes. Though day-time temperatures may still be above freezing in some areas, freezing nighttime temperatures can pose a risk. For Union residents, or anyone concerned about frozen pipes, some preventative measures are:

  • Letting faucets drip or trickle. Keeping cold water moving, especially on faucets connected to exposed pipes, can help prevent freezing.
  • Leaving cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate and reach plumbing.
  • Wrap interior, attic, and crawl-space pipes in insulation.

Other solutions, as recommended by the American Red Cross, include:

  • Using pipe sleeves, heat tape, or similar materials on exposed piping.
  • Opening outside hose bibs to allow water to drain.
  • Keep exterior valves open to allow frozen water to expand without damaging pipes. 
  • Keep the thermostat always set to the same temperature.
  • Set the thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when away from home.

Keep in mind that some cities may offer credit on water usage during extended periods of below freezing temperatures to encourage faucet dripping. The city of North Powder specifically offers residents 10,000 gallons of “freeze credits’ for additional water usage when temperatures are below freezing for 3 consecutive days. Residents should contact their local city government and verify if any form of credit is available to compensate for faucet dripping. Even if credit is not offered, higher water usage is generally cheaper than pipe repairs.