Citizens Take Unique Approach to Frozen Pipes in This Texas City

The City of Houston has sent an announcement advising their citizens to refrain from dripping their faucets overnight... something we have all been told to do for years now.

Mo' Dripping, Mo' Problems

In an X post by Houston Public Works, they remind Houstonians to keep their sink cabinet doors open and their pipes warmed, but they also include a surprising tip.

That's right, they kindly ask that everyone NOT drip their faucets for fear of hurting the water pressure.

I remember being told that if I don't drip my faucets during freezing temperatures outside that the pipes will freeze. Then the pipes will explode and my house will blow up, or something like that.

Houston's post is interesting as well because, according to the American Red Cross, it IS good to drip your faucets. Not only drip, but a steady trickle should do the trick...le.

Red Cross then goes on to provide steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing during cold outdoor temps:

• Keep garage doors closed
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets that house water pipes
• Keep thermostat set to same temp both day and night
• Leave heat on in the house if you plan on leaving for a period of time: no lower than 55 degrees

Other general freezing weather tips include bringing in any outdoor plants and disconnecting any hoses or sprinklers from your yard.

Method to the Madness

Houston does have a reason, however, for their announcement. You see, the city's water supply is run through pump stations instead of suspended water towers.

This means that if millions of homes in Houston all drip their faucets around the same time, then they would have a SEVERE water pressure issue that would surely affect the entire city.