SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-c-freeze-drip

In very cold weather, what does the City of Bellevue say to do at a faucet fed by exposed pipes?

Let the cold water drip, since moving water resists freezing.

Start playing free

  1. Let the cold water drip ✔
  2. Close it as tightly as possible
  3. Wrap the faucet in a plastic bag

Why: Running water, even a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing. Outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated attics, garages and crawl spaces are the most vulnerable.

Huh, didn't know that: If you leave home in cold weather, Bellevue says to keep the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees F.

The dad joke
What does Frosty's mom put on her face at night? Cold cream.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Let the cold water drip. Running water, even a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing. Outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated attics, garages and crawl spaces are the most vulnerable.

  1. City of Bellevue: Prevent Frozen Pipes bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/utilities/manage-your-utility-services/water/prevent-frozen-pipes-and-if-one-breaks
    Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes when the weather is very cold outside.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Home & YardA pipe is frozen. Which thawing method does the City of Bellevue recommend?Home & YardWhere does radon rank among causes of lung cancer in the United States?Home & YardAt what radon level does EPA recommend you fix your home?

That's stuff everyone should know.