What does it mean when an icicle forms from my outside faucet?

[OKNancy]

Anyone have experience with this? I have an outside faucet that has an icicle from the faucet to the ground. It was 9 degrees yesterday.
Can I expect a busted pipe when it warms up?

Also I've lived in this house 25 years and this has never happened, and it's been colder. My husband checked to make sure that it was completely off, and he said it felt as if it was.

( Hey I googled and couldn't find a thing...so I know on DU at least someone will have an opinion!)

[SoCalDem]

1. Probably not..

We lived in Northern Indiana and never had a frozen/broken pipe.. It hit 20 below (we were 1 mile from Lake Michigan ..the windy side of LM)..

Your faucet probably was just dripping, and that water froze..

Isn't winter grand???

[OKNancy]

2. God, I hope so because

my husband is the biggest worrywort that ever lived. Your explanation seems to be the logical one to me too. That's what I said.

[Dookus]

3. where do you live?

I've lived in NY, where pipes were generally insulated. Never had a problem.

I've lived in California, where pipes are NOT insulated, and a rare freeze can cause havoc.

If you've lived there 25 years, I suspect you're OK.

[OKNancy]

4. LOL

I live in Oklahoma. I've often wondered if people think my screen name means that I'm OK. Not good, or bad, just O.K.

It gets really cold here about once every five years.

[Dookus]

5. LOl....

well I always thought you were OK.... Now I just know where you're from :)

[Loonman]

6. It means it's really cold outside

:)

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. From past *bad* experience, I would make sure you have the

water turned off that leads to your outside spigot. We did blow our pipe in this manner quite some time ago.

Brrrrr. I'm cold too!

Laura :)

[TreasonousBastard]

8. It means there was a slow leak...

and pipes could burst. Or the faucet could. Or maybe not.

Most outside faucets have an inside turnoff. If it has one, turn it off and open the outside faucet so water isn't trapped in there.

The inside stopcock should have a little drain thingy on it if the plumber who installed it wasn't drunk or cheap. Open the thingy and drain the quart or so of water until winter's over.

All of this might be much easier when it warms up a little. Otherwise, judicious use of a propane torch is indicated.