Watch A Scientist SHOW Why You Should Let Your Pipes Drip In The Cold

January 29, 2026

When temperatures drop, frozen pipes can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare — and this video demonstrates exactly why.

Scientist Carl Nelson shows, live on air, what happens when water inside metal pipes freezes. Using a hands-on experiment, he reveals how ice expands and can burst even strong pipes.

The demonstration goes spectacularly — and almost too well — when a cast iron elbow snaps in half, surprising Nelson and his co-host.

It’s a dramatic (and slightly terrifying) reminder: during very cold weather, letting your pipes drip isn’t just advice — it’s essential.