Unlike the manual drip method, the Freeze Miser is engineered to only release the minimal amount of water to PREVENT faucets from freezing. Its patented design allows the Freeze Miser to sense the internal water temperature and releases water below 37°F/3°C. As the water temperature fluctuates, the Freeze Miser automatically regulates the drip-rate. This fluctuation ensures reliable faucet freeze protection releasing the least amount of water, even in the most extreme freezing conditions.