Why do pipes burst when they freeze?

 

Here is the scientific explanation for these burst pipes, along with some advice on how to avoid them in the future.

When winter temperatures drop below freezing, there is a significant risk of water pipes bursting due to expansion. But why do pipes that have been frozen burst open?

The straightforward response to this question is that the transformation of liquid water into solid ice causes the water to expand, which results in the solid ice filling a greater volume than the liquid water that was previously flowing through the pipes. This ice builds up pressure inside the pipes, leading to a burst if left unchecked.

According to John Galeotafiore, an associate director of product testing at Consumer Reports who has a background in engineering and told Live Science that he has a background in engineering, "If there's no relief, ice is just going to burst a pipe." His organization publishes recommendations for home maintenance on topics such as the safety of pipes.
"I've seen copper pipes that burst," Galeotafiore said, adding that bursting can be just as much of a result of a faulty fitting as it can be due to a weak area in the pipe itself. Additionally, plastic piping is susceptible to corrosion, particularly as the material ages.
"I've overheard a few people say things like, "Well, I have PVC or PEX plastic plumbing." However, while this may delay the onset of problems for a short time, it is not a viable solution, according to Galalotafiore.

When water is allowed to freeze, its molecules crystallize into an open hexagonal arrangement. This structure takes up more space than when the molecules are in their liquid form, indicating that the water molecules expand when the water freezes.

Because the ice is expanding, it is forcing the liquid water towards the faucet that is closed. Because of this, a tremendous amount of water pressure builds up between the ice blockage and the faucet; eventually, the pipe bursts due to the pressure, typically at a point where there is little or no ice.

Because the pressure is not high enough, the pipe sections upstream of the ice clog in question are typically not in danger of rupturing. In this scenario, the water is not being prevented from returning to its source because there is no obstruction in its path.

The likelihood of a pipe bursting is increased when the pipe is positioned in an exposed location, such as one that is not insulated by the building or one that is in an unheated internal space such as a basement, attic, or crawl space. Mobile homes and cottages with three seasons are also at risk since their walls are thin and have little or no insulation. Galeotafiore recommends flushing out your plumbing systems before winter to limit the chance of damage to your property.

The average temperature at which danger begins to present itself is approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 7 degrees Celsius). According to Galeotafiore, some warning signals to look out for include water not flowing at all or water running more slowly than usual. This is a significant indicator that the pipes are beginning to freeze.

It is possible to stop these potentially dangerous pipes from bursting by either warming them up or insulating them with fibreglass or foam sleeves. In addition, maintaining an open faucet and allowing water to drip out of it will assist in preventing the water pressure from rising to levels that could be hazardous. Additionally, Galeotafiore recommends that people go up into their attics or crawlspaces when it is bright outside and fix any holes in the walls that allow light to enter.

However, if additional insulation is required, you should contact a professional because there may be safety concerns or other issues associated with installing significant amounts of contemporary insulation in a house all at once. Be especially cautious if the insulation in your home is made of asbestos, which can lead to serious health problems if disturbed incorrectly and needs to be handled carefully by trained professionals.

Suppose you will be gone from the house for more than a day. In that case, Galeotafiore recommends keeping the temperature inside the house at no less than 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) to lessen the likelihood of the pipes freezing. Additionally, if you can do so, turn off the water supply where it originates. Even though heating costs a lot of money, he said, "Don't worry about the cost savings; it's going to be much less expensive than dealing with a burst pipe."

Here are a few actions you can take before contacting a plumber if the worst-case scenario occurs and you have a clogged or busted pipe. Suppose the pipe is in a cabinet underneath a sink in the kitchen or bathroom. In that case, you can try opening the doors to expose the pipe to the heat in your home by moving the cabinet's location. After turning off the main water supply for a few minutes, try running a hairdryer down the portion of the pipe that is the coldest to break up the ice. When you are done, Galeotafiore strongly recommends that you slowly turn the principal back on so that you can verify that there are no leaks.

If the pipe has broken and flooded an area, Galeotafiore advised that you should never step into the standing water since there is no way to ensure that your footing is safe or that you will remain safe from the possibility of receiving an electrical shock. That is something that has to be handled by an expert. Only turn off the water supply if you can do so without putting yourself in danger by entering the flooded area; otherwise, call a plumber to take care of the problem.

Galeotafiore added that property owners, regardless of whether they are renting or buying a home, should always be aware of the age of the pipes, the type of pipes, and the health of the pipes as soon as possible before or after moving in—and they should stay on top of maintenance. This is the case even if the pipes are in good condition. According to him, knowing about plumbing is one of the most important things to do, along with knowing about roofing, electrical systems, heating systems, and windows.

Repiping a home may be extremely time-consuming and expensive, costing several thousand dollars and requiring several days to complete. After the plumbing has been repaired, your walls must be replastered and painted before they are finished. However, that expenditure will go a long way toward protecting against future breaches and ice risk. If you're fortunate, the operation might be covered by your insurance. Check with your insurer beforehand.

 

 

 

Article source :  https://www.livescience.com/43408-why-do-freezing-pipes-burst.html

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