Why Do Water Pipes Burst?

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Why Do Water Pipes Burst?

No one wants to deal with the damages, expenses, and messes caused by burst water pipes.  What causes these pipes to burst during the colder months? The basic answer is that the water coming into your house from the outside is much colder than it was during the summer months.  The cold water causes your pipes to contract and in weaker parts, can cause the pipe to burst. This happens because the pipe becomes unable to withhold the water pressures inside it. The freezing temperature of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The pipes inside your home, however, are protected from exterior freezing temperatures through your home's insulation. What this means is that on days where it is 32 degrees outside, it does not necessarily mean that your pipes will freeze.  Typically, your home's pipes begin to freeze when the outside temperature is at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  

How Long Does It Take For Pipes to Freeze and Burst?

As a general rule of thumb, in order for your home's water pipes to freeze, the outside temperature needs to be below 20 degrees for a total of at least six consecutive hours. How long it will take for your pipes to freeze and burst also depends on your home's insulation, and how deep inside your home your water pipes are located.  For example, if you live in a area that usually does not suffer from cold winters, chances are that your water pipes do not have that much insulation to protect them from extreme temperatures.  In such cases, the time that it may take for your pipes to freeze and burst may in fact be lower.

Precautions You Can Take To Prevent Your Water Pipes Bursting:

There are no practical ways of heating the ground temperature around your home, so stopping the contraction caused by the cold water is not something you can control.  While we can't stop the leaks caused by temperature drops, there are things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here is a list of eight things that you can do to avoid water pipe bursts:

1. Keep Water Faucets Running

If it is extremely cold outside, always keep one or two faucets running slowly. Water moving through the system should prevent the line from freezing.

2. Direct Warm Air To Cold Areas Of Your Home

Often, the pipes that freeze are located near an outside wall or a window, so be sure to direct warm air to any colder areas of your home. 

3. Leave Your Cabinet Doors Open

If your kitchen sink is on an outside wall, be sure to leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air into the cabinet. This is one of the best ways to prevent burst sink pipes.  

4. Disconnect Your Hose From The Outside Faucet

Be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet. If you leave your hose connected, water is not able to drain out of your hose bib and will freeze and break the device.

5. Install Heat Tape

There is a product called heat tape that can be installed and will warm pipes as needed during cold weather. While you could do this yourself, you may want to consult with a plumber to learn some best practices.

6. Seal Leaks That Allow Cold Air Into Your Home

Seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

7. Check Your Home's Temperature

Prevent temperatures from dropping below 32 degrees in any area of your home where water lines are located.

Implementing the above measures will help prevent your water pipes from bursting.  Should you unfortunately experience a broken pipe, SERVPRO of Champaign / Urbana is here to help!  Our highly trained and experienced staff is ready to spring into action 24/7 to serve you.  Call one of our friendly staff today at 217-355-0077.  MM