The Real Reason Frozen Pipes Burst in Southbury Homes

12/5/2020 (Permalink)

What Causes Frozen Pipes to Burst?

Most people think that frozen pipes burst because water expands when it freezes. And it is true that water molecules take up more volume than liquid form because they take on a hexagonal form during freezing, However, when water in a pipe expands due to freezing, it expands to the sides, not directly outward.

The real reason why frozen pipes burst is because of the increase in pressure on the side of the pipe where the frozen section is. As there is less space available between the ice and the closed tap that is “upstream,” the pressure spikes—which causes the bursting to happen. 

Thawing of the ice increases the risk of pipes bursting, as it raises the pressure further. This is why most of the calls that we receive occur AFTER the freezing temperatures have subsided and the ice in the pipes has started to melt. 

What Can You Do?

One way to prevent pipes from freezing is by adding insulation on the exposed piping (usually the pipes around the water heater). This will prevent the pipes from losing too much heat to the cold air around them, that they freeze.

If you do encounter frozen pipes at some point this winter, call your local plumber to repair the pipe and call us for immediate water damage restoration.