When water freezes, it expands. This expansion puts pressure on whatever is containing it, whether that’s a pipe in your home or a water main in the street.
If that pressure is too much for the pipe or water main, it can burst. And when pipes burst, it can cause a lot of damage and be expensive to repair.
Here are five reasons why pipes burst in freezing weather:
If your home’s pipes are not properly insulated, they are more likely to freeze when the temperature outside drops. This is because the insulation helps to keep the heat in, and when there is no heat, the pipes are more likely to freeze.
If the water pressure in your home is too high, it can put stress on your pipes and cause them to burst. You can check your water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to an outside faucet.
If your pipes are old or have been damaged, they are more likely to burst when the water inside them freezes. This is because the pipes are not as strong as they used to be and can’t handle the pressure.
If the temperature outside drops suddenly, it can cause the water in your pipes to freeze before you have a chance to insulate them. This is why it’s important to be prepared for cold weather and insulate your pipes before the temperature drops.
If the ground around your home is frozen, it can put pressure on your pipes and cause them to burst. This is because the frozen ground can push up on the pipes and break them.
If your pipes have already burst, it’s important to take care of the problem right away. Here are some tips for dealing with a burst pipe:
The first thing you need to do is turn off the water to your home. This will help prevent any further damage to your home.
After you’ve turned off the water, you need to call a plumber to come and fix the problem. A plumber will be able to repair the pipe and get your water flowing again.
Once the pipe is fixed, you’ll need to clean up any water that was caused by the burst pipe. This may require you to use a wet/dry vacuum or mop up the water.
Once the water is cleaned up, you need to dry out the area as much as possible. This will help prevent any mould or mildew from growing.
After the pipe is fixed and the area is dry, you need to check for any damage that may have been caused by the burst pipe. This includes checking for water damage to your walls, ceiling, or floor.
It's important to know why pipes burst in freezing weather so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to your home. There are a few key reasons why this happens - water expands as it freezes, pipes are more likely to freeze when they're exposed to cold air, and when the water in the pipes freezes, it can create a lot of pressure that can cause the pipes to burst.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your pipes from freezing in the first place, like insulating them and keeping them warm. If you do end up with a frozen pipe, thaw it out slowly and carefully to help prevent it from bursting.
If you need plumbing repair services in Calgary, don’t hesitate to call ERM Plumbing & Heating. Our company was established in 2010 with a simple vision to help people with plumbing and heating problems. Contact us now and get your pipes fixed right away.
