Have you ever wondered why pipes burst during winter? Here are some things you should know.
The winter months bring bad news for exposed pipes. Low temperatures can make your pipes burst, resulting in water damage and mold growth. If you delve deep into the subject, you will realize that freezing temperatures and expansion of water molecules are the main causes behind bursting pipes.
Let’s discuss in detail why pipes burst during the winter months.
Pressure Buildup
The drop in temperature causes the water in the pipes to freeze. With time, the frozen water starts to expand, and occupies all the possible space within the pipe. When there is no space left, the water starts gravitating towards the faucet. Eventually, the water will have no other place to go, and the pipe will reach its full capacity. If the pressure continues to build, a time will come when there will be no more room for water to expand and the pipes will crack and eventually, burst.
Expansion of Water Molecules
Just because it is available in abundance, we tend to take water for granted. However, water is capable of doing great things. You may not know this, but when water is in its liquid state, each and every one of its molecule is in constant motion. Therefore, there is very little space between them. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that molecules of water tend to be huddled together. The drop in temperature results in a drastic change in these molecules. The bonds between these molecules become even stronger. As a result, the movement of these molecules gets restricted, which further results in the creation of a more defined structure. Now, the molecules are no longer in motion. Instead, they take the form of a crystalline structure, the shape of which is that of a hexagon. When the molecules are in the process of turning into a crystalline hexagon, they need they need ample space between them. Hence, because of the expansion of molecules, the pressure starts to increase, which causes the pipe to burst.
Ways to Prevent Pipe Bursts
Here is what you need to do in order to prevent bursting pipes:
- Allow your water faucets to continue dripping. The dripping of the faucets keeps the water moving. Moving water doesn’t freeze very easily, and a trickle keeps pipes from bursting in winter.
- Make sure the pipes are perfectly insulated. To insulate your pipes, use a heat tape or foam. These suppliesare easily available at home improvement stores.
- Open the cabinets under your sink to allow warm air to surround the pipes.
- Water pipes should be inspected for cracks and holes, especially at the onset of winter.
If you face water damage, contact S.T.O.P, a reliable home restoration company that serves in North Las Vegas, East Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and many other areas.
