When water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the walls of the pipes. If this pressure becomes too great, it can cause cracks or even burst pipes in winter.
When temperatures drop below 0°C, stagnant water in the pipes begins to cool gradually until it starts to become solid. Due to the cold, ice crystals first form on the inner edges of the pipes and gradually move toward the center, increasingly narrowing the available space in the pipeline. Soon, all the water can turn into a completely frozen mass, creating a total blockage. And that's when the real problems begin.
When water freezes, it turns into ice and takes up more volume than in its liquid state. In fact, freezing water can take up to about 9% more volume. This phenomenon is explained by the way molecules reorganize when freezing: they arrange themselves in a crystal structure, which simply takes up more space. The problem is that in closed pipes, the frozen water doesn’t have enough room for its expansion, so it ends up exerting a lot of pressure on the walls. The result? It can ultimately break or even completely burst the pipes.
When water freezes in a closed pipe, it quickly pushes the liquid water towards the un-frozen parts of the pipe. This movement creates a sudden increase in pressure. If the pressure becomes too high, it pushes from the inside against the walls of the pipe. As most household pipes are not designed to withstand such internal pressure, they can crack or burst. Even strong pipes can break if the internal pressure exceeds their limit, especially if they already have defects or weakened areas. That’s why sometimes you find your pipes in pieces after a freezing night.
A main factor is the lack of thermal insulation of the pipes. If your pipes are located in unheated or poorly heated areas like basements, garages, or attics, they will naturally be more sensitive to the cold. The quality of the material used also plays a role: copper or plastic each have different resistances to freezing and sudden temperature changes. The aging of the pipes is also to be considered. An aging or already weakened pipe is somewhat like a worn-out string: easier to break under pressure. Not to mention the prolonged immobility of water, for instance when you go on vacation: stagnant water in the pipes cools down faster, which increases the risk of ice formation.
Burst pipes in winter are not just a minor leak. They often cause flooding in your home, with water soaking everything: floors, walls, furniture, and you can quickly end up with a hefty bill for repairs and replacements. And water in the walls is not just inconvenient—it also leads to humidity issues, unpleasant mold that is really bad for health, and downright unpleasant odors. Another problem is the electrical risk, because water and electrical systems definitely do not mix well. A burst pipe that is not repaired quickly also opens the door to more serious structural damage, like weakening walls or ceilings, which will need to be fixed seriously and at great expense. Not to mention the inflated water bill that follows. In short, it’s a concern that can be costly, both in time and money.
Some materials, such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), offer better resistance to negative temperatures and are therefore less likely to crack in the event of freezing compared to traditional metals like copper or steel.
After an extreme cold episode, it may happen that burst pipes only release their water when the frost starts to thaw: it is therefore important to regularly monitor your installations even after the thaw has returned.
Frozen water expands by about 9% in volume compared to its usual liquid state. This seemingly minor expansion is enough to generate extreme pressure that can crack or break pipes.
Insulating your pipes with foam insulation significantly reduces the risk of bursting during freezing periods, while also minimizing energy loss associated with heating domestic hot water.
Yes, some materials are more sensitive than others. For example, copper or steel pipes, while sturdy, can burst more easily in freezing conditions because they expand very little. In contrast, plastic pipes like PEX are more flexible and can withstand a certain amount of expansion without bursting immediately, although the risk remains over the long term.
It depends on your home insurance policy. Many insurance plans include coverage for water damage caused by freezing. However, it is generally required that you have taken reasonable precautions to prevent these incidents. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific terms with your insurer.
To prevent pipe freezing, make sure to properly insulate your pipes, especially in unheated areas such as the basement, attic, or garage. You can also let the water drip slightly during extremely cold weather to prevent complete freezing, maintain minimal heating in case of prolonged absence, and shut off the water supply to reduce risks.
In case of a frozen pipe, it is important to act quickly: turn off the water at the meter to limit potential damage, then gently try to warm the frozen pipe using a hairdryer or warm towels. Caution: never use an open flame or any intense heat source that could damage the pipes!
You may suspect a freezing of the pipes if you notice a reduced or nonexistent water flow at the taps or if you observe abnormally low pressure. Sometimes, unusual noises, strange odors coming from the pipes, or visible signs of frost can also be indicative.
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