Frozen and Burst Pipes: An Unwelcome Surprise
A pipe can freeze, burst, and inflict expensive property damage with little warning. While some pipes fracture with a loud noise, others can burst and flow for hours before a property owner discovers the problem.
Learning the causes of frozen pipes can head off trouble. Top To Bottom Restoration explains why pipes burst and how a water damage restoration company can help restore the home after a leak.
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The Root Cause: Water's Unusual Properties
Water is a compound of oxygen and hydrogen, and its unusual composition is the cause of burst pipes. Most liquids take up less space as they cool and become increasingly dense as they approach their freezing points and form solids.
Water also takes up less volume as it cools until it reaches 39.1 degrees Fahrenheit. From this temperature, as water continues to cool towards its 32-degree freezing point, it reverses course and expands until it solidifies into ice.
Frozen water (ice) can occupy 9% more volume than liquid water. In an open container, such as an ice cube tray, this volume increase is harmless. When the water in pipes freezes, however, the pressure can cause the pipe to crack or burst.
How and Why Pipes Burst?
Frozen pipes are not limited to the Snowbelt. Cold snaps and insulation shortcomings can freeze a pipe within hours. If ice blocks a pipe section, the trapped water will increase pressure inside the pipe as more ice forms. Pipes can withstand some pressure increases without failing, but enough ice expansion will cause a rupture somewhere in the plumbing assembly.
In rare cases, the rupture may occur at a plumbing joint due to heavy corrosion or a poorly soldered connection.
A lengthwise fracture is common for water damage after a burst pipe.
The pressure inside of a pipe causes stress on the pipe's walls. Engineers break this stress into two components: Longitudinal stress and hoop stress. Longitudinal stress runs parallel to the pipe wall. Hoop stress pushes outward against the cylinder.
Inside a pipe, hoop stress is exactly double longitudinal stress. When internal pressure exceeds equilibrium, a pipe will fail at a right angle to the higher source of stress. That failure is a lengthwise fracture, followed by a flow of water. If the pipe bursts when the water inside is frozen, the leak may not start until the water thaws.
After a Pipe Burst: Steps
Homeowners who notice a burst pipe should shut off the water flow at the structure's main valve to minimize further damage. If the electrical panel remains accessible, switching off power to flooded rooms leads off other hazards.
Next, phone a full-service renovation company. Water damage restoration contractors assess the situation, document the damage for insurance claims, remove the water, and restore the surrounding floors, walls, and belongings.
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Top To Bottom Renovation: Burst Pipe Restoration and More
From its headquarters in Marlow Heights, Maryland, Top To Bottom Renovation now rolls into its third decade of water damage restoration service excellence. Also serving Fort Washington, Maryland, and surrounding communities, the family-owned company provides comprehensive water cleanup, rebuilding, and renovation services.
If your home or business has fire, flood, or water damage, call Top To Bottom Renovation at (866) 746-5826.
