Plumbing Contractor News

Preventing Pipesicles, Freezing Pipe Water 

Exposed plumbing in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages is most at risk for freezing, according to Andy Kireta, Jr., national program manager for building construction with the Copper Development Association (CDA). Copper tubing, which is used to distribute fresh water in the vast majority of America's homes, can withstand expansion from freezing several times before bursting.

Tests show that water filling a 1/2-inch-diameter annealed copper tube may freeze as many as six times, and 2-inch pipe up to 11 times, without causing damage. However, this does not mean homeowners should allow their water lines to be subjected to freezing.

Plumbing freezes often occur when a home's water supply is inactive -- for example, overnight when people in the house are sleeping, or when everyone is away from home on vacation. The water that is always present in your pipes will freeze when exposed long enough to frigid temperatures. This is bad news for plumbing because extreme cold makes materials brittle and liquid expands when it freezes, a dangerous combination that can cause all types of plumbing tube to crack or burst open, spilling water everywhere.

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	Did You Know?
	Plumbers install piping in a house. Plumbers work from blueprints or drawings that show the planned location of pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. |