Why do pipes burst at an extremely low temperature?

Answer 1

When water freezes it expands, as opposed to practically all other liquids. (For this reason ice fortunately forms on the TOP of ponds and lakes.) The expansion causes pressure to build up that could eventually burst the pipe. However, most water pipes burst because, as the ice builds up in the direction of the pipe, the water pressure continues to build up downstream from the growing volume of ice, that is between the ice and the faucet's. (Water pressure does not appreciably increase upstream as there is much more water on this side.) This enormous buildup of pressure can eventually cause the strongest of pipes to burst. It is a good idea to leave a faucet dripping if the pipe leading to it is in danger of freezing. Not only does this significantly reduce the chance of the water freezing in the pipe, but it keeps the water pressure from building up to dangerous levels that can cause bursting.

Answer 2

Pipes burst at extremely low temperatures because water inside the pipes freezes and expands, increasing pressure. If the pressure becomes too high, the pipe may crack or burst. This is more likely to happen in uninsulated or exposed pipes.

Answer 3

Although I am unsure of the exact time it takes for pipes to freeze, due to a variety of possible temps., pipes, water temp, etc., I know on a day that is far below freezing you should leave the water in your faucets running a small amount to avoid freeze.

ANS 2 - If you are in any danger of pipes being frozen, there are now many ways to avoid this. Insulation around exposed or unprotected pipes is the easiest if you can get at all the pipes. In my area pipes freeze often. -I protect against this by extensive use of electrical 'heat tape' . I live in a mobile home and have a 3 ft high crawlspace, so I wrapped 'heat tape' all around my incoming water pipe. This tape carries a thermostat, and comes on at 1 degree C, giving a very small amount of heat to the pipe, keeping it from freezing. These tapes are available in all Plumbing stores and most big box stores including HD. -Cost is about a dollar per foot. -Well worth it !

Answer 4

When water turns to ice it expands, so anything that gets destroyed happens then.

But if the pipe is frozen solid, there isn't anything to show what's happened - as the ice can't make it through the crack anyhow.

The ice will act as a plug, blocking the crack/hole.

It's first when the ice turns back into liquid as it can begin to seep through the crack and show that it's there.

Answer 5

Because ice (solid water) has a higher volume than liquid water.

As water freezes the molecules stick together with hydrogen bonds but with large gaps in between thus the volume increases and expands

Answer 6

If the copper pipes are full and the water is trapped, the pipes will split at the weakest point when exposed to continuous freezing temperatures. A testament to the power of crystallizing water.

Answer 7

if water freezes in pipes it will break the pipes, literally.

Answer 8

Yes, copper pipes can burst when the water inside them freeze. This is because, when the water freezes, it expands with a considerable amount of force, against the pipe, bursting it.

Answer 9

because when water freezes it expands causing the pipe to burst

Answer 10

Because water, almost uniquely, expands when it freezes.