How A Frozen Pipe Bursts | Ask This Old House

The Chilling Prelude

Oh, Richard, welcome to the laboratory of life's unexpected challenges! Today's topic? Frozen pipes. Ah, disasters – no, no, we're not living in a cold climate for nothing. We build, we protect, but there are corners of our great nation where a sudden cold snap turns every water outlet into a chaotic spectacle. Water gushing where it shouldn't be – a universal mess, no matter the location.

Behold our miniature mock-up, a copper water pipe ready for a chilly adventure. Freeze awaits, but not just any freeze; it's about to become a burst of pressure-induced pandemonium. Water's innocent expansion by nine percent as it transforms into ice is not the culprit; it's the downstream pressure that'll set this scenario into wild motion, reaching a mind-blowing 25,000 psi. Yes, you heard it right, 25,000 psi!

The Explosive Power Unveiled

Picture this: a house in the grip of a winter ice invasion. I, a young apprentice armed with an ice pick, attempting to breach the front door as water cascades down the steps. A boom echoes from within as I finally gain entry. To my astonishment, a shard from a radiator lies embedded in the stair hall, 25 feet away. Two minutes earlier, and it could have been a different show, a plumbing drama across generations. The radiators, no match for the formidable 25,000 psi, became cast iron fireworks.

Fast forward to our demonstration, a pressure gauge showcasing a typical 40 to 60 pounds of cold water supply to a house or a vital space. Enter compressed air, and the gauge skyrockets in seconds. The pressure ascends rapidly, illustrating the potential havoc before the ice even forms a complete block. The power of 25,000 psi isn't a force to be taken lightly.

The Countdown to Catastrophe

Flashback to a personal encounter with the explosive might of frozen pipes. Water racing down the front steps, an ice pick in hand, and an attempt to breach the door – a scene teetering on the edge of chaos. A radiator shard lodged 25 feet away tells the tale of the pressure's destructive journey. A mere copper pipe is no match for such force.

Let's delve into the freeze's aftermath in our miniature model. A split emerges, courtesy of either the ice block or, more likely, the pressure. The blockage dissipates, and we're left with a representation of what could happen when the full city water pressure is at play. Sixty pounds of pressure – a house-filling force ready to burst forth. The first rule in this watery spectacle? Locate the shut-off valve. Panic sets in, water pours, and finding control becomes paramount.

Strategies to Thwart the Icy Onslaught

In the face of impending disaster, practical solutions emerge. Beyond shutting off the main valve, preventing frozen pipes becomes an art. Pipe insulations, often split for post-installation application, come to the rescue. However, the real challenge lies in those hidden pipes, elusive within cabinets and unreachable spaces. Imagine a kitchen cabinet, its sink snug against a window, pipes concealed behind. A pro tip: open those cabinets, let a bit of warmth in, and thwart the freeze.

But wait, there's more. Relieving the pressure becomes a strategic move. Our demonstration reappears, this time portraying a kitchen faucet or any faucet under the icy siege. The trick? Release the pressure periodically, a little crack in the faucet, preventing the buildup of that monstrous 25,000 psi. A simple yet effective measure to safeguard against the frozen calamity.

The Grand Finale

So here's the takeaway for those frosty nights: if the freeze threat looms, find the farthest faucet away, hot and cold, and let them drip a bit. A small act that could save your home from turning into a plumbing battleground.

And there you have it – a frosty adventure through the labyrinth of bursting pipes. As we bid farewell to this frozen saga, remember, in the dance of ice and pressure, a little prevention can be the key to a warm, uneventful night. Stay warm, stay savvy, and may your pipes remain unfazed by the icy grip of winter!