As we move toward the heart of winter, we can expect failures related to winter storms and freezing temperatures. Plumbing system failures due to freezing can occur at this time of year and such failures are often accompanied by water damage.
When the ambient temperature surrounding a water-filled plumbing system remains below the freezing point of water for an extended period, a portion of the water will eventually freeze if it is not flowing. The time it takes for a pipe to freeze depends on the temperatures and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the insulation for the pipe.
When water in a section of the system freezes, it expands as it forms an internal ice block. As freezing temperatures persist, the ice block grows, increasing the hydraulic pressure of the liquid water confined by the ice block. The additional stress resulting from the pressure increase can cause a failure in the system. However, the failure will occur at the weakest component in this affected area and does not necessarily directly coincide with the location of the ice block.
When plumbing system failures from freezing do occur, the damage is often significant and costly to repair. These failures can cause leakage or flooding at interior spaces.
Figure 1 shows fractured plumbing from a residence. This failure occurred at the 2nd floor while the owners were away for the holidays. When they returned, 5 feet of water was flooding the basement and there was significant damage (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Fracture at piping resulting from freezing.
Figure 2. Water staining and damage at the basement of the residence where Figure 1 was taken.
Figure 3 shows a similar failure that occurred due to sustained freezing temperatures combined with the loss of power caused freezing in the plumbing system of the residence, with multiple failure points occurring. Like the previous case, there was considerable water loss. However, there was no basement to catch the water, so it flooded the floor of the one-story residence and ran out the doors.
Figure 3. Fractured supply line within the ceiling.
Figure 4 shows the damage resulting from a freeze failure. The building was not occupied at the time and the water was supplied from a well via pump. Electrical usage records showed that the pump had been in continuous operation after the plumbing system failure, pumping water into the vacant structure for more than a month before the issue was discovered. Interior damage was notable and standing water remained in the crawlspace more than a week after the pump was shut off.
Figure 4. Significant interior water damages resulting from a plumbing system freeze failure.
Nelson’s team of professionals has evaluated plumbing system failures and the resulting damages to structures from multiple causes, including freezing.