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How Can We Prevent Frozen Pipes?
Author(s) -
Angers Jim
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
opflow
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1551-8701
pISSN - 0149-8029
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8701.2002.tb01689.x
Subject(s) - installation , cold weather , frost (temperature) , forensic engineering , plan (archaeology) , backflow , environmental science , engineering , mechanical engineering , geology , materials science , composite material , meteorology , physics , paleontology , inlet
This month's question asks how to prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather. Tips on initially installing the pipe are given, including burying the pipe below the frost line, or if the utility is in an extremely cold environment, encasing or insulating service lines to prevent freezing. Also, sections of the distribution system and some service lines are continuously circulated to prevent freezing; however, this practice may require installation of interior isolation assemblies to prevent cross contamination inside the building and backflow‐prevention devices to stop contaminants reaching the water distribution main. A written plan that clearly states where the utility responsibility begins and ends is recommended.