How do utilities stop water pipes from freezing?
Discussion
How do utilties stop water pipes from freezing in winter?
Is it as simple as keeping the water continuously pumping so it doesn't have a chance to freeze?
If it is that simple, would be interested in answers for genuinely cold places like Svalbrad or Siberia as surely that can't be enough... or can it?
Is it as simple as keeping the water continuously pumping so it doesn't have a chance to freeze?
If it is that simple, would be interested in answers for genuinely cold places like Svalbrad or Siberia as surely that can't be enough... or can it?
Somewhatfoolish said:
How do utilties stop water pipes from freezing in winter?
Is it as simple as keeping the water continuously pumping so it doesn't have a chance to freeze?
If it is that simple, would be interested in answers for genuinely cold places like Svalbrad or Siberia as surely that can't be enough... or can it?
Google "frost heave" or "frost line".Is it as simple as keeping the water continuously pumping so it doesn't have a chance to freeze?
If it is that simple, would be interested in answers for genuinely cold places like Svalbrad or Siberia as surely that can't be enough... or can it?
The depth will change for, as you have assumed, the colder places.
I don't think they can really bury the pipes, as most of the ground in those parts of the world is permafrost. They actually have to keep them supported off the ground so they don't melt the ground. The pipes will be insulated of course and they'll have electric heater coils on them for extreme weather.
Edited by Beati Dogu on Monday 15th November 14:25
450mm. No?750mm is the UK requirement.
And that said - since the UK is so urbanised and hence the draw-down keeps street mains moving - unless you are ('remote' or say, a mile or more outside a conurbation - a handwaving figure I just invented) ,you'll find the water out of your most-direct cold water feed rarely falls below c.15degC. No serious risk of a freeze on the Utility side - that usu comes in the to- above- ground transition TBH.
And that said - since the UK is so urbanised and hence the draw-down keeps street mains moving - unless you are ('remote' or say, a mile or more outside a conurbation - a handwaving figure I just invented) ,you'll find the water out of your most-direct cold water feed rarely falls below c.15degC. No serious risk of a freeze on the Utility side - that usu comes in the to- above- ground transition TBH.
Edited by Huff on Thursday 25th November 20:51
From the Specification of the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways ...
Frost heave susceptibility
S5.3.2 Where frost susceptible materials exist within 450 mm of the surface, such
materials may be reinstated to the same levels but, generally, frost
susceptible material must not be used within 450 mm of a road surface.
Is this section not relevant?
I would interpret this as stating that all materials, not only those used in the reinstatement, but anything that is frost susceptible (including a water pipe), should be at least 450mm below the surface. As that is where the "danger" is likely to be.
Someone can say that it wouldn't be designed like that to start with. Likely true, but if you want to stop water pipes freezing, don't bury them within 450mm of the surface.
Frost heave susceptibility
S5.3.2 Where frost susceptible materials exist within 450 mm of the surface, such
materials may be reinstated to the same levels but, generally, frost
susceptible material must not be used within 450 mm of a road surface.
Is this section not relevant?
I would interpret this as stating that all materials, not only those used in the reinstatement, but anything that is frost susceptible (including a water pipe), should be at least 450mm below the surface. As that is where the "danger" is likely to be.
Someone can say that it wouldn't be designed like that to start with. Likely true, but if you want to stop water pipes freezing, don't bury them within 450mm of the surface.
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