On Oct 5, 8:19�pm, "Mark" wrote:
Try a longer piece of pipe, make a zig-zag out of a couple lengths and some
elbows �and I'll bet you'll find that it will � burst somewhere along the
length once the open end freezes solid.

"jack" wrote in message

...



I have had burst pipes, so I know it happens.

Just as an experiment I took 8" of 1/2" copper and capped one end. �I
filled it with cold water and stuck it in my freezer.
After 30 minutes it was somewhat frozen, and solid after an hour. �But 4
hours later it hasn't burst.

So, why do some pipes burst, but not this one? �The ice expanded out the
top, so it definitely expanded. �Perhaps it has to be physically prevented
from expanding with a right angle piece at the top?

(My cottage has exposed copper pipes and no heat, and I try to avoid
draining them until necessary. When the temperature gets down there I get
antsy. �I am experimenting to get a better idea of just what the danger
really is.)- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I had my main freeze once in my basement when a window fell open for
unkniown reasons.

surprisingly it did no harm, i replaced the windows latch.

I have read that all new faucets are designed to leak under the very
high pressures from frozen lines. the drip that results saves lines
from splitting. faucets dont leak till 200 PSI or something like that