Why water in pipes is dangerous and how to protect your water supply in the winter at your dacha

Water in pipes can cause a lot of problems for summer cottage owners during the winter, including ruptures, flooding, and soil erosion. To avoid such problems, proper thermal insulation is essential. When laying pipes, consider the depth of the dug trench. It should be located below the ground freezing level. This can be determined through observation.

If water freezes in pipes

Water usually freezes when the air and ground temperature drops below 7^OC. When water freezes, it expands, and ice deposits can form where it stagnates. This can cause pipes or connections to burst. Water freezes in any type of pipe, whether plastic or metal.

The optimal option is to connect the pipes where the ground is heated by the living space itself. What to do if groundwater freezes:

1. Perform natural defrosting by increasing temperatures.
2. The natural way to melt the ice inside is to use a compressor to blow warm air.
3. For metal items, you can use electrodes at both ends of the problem area. The current will heat it up.
4. Hot water injection is used for plastic parts.

Do not use open flames (candles or burners) for defrosting.

Protecting your water supply in winter

The water supply should be turned off during defrosting. Before returning the system to service, the pipeline must be checked for integrity. To protect the water supply system during the winter, it must be insulated. To do this, use the following methods:

1. The depth of the trench must be deeper than the soil freezing level.
2. Fill the trench with sand or crushed stone. This is necessary to ensure rapid drainage of water from the surface.
3. The slopes should be made to the side well or borehole.
4. It is necessary to use thick-walled pipelines.
5. For additional insulation, lay out a heat-insulating layer.
6. Easily removable parts are used for docking. This is necessary for quickly identifying ice plugs.

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When installing individual pipelines or running them from a well, use polypropylene components rather than metal ones. This reduces the risk of rupture at low temperatures.

Thermal insulation materials selected are those that meet the following requirements:

• low heat transfer;
• have maximum resistance to moisture penetration;
• resistant to environmental influences;
• durable.

Foam plastic, polyurethane foam, and basalt moisture with a protective layer can be used as insulation materials.

The paint is easy to use in hard-to-reach places and is used to restore thermal insulation.

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Recommendations for protecting pipes at your dacha

To ensure the stable and smooth operation of your dacha's water supply, it's essential to properly maintain it and regularly repair any problems. Water supply failures often occur due to water freezing. When it freezes, it expands. To prevent this:

• the water is drained from the water supply system;
• The pipes are insulated with special materials.

Some gardeners leave the faucet slightly open. However, during freezing winters, the drain often freezes, and water can burst the wall itself. This poses the greatest danger to pipes with threaded connections. In such cases, the pipes burst at the seam. If you need to drain water from the frozen area, follow these steps:

1. You need to place a bottle of hot water against the frozen part.
2. In severe frost, a blowtorch can be used. Do not use a blowtorch on plastic pipes, as this may cause them to melt.
3. An asbestos plate should be installed between the pipe and the wall.
4. It is best to use electrical appliances for defrosting.

When cracks and aging occur, mold and dampness often develop as a result of leaks. A temporary solution can be to use a clamp with a rubber seal and make a chisel mark with a knife. However, the pipe will eventually need to be replaced. If there is a sudden change in temperature and condensation occurs, iron removal can be used. Wrapping the pipe with insulating material is recommended. Following these tips will ensure the water supply system remains in good working order for a long time.

Proper thermal insulation and freeze protection of pipelines maintains their functionality during severe frosts. Adherence to installation guidelines will ensure the smooth operation of the entire water supply system.