Violation of the pipe-laying technology threatens to freeze the water supply system in the cold season. The choice of a suitable method is determined by the material from which the pipeline is made and the location of the frozen area. Based on the laws of physics, water transforms from a liquid to a solid state at 0 ° C. To freeze the water supply system underground, it must cool down to -7 ° C and below.
The consequence of water freezing in the system is cracking or even rupture of the pipe. This is caused by the expansion of the liquid when it turns into ice. Further operation of the water supply system becomes impossible. A complete replacement of communications will be required.
The reasons
- a sharp decrease in ambient temperature to an extremely low indicator;
- laying pipes to insufficient depth;
- immobility of water in the pipeline caused by low or no flow;
- pipes are insufficiently or poorly insulated.
The problem of freezing is inherent not only to external networks, but also to those located inside the room in the absence of heating.
Troubleshooting options
There are several ways to fix the problem of frozen pipes buried underground. They are conventionally divided into 2 groups:
- methods of external thermal impact on the problematic section of the pipeline, which require preliminary excavation;
- methods of defrosting pipes from the inside.
Application of the welding machine
The method is based on the property of metals to conduct current. The welding machine, acting on the pipeline, creates an electric field that sets the electrons in motion. Negatively charged elementary particles collide with ions, transferring their own energy to them. It is converted into heat that is emitted to the outside.
To unfreeze a frozen outdoor water supply system, you will need to dig it out. Terminals of the welding mechanism are attached to each of the ends of the problem section of the pipe. Then it is turned on, setting the minimum power mode, which is gradually increased. Turning on the welding machine should be short-term, no more than 40 seconds. There is a short pause between them. During manipulation, the degree of heating of the pipe is monitored.
The method allows you to gradually melt the ice plug. First, the water from the tap will begin to drip, then it will flow in a thin stream. This is enough to stop the effect of welding on the pipeline. A thin stream of water flowing continuously will eliminate ice residues in the pipes.
Warming up from the inside with hot water
You will need to use a special home-made device. It is made from:
- wire;
- hydraulic level tubes;
- electrical tape;
- Esmarch's medical mug, consisting of a rubber vessel, a hose and a tap for draining the liquid.
A metal rod is attached to the hydraulic level tube, which should be 3-4 cm shorter than it. At one end, the tube is attached to the Esmarch mug, with the other, the resulting device is pushed into the pipeline until it stops. Hot water is drained from the rubber reservoir. It will ensure the gradual melting of ice in the frozen water supply. The tube with the wire is pushed inward as the ice plug thaws. A bucket is used to collect melt water.
Defrosting a water supply system using a homemade device is time-consuming. In 60 minutes, 1 meter of the pipeline is cleared of ice.
Defrosting a plastic pipeline with a soldier's boiler
The presence of salt impurities in water gives it the properties of an electrolyte. By immersing a pair of electrodes into the liquid, to which a voltage is applied, it is heated.
To build a "soldier's boiler" follow the instructions:
- Separate the conductors at one end of the wire.
- Each of the veins will need to be stripped and wrapped in 5 turns around a metal tube. A distance of several millimeters is maintained between the turns. They should not touch each other. Otherwise, there is a risk of short circuit.
- The other end of the copper wire is connected to a plug.
A homemade boiler is introduced into the pipeline until an ice plug stops it. Then the current is supplied by inserting the plug into the socket. The defrosted water is blown out with a compressor.
Hot steam application
Hot steam will help warm the frozen plastic pipes from the inside. It has a higher temperature than hot water.
The steam method involves the use of an autoclave. You will need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- A hose that can withstand high pressure is attached to the autoclave fitting.
- The autoclave is filled with water (at least a bucket) and put on fire.
- Insert the hose as deep as possible into the pipeline.
When the liquid boils, hot steam will begin to flow under pressure into the frozen pipe. The ice will melt quickly.
Heating from the inside by a hydrodynamic unit
A hydrodynamic unit, in addition to defrosting pipes, is used for preventive flushing of a water supply system and sewerage system. Pressurized equipment supplies hot water to the pipeline, which has a temperature of about + 150⁰С. The unit requires diesel fuel and electricity (power 7 kW, voltage 380V).
When and which method to choose
The method of external heating with a welding machine is applicable for extended water supply systems made of metal bent in many places. In such cases, it is not possible to break through the ice with a wire.
To warm up plastic communications, it is preferable to use methods acting from the inside. We are talking about the use of hot water or steam, heating the liquid directly in the pipe. An external method of heat exposure to a problem area with a welding machine is unacceptable.
Complex cases require powerful professional equipment.
The problem of freezing water pipes is familiar to many private home owners who face it during the cold winter months. It requires an urgent solution on its own or seeking help from professionals.
