Why tap water does not freeze even when outside temp is below freezing in NYC?

Answer 1

Either something is keeping the water temp. above freezing, or it's not exposed long enough to freeze.

If it's an underground line, it's probably buried deep enough to be under the frost line. That's the depth that the deepest frost reaches in the coldest weather. Water lines, foundations, etc. in my area are required to be buried below that - it's 42 inches deep, I think. The ground is a pretty good insulator. If you go 6-7 feet deep here, the ground stays a pretty constant 55-60 degrees all year round.

If the pipes are exposed to freezing cold, the water still has to stand there long enough to lose enough heat to freeze. This is the real truth behind the old saying, "Moving water doesn't freeze". In a pipe coming out of the ground, it doesn't freeze because it's bringing warmer water up and pushing the colder stuff out of the way. An old trick was to leave a water faucet trickling just a bit on cold nights to prevent it from freezing. The goal was to bring just enough warm water through the pipes to keep things liquid.

Answer 2

Water pipes are buried several feet below ground, and unless you live in areas with permafrost, the belowground temperature is always quite a bit above freezing. Several feet of dirt is a good insulator. Sometimes external water taps will freeze and crack the pipes. Sometimes, if the heat is shut off, or if the home is poorly insulated, the basement will get below freezing, and the pipes will freeze. Then you may end up in a whole world of hurt....

Answer 3

Temp Of Tap Water

Answer 4

the pipes are kept below ground where the outside temp does not reach. They never get below freezing point.

Answer 5

The water comes through underground pipes where it's not freezing.

Answer 6

If it won't freeze then I sure would not drink it. Put some in aplastic cntainer and put it outside and if it doesn't freeze when it is cold enough then you better call someone. That would be dangerous.

Now if you mean in the buildings ans such then it is because they are protected from the cold.

Answer 7

Usually because all the lines are insulated and underground, but they will eventually freeze if it stays at sub-zero temperatures for long enough.

Answer 8

If this grow to be carried out with the point of killing oneself, then it would be seen suicide. it must be sort of no longer undemanding to teach, nonetheless, till there grow to be a be conscious left in the back of. i think of God might evaluate it suicide on account that He is familiar with all; in spite of the undeniable fact that, i think of God may well be merciful in direction of any tortured soul. i do no longer think somebody who commits suicide is endlessly condemned.

Answer 9

It's moving and it is somewhat insulated underground. It may be heated as well.

Answer 10

insulated pipes