What system is in place to prevent running water from freezing?

Question

I am sure it's different from city to city, so I'm interested in how the different cold cities handle running water in the winter time. When it gets really really cold, how does the city prevent freezing water in the underground piping systems? Does frozen water damage pipes? If so which pipes are better than others (I heard that copper is really bad, so what are the alternatives)?

Answer 1

Public water supplies bury their pipes deeper than the ground freezes. In places where they can not be buried deep enough they are insulated from above with styrofoam. Running water in pipes won't freeze except in extreme situations. The friction of the water against the inside of the pipe creates enough heat to prevent freezing. If there is a danger of pipes freezing in your house PVC is the worst type to use. If it freezes they will split along their whole length. Copper is not bad. It will break where it freezes but it will only be damaged in one spot. It can easily be repaired. There are flexible plastic pipes that can freeze without damage. Most new houses in my area use this type of plumbing because of the labor savings at the time of installation. Because it bends no elbows need to be soldered in at corners.

Answer 2

the ground stays well above freezing. the deeper the better in mass. you would be safe at 4 feet below ground, at my place in the mountain about 6 feet is required.check for local knowledge.also if a walkway on other concrete or stone structure exists you would have to go correspondingly deeper. most modern (private) water supply systems are one or more polys. except PVC Which tends to be brittle.

Answer 3

The pipes can be protected by burying them deeper than normal, perhaps 6 feet, under the ground.

Answer 4

Best way to go is pipe in a PVC pipe. Four feet down or better.

Answer 5

Insulated pipes - especially in the house.