What Does
Freeze-Thaw Cycle Mean?
A freeze-thaw cycle is the freezing and thawing of water inside pipes associated with the winter months. The temperature even in winter is never uniform, and fluctuates frequently. This causes the water inside pipes to freeze in very frigid temperatures and thaw when temperatures rise a little. This constant freezing and thawing can crack pipes. Trenchless inspection methods such as video inspection and robotic cameras can be used to inspect pipes to ensure cracks have not formed, and in case of damage, trenchless rehabilitation methods such as sliplining and pipe bursting can be used to correct them.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Concrete components such as foundations, driveways and sidewalks have the tendency to soak up water during warm days and freeze it on cold days, making it prone to cracking, crumbling or rupture. Plumbing pipes are yet another victim of the freeze-thaw cycle because the trapped water during the thaw cycle can build up enough pressure to burst a weak pipe. Before winter sets in, it is advisable to get the pipes checked using inspection methods and get any broken, old and cracked pipes replaced using trenchless methods. Another way to protect pipes against damage from freezing and thawing is to install insulation on pipes that are exposed, and ensuring that the home is sufficiently heated in winter.