One of the biggest risks people need to think about in the UK in winter is the chance of frozen pipes. They can have an impact on homes, businesses, and more. We want to have a closer look here. Then, if you want to order products from the top ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands, you can speak to us. We have exceptional tubes perfect for various applications, including moving water.
British weather
Brits are famous for our love of complaining about the weather. Surprisingly though, did you know our winters are relatively mild? According to a study by British Council, the average temperature in winter in the UK is between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius. Additionally, several studies claim the average winter is warmer than traditionally.
While mild weather is the norm, every winter we still get periods of very cold temperatures. This can include times when it drops to 0 or below the freezing point. If that happens, especially when temperatures are cold for days at a time, there is a chance of frozen pipes and problems.
Generally four factors lead to pipes freezing. Firstly is the weather itself. Second is temperature fluctuations. Next is the type of pipe and location. Finally, lack of insulation can cause trouble.
Biggest risk
As the top ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands, we know about the various risks with metal tubing. This includes dangers with handling, cutting, installation, operation, and more. In terms of frozen pipes, there are couple of crucial things to think about.
The risk of freezing is highest with water carrying tubes when there is higher exposure to the cold. This includes outdoor taps, basement pipes, loft pipes, pipes near external walls, and any outside of a property. If the pipes don’t get any warmth from heating systems, the risk is higher. Plus, there is more danger if you don’t have insulation, especially on any pipework exposed to lower temperatures.
Look out for warnings
An issue with water pipes is we typically only see a small percentage of them. The rest are hidden behind walls, under floors, in ceilings, or beneath the ground. As a result, we may not even know if there are problems. However, there are a few signs that a pipe is frozen. Most obvious is water may stop coming out of taps or slow down to a tiny trickle. You could also hear strange noises. If the boiler stops working, it could be because the water supply is blocked.
If you do suspect a frozen pipe, it’s important to act quickly. This can prevent it from bursting and causing an even bigger problem. Start by turning off the water. Then, open the tap to relieve pressure. Next, you need to attempt to gently warm the pipe from the outside to free the blockage. Be careful and don’t use excessive heat.
Order tube from the leading ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands
You can use different types of tubing to move water, including copper, various types of steel, and a range of plastics. The material has an impact on the chance of freezing and bursting. Water in copper pipes can freeze and cause a blockage, but pipes rarely burst because they have more flexibility. Steel is harder, especially if it has been galvanised. As a result, there is a higher chance of them bursting if they freeze and pressure gets excessive.
Union Steel Tubes supplies high quality ERW tubing for various applications. We’ve got a fantastic range, including mild steel, galvanised, and more. Even better, there are different shapes and sizes, from smaller diameter round tubing to larger rectangle and square sections. Therefore, you can find what you need for most projects.
If you want to work with the top ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands, we’re right here. Get in touch and let us know what you need. We can advise you, sharing our experience with the tubing so you can make a sound decision.
