“On Christmas day, one of the radiator pipes burst. Jason was out to the house in no time at all. He was at our house for hours to ensure we had heat. Thank you, Jason! Every time we call Hillside, they have always served us well!! THANK YOU!!! Happy New year !” 

~ Richard and Melanie Stevenson

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What Causes a Home Radiator to Burst?

Burst radiators in home heating systems can be a real headache. Not only can you get burnt from the hot steam, but your house can end up flooded with water and steam…causing all kinds of water damage issues. Knowing why a radiator could burst will ensure you don’t have to deal with it in the future. The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” definitely comes into play regarding radiators. So why causes Home Radiator to burst? Below are a few reasons.

Freezing Water

Everyone knows that when the water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and can burst the pipe. This can also happen to radiators – if a house is left unheated, any water that has built up in the radiator can freeze, potentially damaging it. When it expands, tiny cracks form on the radiator, which weakens it. These cracks worsen when pressure is applied, and the whole thing eventually bursts.

Internal Corrosion

Water usually isn’t just water – it has all sorts of minerals and gases dissolved, which can corrode parts of your radiator. This ‘eating away’ from the inside leads to thinning out of the walls, making them so fragile that the radiator explodes around narrow areas when pressurized.

Water Hammer

Water Hammer happens when sudden pressure changes disrupt the water flow – like when you quickly open and close a faucet. It causes a powerful shock wave to travel through the system, bouncing off different parts until it dissipates. According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, the water hammer raises the water pressure several times above its average level. The pressure gets too high, and the radiator can’t handle it, which can lead to hairline cracks or the complete bursting of the radiator.

Cavitation

Radiators can burst due to cavitation – it’s a process where a vacuum forms when the water pressure or temp suddenly changes. When these vacuum pockets, called cavitation bubbles, implode, they do so with great force. Cavitation implosions can be so powerful that they can even break boat propellers. When this same force is applied to a radiator, it’ll cause tiny hairline cracks, which weaken the part. If pressurized, these cracks will result in the radiator bursting open.

Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion in radiators refers to the increase in the size or volume of the radiator as the temperature of the fluid inside it increases. This can happen because most materials will expand when they are heated and contract when they are cooled. The amount of expansion that occurs can depend on factors such as the specific material of the radiator and the temperature change. It is an essential factor to consider when designing and installing radiators because if the expansion is not accommodated, it can cause damage to the radiator or the system it is a part of. 

If you have a closed-loop system, thermal expansion is sometimes a threat. When water is heated, it expands. The West Virginia Department of Health states that expansion in a closed-loop system can significantly exceed normal pressure. This expansion can exceed the radiator’s design limits and bursts.

Faulty Relief Valves

The radiator should have a relief valve if the pressure gets too high. Unfortunately, things like rust and corrosion can cause the valve to stick shut, meaning the radiator bursts instead of the valve opening when stress rises.

Here are more reasons why a radiator may burst:

1. Overheating: If the water or coolant in the radiator gets too hot, it can cause the metal to expand and potentially rupture.
2. Corrosion: Over time, rust and corrosion can weaken the radiator’s metal, making it more susceptible to bursting.
3. Lack of maintenance: A build-up of debris, sludge, or rust inside the radiator can block the flow of coolant, causing the temperature to rise and the metal to expand.
4. Design or manufacturing defects: Radiators can also burst as a result of defects in the design or manufacture of the radiator.
5. High pressure: Radiators are designed to work within a specific pressure range; exceeding it may cause the metal to expand to burst.
6. Collision: Radiators can be damaged by a crash; bent fins, dents, and coolant leakage can all make the radiator malfunction and lead to a burst.

It’s essential to keep an eye on signs such as leaks, strange noise, pressure drops, or lack of coolant to identify issues early on and prevent the radiator from bursting. Also, regular check-ups and maintenance of your radiator and the cooling system can minimize the risk of exploding.

How to prevent my radiator pipes from bursting

There are several steps you can take to prevent your radiator pipes from bursting:

1. Keep the water or coolant in the system at the correct level, and temperature: Overheating can cause the metal of the radiator pipes to expand and potentially rupture.
2. Regularly flush and maintain your radiator and the cooling system: A build-up of debris, sludge, or rust inside the radiator can block the flow of coolant, causing the temperature to rise and the metal to expand.
3. Insulate the pipes: Insulating your radiator pipes can help to keep the water or coolant inside at a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of expansion and bursting.
4. Use a pressure relief valve: A pressure relief valve can help to regulate the pressure inside the system, preventing the pipes from bursting due to excessive pressure.
5. Keep an eye on warning signs: Be aware of leaks, strange noise, pressure drops, or lack of coolant, and address them as soon as possible to minimize the risk of the radiator pipe bursting.
6. Replace old pipes: Consider replacing old pipes if the age or condition of the pipes may compromise their integrity, which may help prevent any potential bursts in the future.

In conclusion, it’s essential to remember that these preventative measures can only sometimes stop the pipes from bursting. Checking the system regularly and taking care of it are necessary to ensure it runs smoothly so that problems don’t become severe.

BOILER REPAIR SERVICES IN DE, PA, & MD

If your boiler has failed on a cold winter’s night or if you notice any problems, it’s essential to call a licensed HVAC technician quickly. Minor problems can often be corrected without any significant consequences. However, the longer you procrastinate, the issue can become a massive headache.

Whether your boiler is leaking, not firing, or failing to heat water, our expert HVAC technicians will be on-site as soon as possible to resolve any issue. Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling employs quality HVAC technicians who are highly trained, licensed, vetted, local, and guaranteed to help fix all of your boiler needs.

Call Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling today for boiler repairs, maintenance, or a FREE estimate for new boiler sales and installation in DE, PA, and MD at 302-738-4144 or 410-398-2146 or contact us to schedule service.