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EspañolThe reliability of metal spigots in cold environments depends on material selection, structural design, and protective measures. The specific points are as follows:
1、 Low temperature brittleness point
Internal water storage and frost heave
The water remaining in the valve chamber/aerator after closure freezes and expands, and brittle components (such as ceramic valve plates) are easily squeezed and cracked. Zinc alloy spigots are more prone to bursting than copper.
Seal failure
The rubber gasket (O-ring) hardens and shrinks at low temperatures, and cannot recover its elasticity after thawing, resulting in dripping.
2、 Differences in antifreeze design
| Construction Type | Cold Weather Performance | Enhanced Solutions |
| Solid Cast Brass Body | Uniform thermal contraction, low crack risk | Increase wall thickness (≥2.5mm) |
| Threaded Connections | Vulnerable to ice expansion at joints | Inject PTFE sealant at critical seams |
| Air-Gap Insulation Design | Limited delay in freezing | Fill cavities with PU foam insulation* |
| Plastic-Valve Hybrid | Plastic components may brittle | Replace with silicone-reinforced seals |
3、 Winter protection practice
Short term response
Drainage and pressure maintenance: After closing the main valve, open the spigot to drain the pipeline. Especially for the showerhead spigot installed laterally, the aerator needs to be removed to pour water.
Wrap insulation: Wrap the exposed pipes and spigot bases with rubber insulation sleeves (avoid using absorbent cotton cloth).
Long term countermeasures
Antifreeze with heat tracing strip: Wrap the self limiting electric heat tracing strip around the water supply pipe and start it when the outdoor temperature is ≤ 5 ℃.
Inverted drain valve: When installing the spigot on the northern courtyard wall, tilt it 5 degrees to keep the drain hole at the lowest position.
4、 Unfreezing emergency response
Step by step heating: Pour warm water (≤ 40 ℃) over the frozen area, and do not directly use fire or boiling water to heat it.
Valve core disassembly: If the valve body freezes, first turn off the water source, remove the handle, and use a warm air blower to bake the valve stem (continuously move to prevent local overheating).
