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Most homes had an icebox. Throughout the year,
horse-drawn trucks carried blocks of ice to homes in
towns and cities. The iceman used ice tongs to handle
the heavy blocks. Ice blocks could range from 11 to 22
kilograms (kg) each. The iceman then used an ice pick
to fit the block of ice inside the icebox.
Children loved to see the ice truck on hot summer days. They
crowded around when the iceman pushed the door open. There was
sure to be a sliver of ice for each of them. What a treat on a steamy day!
Why Pipes Burst
Pipes supply water to houses, schools, and other buildings. They are
made of strong materials, like plastic, copper, cast iron, and steel. But
sometimes pipes burst! Do you know why?
Water, like all other materials, contracts as it cools. But once the
temperature gets down to 4 degrees Celsius (°C), an amazing thing
happens. As water continues to get colder, it starts to expand. Between
4°C and 0°C (the temperature at which water
freezes
), water expands.
That means the ice needs more space as it changes from liquid to solid.
If liquid water completely fills a container, it will break the container
when it freezes. Ice needs room to expand, or it will break its container.
How can you prevent pipes from breaking in really cold
weather
? If
the pipes are not used during the winter, drain the water out. If that is
not possible, make sure pipes are well insulated. Pipes can be wrapped
with insulation, or they can be buried deep underground.
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