MovieChat Forums > U-571 (2000) Discussion > You know how they're always turning off ...

You know how they're always turning off valves after leaks?

posted 9 years ago by jgroub
3 replies | jump to latest

Whenever you see a sub that's under a depth charge attack, you always see pipes bursting and water pouring in. Then there's a quick rush over to those pipes, where they then turn off various valves to stop the water.

What were those valves used for? Why don't they need them to be open anymore, and how can the ship function without them? And if the ship could function without them, then why weren't they closed off in the first place?

You see what I mean? What the hell is it with all these non-essential bursting pipes?

I want the doctor to take your picture so I can look at you from inside as well.

[–] the_la_baker 9 years ago

The pipes carry water to various devices that need it. Showers, sinks, toilets, etc... The submarine can function fine in combat without all those things. When pipes under pressure are shocked it is easy for them to rupture. The knobs every few feet are to isolate leaks to be repaired later, when they are no longer in combat.

[–] jgroub 9 years ago

Ahhhh, I see. Very logical! But at least in the movies, they always make it seem like if they don't turn off that valve, and pronto, the entire ship is going to be flooded. I guess that's just Hollywood dramatic license, right?

I want the doctor to take your picture so I can look at you from inside as well.

[–] Aqqk 9 years ago

Well you definitely don't want water rushing in, splashing you in the face while you are supposed to be 100% focused on manning the sub, and on top of that, the noise from the water bursting through the pipe will drown out other sounds that the crew need to be actively listening for.

Modern subs supposedly don't have water piping going through the control room but the old WW2 subs did.