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Katrina Oniseki
Revenent Defence Corperation Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
2881
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Posted - 2014.01.07 12:47:00 -
[1] - Quote
So, I live in the southern U.S., and we rarely get a temp below 32F. Tonight it went down to 6F, which is very out of the ordinary. Most of my friends and I know about the frozen pipes thing, but none of us have experience with something like that happening overnight.
I live in a P.O.S. trailer, and the crawlspace insulation has long since been torn up by wild animals since it was built in the 70s. It's also fed by a well pump. I've got no water pressure this morning, so I'm figuring the pipes are frozen.
What do I do? What can I do? How much will possible repairs cost me, and what is likely? Ch+½j+ì Katrina Oniseki ~ (RDC) Chief Operations Officer ~ [I-RED] Director of Public Relations |
Slade Trillgon
Brutor Tribe Minmatar Republic
1208
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 13:24:00 -
[2] - Quote
It this point, wait and pray
In the future, not that this will happen again soon, get some pipe insulation from the local hardware store and wrap your pipes just before a predicted freeze like this and then leave your faucets open to a slow to moderate drip to keep the water flowing so it is less likely to freeze.
As for repair costs if the pipes actually bust, I have no idea. It is very possible that they are fine and when it warms up the will thaw out. But you will not now until things melt up and you get the water flowing. If all you find is some general leaking around joints you can re-solder fairly easily if you have soldered before. If not watch some youtube videos. |
Commissar Kate
Team Evil
38657
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Posted - 2014.01.07 13:34:00 -
[3] - Quote
Slade Trillgon wrote:It this point, wait and pray In the future, not that this will happen again soon, get some pipe insulation from the local hardware store and wrap your pipes just before a predicted freeze like this and then leave your faucets open to a slow to moderate drip to keep the water flowing so it is less likely to freeze.
Adding a heat tape, heat cable or whatever its called where the pipe comes out of the ground to the main water supply will help a great deal as well.
As for now I would just wait for it to unthaw and hope nothing leaks or cracks.
People, who talk, don't know. People, who know, don't talk. |
Adunh Slavy
1323
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Posted - 2014.01.07 13:50:00 -
[4] - Quote
Chances are the freeze is in an exposed part of pipe that is outside and close to the ground and is a valve.
Get a lamp, and take the lap shade off. Get a beer can or other can that, with one end cut off, be large enough to cover the exposed light bulb such that the sides of the can do not touch the bulb. The top of the can will sit on the top of the light bulb.
Place the can over the light bulb. Then, use aluminum foil to cover the open bottom of the can.
The goal here is to create a pocket of air around the light bulb, inside the can.
Now place this thing next to the pipe, such that the can touches the pipe but the light bulb is not touching the can.
Now turn on the light and wait.
This should give enough heat to melt the ice inside the pipe, in a small area, with out cracking the pipe. Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.-á-á- William Pitt |
Slade Trillgon
Brutor Tribe Minmatar Republic
1208
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 13:52:00 -
[5] - Quote
Commissar Kate wrote:Slade Trillgon wrote:It this point, wait and pray In the future, not that this will happen again soon, get some pipe insulation from the local hardware store and wrap your pipes just before a predicted freeze like this and then leave your faucets open to a slow to moderate drip to keep the water flowing so it is less likely to freeze. Adding a heat tape, heat cable or whatever its called where the pipe comes out of the ground to the main water supply will help a great deal as well. As for now I would just wait for it to unthaw and hope nothing leaks or cracks.
I would completely agree, but that is more of a solution for those that deal with freezing temperatures for much of their year. The OP lives in an old trailer. Although your suggested is completely valid and not too terribly hard or expensive, it is probably excessive for this location. |
Slade Trillgon
Brutor Tribe Minmatar Republic
1208
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 13:57:00 -
[6] - Quote
Adunh Slavy wrote:Chances are the freeze is in an exposed part of pipe that is outside and close to the ground and is a valve.
Get a lamp, and take the lap shade off. Get a beer can or other can that, with one end cut off, be large enough to cover the exposed light bulb such that the sides of the can do not touch the bulb. The top of the can will sit on the top of the light bulb.
Place the can over the light bulb. Then, use aluminum foil to cover the open bottom of the can.
The goal here is to create a pocket of air around the light bulb, inside the can.
Now place this thing next to the pipe, such that the can touches the pipe but the light bulb is not touching the can.
Now turn on the light and wait.
This should give enough heat to melt the ice inside the pipe, in a small area, with out cracking the pipe.
Chances are, since he is living in a trailer most of the pipe is 'exposed' to the elements and the freeze area is probably not in a single spot. But still a valid fix if you can assume where the frozen spot is.
EDIT: Again, the heat tape mentioned above can help decrease the defrost time of a long frozen pipe, but I would try to find heat tape with a heat regulator, if that is even available. |
Random McNally
The Vogon Poet's Armada Punch Drunk Lemmings
44889
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 16:20:00 -
[7] - Quote
Commissar Kate wrote:Slade Trillgon wrote:It this point, wait and pray In the future, not that this will happen again soon, get some pipe insulation from the local hardware store and wrap your pipes just before a predicted freeze like this and then leave your faucets open to a slow to moderate drip to keep the water flowing so it is less likely to freeze. Adding a heat tape, heat cable or whatever its called where the pipe comes out of the ground to the main water supply will help a great deal as well. As for now I would just wait for it to unthaw and hope nothing leaks or cracks. Pretty much this.
There are cheaper versions of Heat tape out there. May take a little shopping. Main thing is to open the faucets a little. When water freezes, it expands and will burst pipes. When it thaws, it contracts and can also cause serious damage. If this cold snap lasts for only a short period of time, then you should be good to go soon, but open the faucets up just a little.
And if you can find heat tape, use it. Co-Host of the High Drag Podcast. http://highdrag.wordpress.com/ Check out the space music at http://minddivided.com |
Mashie Saldana
BFG Tech
959
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Posted - 2014.01.07 17:31:00 -
[8] - Quote
If you are completely unprepared next time you get a massive coldspell a quick fix if the pipes aren't frozen yet is to leave the tap slightly open so you keep the water flowing in the pipe. Mashie Saldana Dominique Vasilkovsky
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Lajos Perseus
Conquering Darkness
34
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Posted - 2014.01.07 19:40:00 -
[9] - Quote
Damn you global warming....damn you! |
Leju
Imperial Academy Amarr Empire
1
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Posted - 2014.01.07 20:58:00 -
[10] - Quote
Wish it was that warm here :( |
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Katrina Oniseki
Revenent Defence Corperation Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
2884
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 22:56:00 -
[11] - Quote
Update:
I called my roommate from work and had him put one of the household radiators (the free standing ones with an electric plug) in the "well house". The well house is pretty much a dog-house sized structure that covers the well and pump assembly. After about 3-4 hours of having the radiator heat up the small structure, water apparently started flowing again.
In an ironic twist of fate, the crawlspace under the trailer is actually fairly warm because of the poor insulation. Heat from the inside of the house leaks down into the crawlspace and has kept that entire area from freezing. It's a huge heating inefficiency, but it saved all that exposed piping down there from also freezing.
Right now, we're keeping an ear/eye out for any sounds or signs of a leak, whether it's major or not. Despite the loud clatter I heard this morning, I haven't been able to figure out what it was. My initial thought once we didn't find any leaks was that something with the water heater broke, but we still have hot running water too.
Calling a plumber was pretty much a non-option, as every plumber across the country is getting flooded (pun intended) with calls about frozen/burst pipes. It's a lucrative time for that profession, for sure.
On the topic of insulation, is there any reason I wouldn't want to leave insulation on the pipes year-round? Could I wrap the well/pump in insulation and leave it like that? I'm in a rental, so I'm not keen on redoing all the insulation under the house at my expense.
What about my septic-tank and drainage systems? Should I be worried about those lines freezing and backing up? Ch+½j+ì Katrina Oniseki ~ (RDC) Chief Operations Officer ~ [I-RED] Director of Public Relations |
Lajos Perseus
Conquering Darkness
34
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Posted - 2014.01.07 23:15:00 -
[12] - Quote
Katrina Oniseki wrote:Update:
I called my roommate from work and had him put one of the household radiators (the free standing ones with an electric plug) in the "well house". The well house is pretty much a dog-house sized structure that covers the well and pump assembly. After about 3-4 hours of having the radiator heat up the small structure, water apparently started flowing again.
In an ironic twist of fate, the crawlspace under the trailer is actually fairly warm because of the poor insulation. Heat from the inside of the house leaks down into the crawlspace and has kept that entire area from freezing. It's a huge heating inefficiency, but it saved all that exposed piping down there from also freezing.
Right now, we're keeping an ear/eye out for any sounds or signs of a leak, whether it's major or not. Despite the loud clatter I heard this morning, I haven't been able to figure out what it was. My initial thought once we didn't find any leaks was that something with the water heater broke, but we still have hot running water too.
Calling a plumber was pretty much a non-option, as every plumber across the country is getting flooded (pun intended) with calls about frozen/burst pipes. It's a lucrative time for that profession, for sure.
On the topic of insulation, is there any reason I wouldn't want to leave insulation on the pipes year-round? Could I wrap the well/pump in insulation and leave it like that? I'm in a rental, so I'm not keen on redoing all the insulation under the house at my expense.
What about my septic-tank and drainage systems? Should I be worried about those lines freezing and backing up?
Sounds like it would be easier to move |
Katrina Oniseki
Revenent Defence Corperation Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
2884
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 23:32:00 -
[13] - Quote
Lajos Perseus wrote: Sounds like it would be easier to move
Can't do a moving op right now. My corp is at war.
Ch+½j+ì Katrina Oniseki ~ (RDC) Chief Operations Officer ~ [I-RED] Director of Public Relations |
Lajos Perseus
Conquering Darkness
35
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 23:41:00 -
[14] - Quote
Katrina Oniseki wrote:Lajos Perseus wrote: Sounds like it would be easier to move
Can't do a moving op right now. My corp is at war.
Lol nice! Maybe som corp mates will brng you warm water? |
Eranicus II
Auto-Pod Xpress
15
|
Posted - 2014.01.07 23:41:00 -
[15] - Quote
Katrina Oniseki wrote:Update Post Jan 7th 22:56So, I live in the southern U.S., and we rarely get a temp below 32F. Tonight it went down to 6F, which is very out of the ordinary. Most of my friends and I know about the frozen pipes thing, but none of us have experience with something like that happening overnight. I live in a P.O.S. trailer, and the crawlspace insulation has long since been torn up by wild animals since it was built in the 70s. It's also fed by a well pump. I've got no water pressure this morning, so I'm figuring the pipes are frozen. What do I do? What can I do? How much will possible repairs cost me, and what is likely?
I live in Colorado, the recomended step to follow here is to let your faucets drip (slow drip is fine) all night, this keeps the water flow and stops freezing according to Denver water and the Denver Fire Dep.
If you decide to close your water valve then you better pray it doesnt freeze whats left on your lines since it wont work unless you air blast the lines empty on your home.
We do the water drip at my house every time it dips below 40 degrees F. and have never had any issues, knock on wood.
Yeah we had 8 dregrees F. days lately or lower and not an issue has come up. |
silens vesica
Corsair Cartel
2852
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 00:13:00 -
[16] - Quote
Katrina Oniseki wrote:Update:
I called my roommate from work and had him put one of the household radiators (the free standing ones with an electric plug) in the "well house". The well house is pretty much a dog-house sized structure that covers the well and pump assembly. After about 3-4 hours of having the radiator heat up the small structure, water apparently started flowing again. Good fix. Next time, do this sooner.
Since the crawlspace is relatively warm, no need to monkey there at this time. If it weren't warm in the crawlspace, I'd suggest putting a kerosene heater or salmander outside the skirting, aimed inwards via a small removed section of the skirting - Making DAMN sure you've got a couple windows cracked open in the trailer - The warmer floor will offset any heat loss, and you shouldn't suffocate that way. Do NOT put the salamander *under* the trailer unless you're fond of house fires!
Tell someone you love them today, because life is short. But scream it at them in Esperanto, because life is also terrifying and confusing.
Didn't vote? Then you voted for NulBloc |
Katrina Oniseki
Revenent Defence Corperation Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
2884
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 00:57:00 -
[17] - Quote
silens vesica wrote:Katrina Oniseki wrote:Update:
I called my roommate from work and had him put one of the household radiators (the free standing ones with an electric plug) in the "well house". The well house is pretty much a dog-house sized structure that covers the well and pump assembly. After about 3-4 hours of having the radiator heat up the small structure, water apparently started flowing again. Good fix. Next time, do this sooner. Since the crawlspace is relatively warm, no need to monkey there at this time. If it weren't warm in the crawlspace, I'd suggest putting a kerosene heater or salmander outside the skirting, aimed inwards via a small removed section of the skirting - Making DAMN sure you've got a couple windows cracked open in the trailer - The warmer floor will offset any heat loss, and you shouldn't suffocate that way. Do NOT put the salamander *under* the trailer unless you're fond of house fires!
I had to look up what a "salamander" was. I didn't even know those things existed, though it seems obvious now. They sound like the perfect way to thaw the pipes if in the future those under the house freeze too.
How warm/hot would they make the crawlspace? How hot do they get? Ch+½j+ì Katrina Oniseki ~ (RDC) Chief Operations Officer ~ [I-RED] Director of Public Relations |
silens vesica
Corsair Cartel
2858
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 01:12:00 -
[18] - Quote
We used to use two moderate-sized units to heat an entire 12000-sq ft garage back when I made a living as a mechanic. In Maryland winters (which were actually colder than they are now). Get a small unit. In fact, borrow or rent, if you can - you won't need it often.
Ideally, you want the salamander set up *before* the pipes freeze - Watch your weather reports closely. Tell someone you love them today, because life is short. But scream it at them in Esperanto, because life is also terrifying and confusing.
Didn't vote? Then you voted for NulBloc |
silens vesica
Corsair Cartel
2858
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 01:18:00 -
[19] - Quote
Something like this would do for your needs pretty effectively.
You wouldn't even need to run it continually - Just blip it ever few hours, enough to keep the space @ ~40f degrees or so. Tell someone you love them today, because life is short. But scream it at them in Esperanto, because life is also terrifying and confusing.
Didn't vote? Then you voted for NulBloc |
Katrina Oniseki
Revenent Defence Corperation Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
2884
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 01:59:00 -
[20] - Quote
I'll head to a Home Improvement store sometime this week and ask what sorts of rental prices they go for. They seem like something useful to keep on hand.
They aren't indoor safe, are they? Carbon Monoxide hazard? Ch+½j+ì Katrina Oniseki ~ (RDC) Chief Operations Officer ~ [I-RED] Director of Public Relations |
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silens vesica
Corsair Cartel
2863
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 02:03:00 -
[21] - Quote
Unless you plan on doing a lot of work in cold spaces, I wouldn't buy, to be honest - Just rent. They're not terribly expensive, but they take up space. Let someone else do the maintenance and storage for you.
Also - Pay attention to the advice by others, up-thread. Good stuff, all.
Katrina Oniseki wrote:They aren't indoor safe, are they? Carbon Monoxide hazard? Correct. Plus fires. I doubt your trailer floor is air-tight, which is why I STRONGLY suggest you crack a couple windows if you use one of these.
We got away with using them inside the garage because massive volume + leaky structure with many windows and doors. Tell someone you love them today, because life is short. But scream it at them in Esperanto, because life is also terrifying and confusing.
Didn't vote? Then you voted for NulBloc |
Katrina Oniseki
Revenent Defence Corperation Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive
2884
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 02:15:00 -
[22] - Quote
Awesome. Good advice everyone. Unless something explodes during the next night or something, I think I'm out of the ice water, so to speak. Ch+½j+ì Katrina Oniseki ~ (RDC) Chief Operations Officer ~ [I-RED] Director of Public Relations |
Slymah
Reoples
183
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 04:37:00 -
[23] - Quote
This may sound pretty obvious but .. make sure you know where the water valve is that supplies your trailer before you go trying to thaw things out.
Frozen pipes suck, so does flooding.
Also - Water/Pipe issues are property owners responsibility. Make your land lord deal with it before going out and buying expensive heat tape or anything. |
Kore Wallace
THE EXOGEN CONSORTIUM
0
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 07:39:00 -
[24] - Quote
We should be out of the woods tomorow. And back to nice Bama weather by the weekend. |
Astenion
Nephilim Coalition
346
|
Posted - 2014.01.08 19:36:00 -
[25] - Quote
In freezing weather, you have to let the faucets run slightly if you're in a place that doesn't get much cold weather, i.e., the south. Everyone has lots of exposed pipes outside because it rarely gets below 30 degrees for long. |
Lugia3
Emerald Inc.
783
|
Posted - 2014.01.25 08:31:00 -
[26] - Quote
Reverse flamethrower.
"CCP Dolan is full of ****." - CCP Bettik |
RAIN Arthie
The Ascended Fleet Intrepid Crossing
208
|
Posted - 2014.01.25 13:11:00 -
[27] - Quote
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dayton-E48-Oil-Fired-Portable-Heater-/190839824004?_trksid=p2054897.l4276 Pull skirting away and put this near the frozen pipes, not too close. Putting it too close will cause them to thaw fast and cause them to bust.
Should they bust dependant on severity and length it will be anywhere between 100-200 $.
Prevention: Keep eye on weather and crack faucets to where they dribble. Constant water flow prevents freeze up. |
RAIN Arthie
The Ascended Fleet Intrepid Crossing
208
|
Posted - 2014.01.25 13:16:00 -
[28] - Quote
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBkUs57Ub94 heat tape works also. <--- get this stuff, it works. |
Eurydia Vespasian
Storm Hunters
4997
|
Posted - 2014.01.25 19:18:00 -
[29] - Quote
RAIN Arthie wrote:Constant water flow prevents freeze up.
unless you live here.
here...the Mississippi river freezes on occasion to the point you can walk across it. and a chunk of the population decide to drive their s.u.v's out onto lakes and live in a hut for a few months a year.
but we also don't have exposed pipes. lol |
XNCReman
Soviet Directorate of Eve
0
|
Posted - 2014.01.28 15:48:00 -
[30] - Quote
-Pour hot water on them if you can -If you have steel or copper pipes and access to an arch welder, attach the electrodes to either end of the pipe and run current through them. This is the old trick my boss would do(before he had plastic pipes installed into his barn) to unfreeze pipes in his barn. |
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