WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Disaster Awareness & CERT => Topic started by: Wrightwood on Jan 12, 07, 10:17:16 PM
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The new weather station is showing 10 degrees
(This image is updated every 5 minutes so it will may show something other than 10 when you see it.)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/weather/broadcast.jpg)
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Thats interesting that there is a 2 degree difference.
It's 23 degrees here. :P
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Oh and let's not forget that Storm is sleeping in his tent only a few hundred feet from here.
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Well, I was soooo freezing that I turned my forced air furnace up all the way to 66 degrees. (I usually keep it at 64.) And I'm wearing 2 heavy layers of clothes. :) I like to breathe cool air.
I guess I'm still recovering from when my hubby was sick, he turned it up to 80, and I couldn't stand it! Thank goodness for "zoning", even in a relatively small house.
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I wanted to see how cold it was so I opened the sliding glass door and took one step out and came back in! It's cold out even to me! My mom was shocked when I turned the heater up in the truck Friday night. I'm the one that turns it off all the time ;) Can't wait to see how cold it gets tomorrow ;D
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It is 19.5 degrees here :P Wind chill is at 17.3 degrees and the temp is dropping at about 1.7 degrees per hour :o I think some records will be broken!
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Golly Gosh, I'm really glad now that I disconnected my back garden hose from the bibb, and turned that faucet on to drain it after turning off the water supply back there. It's a disconvenience not to have water on back there, but it's much worse to have a broken pipe come spring.
My deceased hubby taught me this! :2thumbsup:
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Talk about building ice skating areas - turn on someones faucet.
There's going to be a lot of busted pipes in the next few days.
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Wrightwood is having too much fun :D I'm showing 15.3 degrees :o
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The pipe to our master bathroom runs through an outside wall, and it's frozen. We've got the electric heater running full force in the shower to thaw it out so it won't break.
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Well, I actually went to sleep last night. ;)
But my thermometers are reading 0 degrees F this morning.
Oh, wait! It's not that bad! 0.2.
BTW, I'm selling hot flashes.
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Geez, I got up this morning and thought I hadn't paid my water bill! My kitchen water faucet isn't running. Then I read this forum, went into the bathroom to see if that is running, and it is. Whew.
Still, if the water does freeze in the pipes is there anything I can do about it? I'm worried about it breaking. I'm renting, but still.
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I'm near the Apple St. weather station. My thermometer shows 0.7 degrees!!!!!!!!! I've never seen it this cold in the 24 years I've lived in WW. I have to go out about 8:00. Do you think my car will work??????
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We never had to plug in the car heaters back east until it got about 20 below. You should be O. K. Just let it warm up a long time.
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My themometer says 5 degrees here, I need to get the bottled drinks out of the garage.
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The differences in temperature in different parts of town are very interesting. It would be interesting to map.
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Mine read 5 degrees at 7am.
For those that have problems with a faucet that freezes, let it drip just a tiny bit and that will prevent it from freezing. Of course that only works after you get it unfrozen.
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wow funky and ww did you guys stay up all night? my therm on the deck shows 0.... and i can't get my back water to turn on, geez i hope it does not crack...
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had to bring a bowl of water out for the dogs when they went out this morning. funky how are your dogs?
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Mine is now reading a balmy 6.5 degrees, time to put on my bathing suit and run through the sprinklers.
My mercury thermometer is reading 4 degrees.
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funky how are your dogs?
Nice and warm inside ;)
I'm going to come up with heaters for our dogs water bowls some day. Thoes ones they sell at pet stores are too small. We use 30 and 40 gallon horse water buckets.
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Holy Crap I just looked at my station data and it got down to 11.8 degrees!!! Wonder if it will get down under 10 tonight
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funky how are your dogs?
Nice and warm inside ;)
ALL of them? How do you get them in, I had to drag Oreo on a leash..... He hates it...
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ALL of them? How do you get them in, I had to drag Oreo on a leash..... He hates it...
Yes. Open the gate and the sliding glass door and they come running in.
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Heat Wave!!
3.3 degrees F
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it was a 3 goat night, for sure!
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That's it, I gotta get me a weather station! The big round thermometer on the front deck reads 10 Deg F, but I think it's a bit optimistic.
What weather stations do you all like? I've read good things about both Peet Brothers
http://www.peetbros.com/
And Davis Instruments
http://www.davisnet.com/home_flash.asp
Oregon Scientific is another possibility
http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/default.asp?cid=2
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https://secure.scientificsales.com/pricesTooLow.cfm
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I'd go with a Oregon Scientific or a Davis
This one is a good low cost station
http://ambientweather.com/orwmr100.html (http://ambientweather.com/orwmr100.html)
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Here's the past 36 hours
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/weather/vws742.jpg)
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My 12-pack of Diet Cherry-Vanilla Dr. Pepper, left on the porch, did not survive the night :(
My themometer says 5 degrees here, I need to get the bottled drinks out of the garage.
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Our hose is frozen ::)
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I think it's funny th
My 12-pack of Diet Cherry-Vanilla Dr. Pepper, left on the porch, did not survive the night :(
[/quote]
Sorry. I saw them just a sittin there and I just couldn't resist ..... burrrrrp!
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None of my water faucets are running, at least not very well. I was about to call the water co., until I read this thread. It's getting a little better, but the hot water hardly runs at all. Should I turn one of the faucets on a slight drip, or just wait a while? Maybe I'll just go back to bed.......
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Yes let it run for a while on very low and it may break loose.
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Here's the past 36 hours
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/weather/vws742.jpg)
does this mean that it got down to 1.7 degrees last night???? or am I reading it wrong?
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Yes let it run for a while on very low and it may break loose.
Thanks, it won't run at all right now. I'll leave a faucet slightly open and see what happens.
Why did the cold water run a little, but not the hot? I would think it would be the other way around.....
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I just went to do laundry - and I had forgotten all about my laundry room. It gets little to no heat from the house, and I always keep the window cracked because otherwise the room gets too humid when drying clothes.
There is ice on the inside of the window, and a vase with water in it is frozen. Of course the water won't go on for my washer.
What do I do? I've closed the window and put a heater in there. Will my pipes crack? I saw what happened to my Dr. Pepper cans - although not all of them exploded - so maybe there's some hope!
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Yes let it run for a while on very low and it may break loose.
Thanks, it won't run at all right now. I'll leave a faucet slightly open and see what happens.
Why did the cold water run a little, but not the hot? I would think it would be the other way around.....
You're right that hot water will freeze quicker than cold water but I don't think that applies in this case.
It makes a difference on where the individual pipes run and their relationship to the cold temperature. Plus - the water main entering the house is only cold water and that could be frozen.
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C. Ford and AWC have a long day ahead of them...
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Yes let it run for a while on very low and it may break loose.
Thanks, it won't run at all right now. I'll leave a faucet slightly open and see what happens.
Why did the cold water run a little, but not the hot? I would think it would be the other way around.....
http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/hot_water.html
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What do I do? I've closed the window and put a heater in there. Will my pipes crack
You are doing the right thing by putting a heater in the room. It may take a long time to thaw with the low temperatures expected in the next couple of days. Is there a sink faucet in the laundry room that can be cracked open?
You can't ever predict when frozen pipes are going to break. I've seen 50 year old galvanized pipes exposed to the elements never have a issue. Then there's brand new copper pipe that can burst in the middle of a pipe or blow a fitting that has a weak solder joint. You never know. If it's an ongoing problem you can install electric heat tape in those areas prone to freezing.
I think I'm safe in saying that most busted pipes from freeze start to show up after it begins to thaw. I know that's when CFord Plumbing is always the busiest.
Stick around the house and remember what you learned in the CERT class on where your water main shut off is. If a pipe does break you know what to do!
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Is there anything that can be done to help the iced up pipes thaw? Mine are frozen and I need to use the bathroom a lot (a wonderful side effect of the pregnancy) and after a short while it's going to be a problem. I've got the faucets open and am patiently waiting but soon I won't be able to be so patient. I'd also love to take a shower.
Oh yeah and how can I tell if a pipe busts?
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If it's an ongoing problem you can install electric heat tape in those areas prone to freezing.
He uses that stuff on everything... You can buy units that have thermostats on them so the kick on when it gets cold.
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Oh yeah and how can I tell if a pipe busts?
When it thaws out water goes everywhere. ;)
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Sorry to say that there isn't a lot that can be done to thaw the pipes when it's this cold. The best bet is to put a portable heater in the room and see if that helps.
As a precautionary measure in the future: leaving on an incandescent light in a cold small room can work miracles!
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do you know, is there a way I can place this weather chart on my desk top? I have found the weather that is on my msn home page is never accurate > >:(
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charlene that's because most weather charts do not originate from Wrightwood.
Which chart are you wanting to keep on your desktop?
This one?
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/weather/broadcast.jpg)
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The one in your note or on the WW weather site or any you might know that can be put into my home page msn.com or om the desktop? Thanks it took me a while to find the replies
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Wrightwood the new and old station have a 19% difference in humidity readings ???
Never mind it doesn't update as fast as the other one ::)
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Is there anything that can be done to help the iced up pipes thaw? Mine are frozen and I need to use the bathroom a lot (a wonderful side effect of the pregnancy) and after a short while it's going to be a problem. I've got the faucets open and am patiently waiting but soon I won't be able to be so patient. I'd also love to take a shower.
Oh yeah and how can I tell if a pipe busts?
If you go out to your garage and see this, there is a pretty good chance you might have a burst pipe:
(http://tensionnot.com/images/images/Automobiles350.jpg)
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The one in your note or on the WW weather site or any you might know that can be put into my home page msn.com or om the desktop? Thanks it took me a while to find the replies
The "New" WrightwoodCalif.com Weather page includes all the details:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/weather.html
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charlene that's because most weather charts do not originate from Wrightwood.
Which chart are you wanting to keep on your desktop?
This one?
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/weather/broadcast.jpg)
Yes, Yes, I want that one, how do we get it???
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got it- thanks!
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I ran a new water line and faucet to the front and I just went out and there is a huge puddle out front Guess I'm going to be needing some insulation on that pipe ::)
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Still no running water - should I call the water co.?
Plus, the drain for my forced air furnace is frozen, so the heater won't heat. I've been out there with an extention cord and the hair dryer, trying to thaw it out. That has always worked before, but it's still clogged. I just built a fire in my fireplace, hoping that it will warm up the attic space (single story house).
I'm not panicking quite yet, but I'm getting on the verge. Any more suggestions?
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The problem is not while the pipes are frozen. The problem arises when the pipes thaw out. If your pipes have froze, you need to keep an eye on them when they thaw out to see if they have cracked. Besides the obvious of looking at your pipes to see if they are cracked you can also look at your meter once it warms up and see if the meter is running even though you have no outlets open.
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sorry that i didn't figure this out--how do i get that weather graphic onto my desktop so that it magically appears there whenever my laptop is on? is this possible?
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yes this is what I would like to know as well I went to the weatyher page but it does not tell us if we can keep it on our home page.
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go to the live weather page and right click anywhere and "set as desktop item" that worked for me
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go to the live weather page and right click anywhere and "set as desktop item" that worked for me
That basically will work by setting it as your desktop but you are not going to get current data. The static image will not refresh automatically. It should refresh each time you reboot.
Side note: Direct linking to the image with auto refershing would not be permitted as it would suck up bandwith big time.
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thanks I guess we were looking for something that would up date oh well another question?? I would like to download a picture for my message I click on the blank picture left of the message it says go to my pictures but how do I get one of my pictures into this forum site?
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Go here to learn to post photos ;)
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,1897.0.html (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,1897.0.html)
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Thanks, I tried but I guess my pictures are too big, I'll stick with the genericone.
Back to Frigophobia. I still have no hot water in spite of turning up the heat to sona level. Do I need to do anything else? cant get heater into water heater closet.
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Sounds like the pipe which supplies your hot water heater with water could be frozen. This would branch off from the one which supplies cold water. It's probably outside your water heater closet somewhere.
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I can't get any water at all still and can't flush my toilets either. I'm a bit uncomfortable.
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Well that was interesting reading this thread.
I went to Ace Hardware and EVERYONE was buying insulation for the pipes.
This morning the water did not work. I went to Rite Aid and bought a hair dryer, then came home and proceded to warm up the exposed section of pipe and it thawed out in about 20 mins. I have a 4 inch section of pipe that is exposed right were the main valve is. Well the water works and now I'm leaving it drip. The temp on my desktop says it's a warm 32 degrees outside at 3:30 pm. Also had the ol husky inside last night.
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I don't know what else to do. My pipe is well insulated so it shouldn't be frozen and certainly shouldn't have stayed frozen this long. Not being able to flush the toilet is bothering me. There is water in there but it won't flush down. I have a call into CFord Plumbing so hopefully they can help me figure out what to do.
I could go to L.A. to see my mother and stay overnight there but I hate the idea of driving that long and driving home in the dark tomorrow night. I also don't like the idea of not being here to see what happens with the water.
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I don't know what else to do. My pipe is well insulated so it shouldn't be frozen and certainly shouldn't have stayed frozen this long. Not being able to flush the toilet is bothering me. There is water in there but it won't flush down. I have a call into CFord Plumbing so hopefully they can help me figure out what to do.
I could go to L.A. to see my mother and stay overnight there but I hate the idea of driving that long and driving home in the dark tomorrow night. I also don't like the idea of not being here to see what happens with the water.
Go down to the water store in Phelan next to the hardware and buy a couple of 5 gallon water jugs and use the water for the toilet.
Or go to Jensens and buy a bunch of 1 gallon bottles at 1.30 a gallon.
The water tank on the toilet is about 2 gallons
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sorry that i didn't figure this out--how do i get that weather graphic onto my desktop so that it magically appears there whenever my laptop is on? is this possible?
If you're using a Mac, Click on the Dashboard icon....the weather Widget will appear (when Windows Vista is eventually released....they will be called Gadgets ::) ). Click on the bottom right corner....enter the zip code...click done....now you will have the current temperature, and a complete 5-day forecast at your finger tips ....whenever you want it.
Man....I can't wait for the iPhone!!! 8)
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Uh Oh....All my water is working OK but I walked outside and checked the one outdoor faucet on the windward side of the house and it is frozen solid. I left the valve cracked open alittle for expansion...but I think it may be a little late for that.
I think I'm going to get the trusty old heating pad and try and wrap it around the pipe further in the basement and see if that will pull me through these next couple of days. Either that or a $15 dollar a day radiant heater to heat the whole area.
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Well, I'm back in business, for the moment anyway, thanks to Nolena :2thumbsup: and a couple of very wonderful neighbors! :2thumbsup: Nolena helped me thaw out the water pipe, and between Nolena and my neighbors, the heater is working. I have it turned up much higher than usual, and I'm worried about what's gonna happen tonite. :-\
Ohmygoodness, I can't wait till spring! :(
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Perhaps someone could invite Mazzystar to a sleepover! I'm sorry that I don't have a warm space to offer (my tent is coooooold). here at the camp a couple of our buildings have no water.
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Well, I want to thank Nolena for being my surrogate husband and helping me with my iced pipes. (Sounds like an interesting dessert huh?) I'm hoping that they will thaw out now that I have a heater out there. She is a wonderful friend! I have a friend who will let me sleep over if I need to but I'd rather be here to make sure everything is ok with the pipes. I also have to care for my dogs. Thank you, Storm, for thinking of me so kindly. My main concern is the bathroom situation so hopefully that will get better. Let's cross our fingers, shall we?
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You Pioneer Women are taking care of business..Good Job!
After an exploratory expedition down in the basement/studio to find the origin of the frozen faucet, I came across a 2 foot section that wasn't wrapped in the foam insulation heading out to the side of the house where the faucet is poking out.
Apparently this was enough to have the pipe freeze over. I wrappe d it in a heating pad with masking tape and will wait for it to flow again, (I left the valve cracked open) hopefully before it bursts the galvinized pipe. I think I caught it in time.
Never had a problem there until this years big freeeze of '07. The Big Chill. ;D
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I only have one gas wall unit for the whole 2 story house so on the coldest of cold, last night and to night while awake I use the gas stove for xtra heat, does anyone know if this could be a problem?
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Don't do it.
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
I hope you're not serious.
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Nolena is right don't do it.
An open flame from a stove is not safe as a heat source and carbon monoxide poisoning is possible.
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I have a couple of electric heaters, ones a radiant heater and the other an oil filled old hearth type, both that run on electricity. They are both fairly new and work good but are expensive to run....
If anyone needs them PM me. I could even drop them off on the way to work tonight.
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what about taking this opportunity to use the self cleaning option on the oven? That heated my house like it was a sauna over the holidays lol
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It's especially like a sauna if you first get inside the oven.
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what is the difference between the self cleaning setting and the oven setting?
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er I push a button on my oven and it locks and heats up and cleans itself. That's the only one I know.
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no, I mean if you turn thr oven on cooking a turkey for 6 hours or turn it on without the turkey and open the door why is monoxide poisoning a problem?
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Never had a problem there until this years big freeeze of '07. The Big Chill. ;D
Must be this global warming people are talking about :o
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Woo hoo! I have water! And my toilets work!! I love Nolena! She's my best friend this week!!
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48 hour chart
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/weather/vws742.jpg)
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It's cold.
Help each other.
Thaw your neighbor's pipes.
Take in those who are cold and/or have inadequate heat.
It's a small town.
We're family.
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You know it is a cold day when you take a soda out of your car/truck and the soda has turned into a slushy. Also you know it is a cold day when you have a cold drink that is frozen solid and you need to put it in front of a space heater to warm it up enough to drink it. It is 13.1 degrees right now, I bet all of the roads are a solid sheet of ice right now.
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It says -2 for tonite....
Great post Nolena.......
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Make sure you have some water dripping....
I have one outside dripping and should I do one in the house as well?
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Yep, inside too. I talked with one of the plumbers at CFord and he said to have my tub faucet opened where it's dripping because running water can't freeze. I'd do it just to be safe.
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Thanks Mazzy.... Do you have hot water yet? If you need to come over, you are more than welcome to our hot water......
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You're sweet. Yeah we have hot water so we're good. Thanks for the offer though.
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not trying to be a smart a$$, but inside, drip only the cold faucets, don't want to waste hot water. 8)
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Thanks Oakie!!! All the help you can give is GREAT... I would have chosen the cold though.... Gas is too expensive to waste that hot water.. :)-
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Nolena was a godsend to me today! :2thumbsup: I'll never again take running water and a working furnace for granted.
Angelwolf, I shut off all my outside water several weeks ago, undid the hoses, left the bibbs open, etc, well ahead of this Arctic freeze. I have a small heater set on low out front, where the water enters the house. It's in an enclosed box that my hubby built years ago.
I don't think I'll leave a faucet dripping inside tonite - that heater should prevent the problem I had earlier today. Thanx again to Nolena, I wouldn't have thought of that. Why do husbands have to die, when you really need them for stuff like this? :'(
Well, maybe I'll leave the bathtub faucet dripping a little bit. I hate to waste water, but I'd rather have water in the morning....
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I don't think I can shut it off, the bib is attached to the house. It froze last night but I was able to turn it on today. I am glad your problem was taken care of.....
Keep warm tonite.
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Well, I forgot, Angelwolf. Being able to shut off my outside water is something my hubby did many many years ago. Those bibbs are separate from the main water supply. Yours are probably attached to your main supply.
You keep warm too, and keep Mogli and the others warm as well! Or rather, Mogli, with that warm fur, can keep YOU warm! :laugh:
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Thanks. Mogli will be under the bed, tightly as every night... The others I will have to drag in... LOL
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We haven't had water since like noon. Had to shut off the water because a water line broke out front. When the sun comes up guess what I get to do! Fix the pipe out front! This time I think I will insulate it. ::)
So many people were buying Pipes, Fittings, and Insulation. They were running very low on insulation at true value this afternoon.
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Nolena should be crowned "Ice Queen" for her good deeds and advice! :crowngrin:
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Here here :2thumbsup:. Nolena for Ice Queen with a heart of gold. Does that make young Nolena Ice Princess?? :crowngrin:
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Its 30.9 here ;D
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It's cold.
Help each other.
Thaw your neighbor's pipes.
Take in those who are cold and/or have inadequate heat.
It's a small town.
We're family.
I want to be Nolena when(and if) I grow up! She's the best. :elefant:
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I grew up in Indiana, I NEVER expected THIS here!! We have an anti-freeze system on the pool too! My husband broke up the ice already and he is checking for other damage. The pool cleaner was cleaning away under the ice!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_9865.jpg)
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There are lots of water salvage calls being dispatched throughout the Tri-Community.
The number of calls is increasing as areas begin to thaw.
Wrightwood has not begun to thaw so keep an eye open for flowing water in neighboring houses in the next few days. Water damage is very expensive if it is not caught immediately.
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So many people were buying Pipes, Fittings, and Insulation. They were running very low on insulation at true value this afternoon.
Guess these people have never heard of "preventive maintenance." :-\ I was at Mtn Hardware yesterday and saw people buying a lot of foam pipe wrap.
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It sure seems that putting foam insulation on frozen pipes would cause them to stay frozen longer.
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There are lots of water salvage calls being dispatched throughout the Tri-Community.
The number of calls is increasing as areas begin to thaw.
Wrightwood has not began to thaw so keep an eye open for flowing water in neighboring houses in the next few days. Water damage is very expensive if it is not caught immediately.
Wrightwood is correct it is very expensive. We have experienced having water damage before. At our old 1929 house the cast iron sewer line cracked under the house and we didn't know it for a long time. They had to come in and clean up all the crap and water and put fans everywhere. We had to go to a hotel for two nights because we couldn't sleep with the noise of the fans. That was one huge expense.
So if you see or hear running water under some ones house shut there water off at the meter. Or if you have to leave and your pipes aren't thawed out I would turn the water off at the meter just to be sure and when you get home turn it back on when you get home and see if you have any leaks.
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It sure seems that putting foam insulation on frozen pipes would cause them to stay frozen longer.
It would sure seem that way. Last time I checked if you insulate cold in it stays that way a lot longer than being un-Insulated. If your going to insulate you should wait till your pipes are all thawed out.
Guess these people have never heard of "preventive maintenance." :-\ I was at Mtn Hardware yesterday and saw people buying a lot of foam pipe wrap.
We went to True Value and Home Depot yesterday and one of the workers at Home Depot told a guy to put insulation over the pipes now before it freezes even more and to use electrical tape to hold the foam insulation on the pipe... Ive never heard that one before.
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A call was just dispatched for water flow at Apple Valley Insulation ::)
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A call was just dispatched for water flow at Apple Valley Insulation ::)
Now that's funny! (Probably not so funny for them.)
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The number of calls is increasing as the day warms up. Lots of businesses and sprinkler systems in the high desert have busted pipes.
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The number of calls is increasing as the day warms up. Lots of businesses and sprinkler systems in the high desert have busted pipes.
Ive been listing to all those.
Also picking up on the 2 Injuries at Mt. High that there going to be flying out shortly from the Caltrans yard
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Okay, now what? I just discovered I DO NOT have hot water - I had it yesterday. And of course I discovered this after coloring my hair and jumping in the shower to rinse it out - needless to say I jumped right out of the shower -- and I've done my best to get this rinsed out.
So why don't I have hot water? I still have heat, so my gas is running fine. What do I do to get hot water back? I left my tub dripping cold water last night. None of my hot water faucets turn on today, and I still have NO water in my laundry room.
What do I do? I thought I had already done everything right!!!
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Check the cold water line heading into the tank. Most of these are not insulated. Also your pilot light might have turned off.
Also check the water valve at the bottom of your tank to check if there is water, and to see if it is hot.
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Okay, now what? I just discovered I DO NOT have hot water - I had it yesterday. And of course I discovered this after coloring my hair and jumping in the shower to rinse it out - needless to say I jumped right out of the shower -- and I've done my best to get this rinsed out.
So why don't I have hot water? I still have heat, so my gas is running fine. What do I do to get hot water back? I left my tub dripping cold water last night. None of my hot water faucets turn on today, and I still have NO water in my laundry room.
What do I do? I thought I had already done everything right!!!
You should have told me yesterday you still didn't have water to your washer. I could have figured out where it was frozen. It may just be frozen in the lines that connect the washer to the wall faucet bib.
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Funky, I can't be imposing that much! And I really did think it would have been fixed by now, as that room is now the warmest in the house with the heater in there.
I checked the water heater - and besides not knowing what the heck I'm looking for or at - one of the hoses coming out of the top was warm to the touch. And I'm getting a trickle of water from the hot water side - so hopefully whatever is frozen will soon be unfrozen.
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So if you see or hear running water under some ones house shut there water off at the meter. Or if you have to leave and your pipes aren't thawed out I would turn the water off at the meter just to be sure and when you get home turn it back on when you get home and see if you have any leaks.
Unfortunately I couldn't make it up to WW this weekend as originally planned. I keep the house at 50 degrees when I'm not there, and last year I put in foam insulation on all the pipes under the house, but just to be sure ... If there's someone who'd be willing to turn my water off from the street for me (it's easily visible from the street), please PM me!
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If there's someone who'd be willing to turn my water off from the street for me (it's easily visible from the street), please PM me!
I've got a taker already, thanks for the PM's!
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Were going into night #2 without water. Just stocked up on 10 gallons of water. Hopefully I can get another part I need In the morning.
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Were going into night #2 without water. Just stocked up on 10 gallons of water. Hopefully I can get another part I need In the morning.
Gawd Funky, good luck! I don't know how to do anything, luckily everything is working tonite at my house.
I hate this cold weather......! :P
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Our heater stopped working after the first cold night. ::) If I purge the gas line, following the instructions on the panel, it will run for about 10 minutes and shut itself off again. The fire place is getting a workout!
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Hoping for some advice....
The water for my wash machine will not turn on. Yesterday, I tried and got a trickle and decided to try to let it run its course, well it started leaking from the bottom and smoking...I think because it stayed on the wash cyle the whole time and because water wasn't coming out it started smoking. Do you think this is a frozen pipe issue or wash machine issue? I did turn it to the spin cycle and it was able to get the water out of the machine fine, but only a trickle still comes out when I turn on the water.
I tried calling Campbell's Appliance, but they are closed until Feb. Do I call CFord Plumbing? Basically, I don't want to have to pay for two different service calls if it is just one issue. Does anyone have any ideas?? Oh, and if its is a wash machine issue, do you know of anyone else who fixes wash machines? Thank you!! I never thought I would say this, but I just want to do laundry again!! :)
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disconnet the water from the washer and see if there is water coming from the hose.
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Pete is right.
Turn off the water lines feeding the washer. Disconnect them and test each of them to see if water flows through the hoses. If it does then the washer is frozen. If the water doesn't run in the hot and cold water lines then the pipes feeding those lines are frozen.
The washing machine could also be frozen and if the pump is frozen the belt would slip and could cause smoke.
You might have two problems.
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Thank you ezzpete and Wrightwood! I disconnected the hoses and those faucets are working as are the faucets that go to the sink. So, does this mean that the pump is frozen? I just put a heater in there and the dryer is running. Do you think this will help thaw out the pump? If not, what would you suggest? Thanks!
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You are doing the right thing. If water was comming from under the washer I'm afraid to say it doesn't sound good.
When the washer thaws and you test the machine don't put much water in it, try the drain cycle and be prepared in case it leaks.
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We have running water again! There running really low on 1/2" and 1" pvc fittings at true value and they just got boxes of insulation. lots of people are getting enough to cover the pipes under the house. So my guess is the insulation will run out by the end of the day. A county water tank line broke and made a stream at least 3 miles long and probably even longer... just couldn't see all the way down.
Any one ever seen it this cold and this many people with broken lines before?
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I got extra insulation to double up the efforts I've already got going on the main pipe but when Nolena and I went to put the insulation on we found my pipe is leaking. Nice ice sculptures down under the porch... Makes me think about taking up the art of ice design. All I can say is it's a good thing that I unplugged the heater that I had under the house because that could have been a BIG problem. I noticed the extension cord was covered a bit in ice near the plug area. *Sigh* If it's not one thing, it's another huh? I called C Ford and told them that I have a leak that I'd like to share with them ;D
Spring???? Where are you?!?!?
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In regards to the washing machine problem, I had that happen to me. It turned out that the regulater froze and was busted. Price for a new regulator??.....29 bucks and it was easy to fix. The regulator is the part that the hoses screw on, located on the back of the washer.
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I still have no hot water. I was hoping it would get above freezing so there would be a chance for some thawing - but it looks like the temperature is going down again! I guess I'll go look at my water heater again and see if I can figure something out. I have some faucets that I can get a trickle of water on the hot-water side - but the water is ice cold.
The good thing is all my cats are in heaven with all of this running water!
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Chatty,
My neighbors had the same problem. It turns out that one pipe under the house was frozen and there was no water getting to the water heater. The water in the heater was hot but there was no water flowing in to the heater so no water would come out of it.
They had a lightbulb next to the spot that froze but it had burned out, he replaced the bulb and in a few minutes the hot water was flowing again.
Naughty
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Now our problem is the kitchen water isn't working. Neither hot or cold. The pipes run through the flooring insulation and the kitchen is the only place it apparently froze. The thing I find odd is the un insulated faucets aren't frozen but the one of the insulated pipes are.
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That's what I've always heard from some old timers. In some instances the insulation can cause pipes to sweat and freeze easier. I was also told that if you have old galvanized pipes, that have made it for years, and put insulation on them you could be asking for trouble.
The thing I find odd is the un insulated faucets aren't frozen but the one of the insulated pipes are.
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That's what I've always heard from some old timers. In some instances the insulation can cause pipes to sweat and freeze easier. I was also told that if you have old galvanized pipes, that have made it for years, and put insulation on them you could be asking for trouble.
Ok I'm going to go cover those pipes with deodorant ;D
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Where is global warming when you need it ?
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Boy wuz I wrong!! DRIP yer HOT and COLD faucets to avoid freezing pipes. I'm so ???
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Here's a few more tips for extreme cold conditions:
Leave cabinet/vanity doors open below sinks that are on exterior walls as it allows heat from inside the house to keep the area warm. Also don't keep laundry room and bathroom doors closed as they need some heat to keep pipes from freezing.
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Any one ever seen it this cold and this many people with broken lines before?
It got down to -5* at our WW place in the late '80s. I'm thinking 87 or 88, I'm not really sure. I just know it was painfully cold. My daughter was living in our Phelan place at the time. It was around 6* or 7* here.
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Any one ever seen it this cold and this many people with broken lines before?
It got down to -5* at our WW place in the late '80s. I'm thinking 87 or 88, I'm not really sure.
I would guess the winter 1987. That was when I remember it snowing in Riverside for about 15 minutes.
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I forget which year it was, but it was in the 80's, coulda been 1987, but we had a water dispenser in the garage that held 5-gallon plastic jugs of water. It was at the front of the garage, right by the door that goes from the kitchen into the garage. One night we forgot to close the garage door, and the 1/2 full water jug was frozen solid in the morning. I don't know what the temp was that night, except I do know it was COLD!!
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I left a bottle of sparkling cider on my front porch over the weekend. In the morning I found it had frozen and busted out the bottom of the bottle. Interesting yellow ooze on the snow.
The sodas I had in the trunk of the car were also frozen. I had to thaw them out in the refrigertor because they had become slushies. That's a first - thawing out my drinks in the fridge.
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I'm having no luck with my hot water. I can hear the pilot light on in the water heater - the pipes by the water heater are now warm to the touch (I have a heater warming them) - so where would the frozen pipes be? I'm barely getting a trickle from the hot water side of the faucet - and it's icy cold - in fact I've been drinking a lot more water -- so there's one good thing!
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ChattyCathy, I'm so sorry for your ongoing problem! I don't know anything about how stuff works, so can't offer any advice, except have you called a plumber?
But you are welcome to come over here for a hot shower tomorrow if you want. As long as you don't mind clutter and dust!
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Thanks, ForestGal, but a neighbor has let me use her shower. This is so frustrating. I've basically been heating the outside to no avail, I see my electric meter spinning - I guess it's time to call a plumber.
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The plumber with a lot of tattoos is really good. I can't remember his name.
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I guess it's finally happened...
(http://www.michaeldashow.com/diablo/hellfrozenover.jpg)
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I left a bottle of sparkling cider on my front porch over the weekend. In the morning I found it had frozen and busted out the bottom of the bottle. Interesting yellow ooze on the snow.
The sodas I had in the trunk of the car were also frozen. I had to thaw them out in the refrigertor because they had become slushies. That's a first - thawing out my drinks in the fridge.
LOL!!!!!! Wow.
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I'm having no luck with my hot water. I can hear the pilot light on in the water heater - the pipes by the water heater are now warm to the touch (I have a heater warming them) - so where would the frozen pipes be? I'm barely getting a trickle from the hot water side of the faucet - and it's icy cold - in fact I've been drinking a lot more water -- so there's one good thing!
is the cold water side of your plumbing working or is it frozen solid?
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UH....WARNING.
I did some laundry when I finally thawed out my pipes.....Didn't expect the water outlet to be FROZEN.
Water couldn't drain and backed all over the floor and hallway. Someone from Wisconsin said to pour rock salt down my drain...Good idea.
But y'all might want to be on "stand by" when running your laundry just to make sure your drains are not frozen.
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One thing that can help in the garage or laundry room is to vent your drier's outlet hose into the garage. I put an old nylon or pantyhose over the end of the drier hose. It catches lint, and the garage is warmed by the drier.
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The cold side of the faucet is running - now I'm not getting a drop out of the hot-water side. I had a small heater outside in the metal box that contains my water heater, and last night all of the pipes were warm to the touch. I didn't want to heat the outside all night, so I turned the little heater off. I just now checked, and I see ice down at the bottom, so apparently somewhere I burst a pipe. Anyone have any idea what this will cost to repair? This is very bad news to my very tight budget.
I'm having no luck with my hot water. I can hear the pilot light on in the water heater - the pipes by the water heater are now warm to the touch (I have a heater warming them) - so where would the frozen pipes be? I'm barely getting a trickle from the hot water side of the faucet - and it's icy cold - in fact I've been drinking a lot more water -- so there's one good thing!
is the cold water side of your plumbing working or is it frozen solid?
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hello all, first post here, weekender since the 50's
just got word the house lost it's pilot light for the house heater, so I know I'm very frozen inside, water was shut off under the house, and the kitchen faucet was wide open when the last person left a few weeks ago, water heater was in vacation mode I think. any best way to thaw out the house when I go up and relight the heater??
Thanks all.
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What type of fireplace do you have to get the house up to temperature to begin with?
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We have the orginal full rock style, last time we used it we got smoked out, so something there is not right, the flu was replace a few years ago and never test till recently. I'm hoping by this weekend it warms up a bit so it not too bad. I may have to make a wind blind for the floor heater as it's in the garage and high winds may have caused it to blow the pilot out. It's happend before.
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You've got your work cut out for yourself.
Get your heater going first.
If I was going to tackle the job I'd bring a few portable electric heaters, a hair dryer, a few extension cords, 2 way radio and plenty of warm clothes.
If there is more than one person comming up walkie talkies would be real important to communicate with one another while checking for water leaks.
It appears that it will be warming up the next few days so it should help but still in the 20's each night.
Best of luck.
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I wouldn't run the fireplace 24/7 if it hasn't been cleaned/inspected recently, and it's smoking. Something seems to be clogging the chimney.
I've responded to several fires where the entire house was lost due to cracks in the chimney, often without enough clearance around the chimney.
Usually these fires were during a cold spell, with the fire going in the fireplace for several days. Eventually the structural members in the wall caught fire due to cracks or lack of clearance.
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The cold side of the faucet is running - now I'm not getting a drop out of the hot-water side. I had a small heater outside in the metal box that contains my water heater, and last night all of the pipes were warm to the touch. I didn't want to heat the outside all night, so I turned the little heater off. I just now checked, and I see ice down at the bottom, so apparently somewhere I burst a pipe. Anyone have any idea what this will cost to repair? This is very bad news to my very tight budget.
I'm having no luck with my hot water. I can hear the pilot light on in the water heater - the pipes by the water heater are now warm to the touch (I have a heater warming them) - so where would the frozen pipes be? I'm barely getting a trickle from the hot water side of the faucet - and it's icy cold - in fact I've been drinking a lot more water -- so there's one good thing!
is the cold water side of your plumbing working or is it frozen solid?
It sounds as if your thermocouple sensor is bad. They cost about $10 and if you can do it yourself you are OK. They sell them at the hardware store. If the control module is bad you probably can't do that yourself and it will cost you about $140 for a plumber to do it.
Good luck.
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My water heater is actually leaking - so I need a new one. None of my pipes are insulated, so I'll get that done, too. I called Raul Ramirez, a resident of Wrightwood who is just starting to build up his plumbing business here. He is very friendly, and he seems honest and reasonable. He fit me in his schedule immediately, and he's going to replace it today. I'll let you know the results - but so far I like him and I'm sure he'll do a good job. His number is 760-317-3049. I'll be so glad to get hot water!
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I was also told that if you have old galvanized pipes, that have made it for years, and put insulation on them you could be asking for trouble.
the first thing i did when i moved here, was put insulation on the (galvanized) pipes. my cabin was built in 1967. no problems, so far.
but my water heater is under the house, and keeps it pretty warm down there.
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My water heater is actually leaking - so I need a new one. None of my pipes are insulated, so I'll get that done, too. I called Raul Ramirez, a resident of Wrightwood who is just starting to build up his plumbing business here. He is very friendly, and he seems honest and reasonable. He fit me in his schedule immediately, and he's going to replace it today. I'll let you know the results - but so far I like him and I'm sure he'll do a good job. His number is 760-317-3049. I'll be so glad to get hot water!
Is he licensed ?
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Pete,
I tried doing some research on this and can't find anything. It's always possible that the theory had a slightly different meaning as putting insulation on frozen pipes makes the problem worse as it prolongs the frozen pipe issue. Insulation is designed to help maintain the internal temperature that it's protecting. Hot and cold both apply ;)
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can you rent a kerosene heater somewhere? we have three for emergencies. We used to use them in the garage with the door cracked open (before we plumbed natural gas out there). One of ours looks like a jet engine. There other 2 are called Kerosun (sp?). The dont smell too good but they don't smoke. Lots of people use them back east. I've seen kerosene gas pumps back east. We get ours at the hardware store here. Anyway I know people who have used them in the houses while they are building. I wouldn't use it 24/7 but it will help.
In keeping more with the topic. We had a hot water circulator put in years ago. Turn on the tap and its hot now. The pump was just replaced and was $100. They save money because you don't have the water running forever waiting for the hot water and I think it helps keep the pipes from freezing. Our house is 1968 and no problems with frozen anything.
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My neighbors water just broke, no she isn't pregnant. She came over and told us he garage was filling with water. We tried to shut it off at the street only to find a meter that hadn't been touched in what looked like years. The meter was covered in dirt and I couldn't find the shut off valve. My other neighbor went under the house and shut it off there. The water company honestly tries to say they read it. We know better....
A new skating rink will open tomorrow in here garage.
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You know, My friend tried to check my water meter but found that we couldn't see the meter... it was covered with dirt and leaves and pine needles and we wondered how the water company could even read it. Now I'm curious... How can they tell how much water you use if they can't read the meter?
I still have a leak and the plumbers are backed up. Luckily it's a slow leak.
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Hope the plumber can get to your house soon, MazzyStar.
Thank goodness for living in this town, and for neighbors and friends who help each other!! :grouphug:
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Now that you brought that up Mazzy and dude ours was under 2" of dirt this weekend... I'm wondering now how the water company reads the meter...
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Now that you brought that up Mazzy and dude ours was under 2" of dirt this weekend... I'm wondering now how the water company reads the meter...
Lets ask them and find out
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"Luckily it's a slow drip."
I think I dated him years ago.
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Speaking of the meters being covered, when the plumber went to turn off my water at the street, the meter was covered with dirt and pine needles and certainly did not appear to be looked at recently. We even had a discussion about it - his assistant said the water company must use the figures from last year, as nothing appeared to be touched for sometime.
I'm still without hot water. After replacing my water heater, by turning off the water from the street, everything froze again. I also learned that all of my pipes are under the house, and not one of them is insulated.
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From Nolena yesterday:
"The water meter reader left the gate open." and off went her dogs.
Well, we know the water company is reading HER meter....but I guess not many more....
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Now that you brought that up Mazzy and dude ours was under 2" of dirt this weekend... I'm wondering now how the water company reads the meter...
From what I remember they just guess at it.
a friend of mine from Missisippi, lost his total house in the Katrina thing. He got a bill from Edison saying he owed over $300. He ask how they checked the meter. they stated the meter checker couldnt find it so he guessed at the numbers from the last reading. then he told them the hose wasnt there anymore, they responded and saying, you still owe us even though the meter is missing.
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Found out about a pipe wrap that turns on when the temp reaches 37 and keeps the pipes warm with trickle heat. Had to go to Olsons way out off 1-15 and Stoddard Rd to get some. Just plugs into a 100 outlet under the house. Mountain Hardware was out of it but may have it in now. I bought extra that i am returning on my way into WW on Friday. I have 2, 6' and 2, 15' lengths in case someone wants to buy them from me instead of me returning them. They are $35+.
Still in a quandry - leave the water dripping, drain the pipes, turn off at main - done 'em all and still have the pipes freeze. Our main to the house broke and the hot water line broke too. Thank goodness for C Ford Plumbing and their great crew!
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Woo-woo, I've got hot water! I would recommend Raul Ramirez very highly! He did a terrific job, and I would venture to say that his prices are more reasonable than his competition. He lives in Wrightwood, too. His number is 760-317-3049. He'll come to your house and give you an estimate of your problem - there is no service call fee.
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Yippeee ChattyCathy!!
I am trying a portable heater behind the washing machine to see if I can thaw it out.
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Well, Hubby has heard his favorite words, "You are right!".
The portable heater is not making any progress with the frozen washer just as he predicted.
Looks like I get new undies and a couple pair of jeans ;)
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Well, Hubby has heard his favorite words, "You are right!".
The portable heater is not making any progress with the frozen washer just as he predicted.
Looks like I get new undies and a couple pair of jeans ;)
When things thaw find the hose bib furthest from the supply and let it run the thickness of a pencil all night and you won't have a repeat of your problem.
Be ready with your water shut off key. A freeze of this nature is going to damage unprotected pipe systems.
Good luck to all of you.
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I would suggest that everyone check with their neighbors that they have water, especially older folks or shut-ins. Also, when everything thaws, be looking at weekender homes for water leaks. And for those without water or without hot water, let's share with our neighbor. I had many offers of a hot shower when my hot water was off.
I am currently with hot water and my washing machine is in working order - pm me if you'd like to wash some clothes or take a hot shower. I also have a few electric heaters that I'm not using now if anyone needs them to thaw out pipes, etc. They are small, but they may help.
I was very lucky to get immediate plumbing help and now have all of my pipes thawed and insulated - I feel very lucky. PM me if you want my plumber's info - I've listed it above in this threatd, but I don't know if he's been inundated with work.
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Are things starting to thaw? Just trying to see if it's worth coming up this weekend to assess any damage.
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It's barely above freezing right now, but if I were you, I'd get up here to prevent any damage if you do have frozen pipes.
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Are things starting to thaw? Just trying to see if it's worth coming up this weekend to assess any damage.
If your water system was on throughout this little Ice Festival it is damaged. Pipes that are full just freeze and break in this condition. It has been that cold.
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Wow..... hold on there in your blanket assessment.
There is potential for water pipes and fixtures to be damaged but to say all would be damaged is stretching things. Way too many variables involved.
If I had a weekend cabin I surely wouldn't hesitate on getting up here as the potential for increased damage is definitely there.
If your water system was on throughout this little Ice Festival it is damaged. Pipes that are full just freeze and break in this condition. It has been that cold.
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I agree that not all homes will have busted pipes - especially if they have been insulated. I hear the east side of town has a lot of frozen pipes - but then again people right in town, too. Although most of my pipes were frozen under my house, none of them burst - although my water heater was another issue. But I would certainly get up here and take any preventative measures to prevent any damage from occurring.
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I've got a water heater insulation wrap with instructions FREE to whoever wants it.
I just remembered I had it. Someone gave it to me back in July. Had I used it, I probably would not have had to replace my water heater!
It looks brand new, but the box it's in is very beat up. It says it's a fiberglass blanket, 48" x75" x 1 1/2 " thick. It says it fits most gas and electric heaters up to 60 gallons.
Free to whoever PM's me first and you can get up here to get it (upper East Canyon)
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My water meter is at the street, then the pipe runs underground and pops up in the crawl space, under the kitchen sink. There's also valves under the sink to drain all of the piping in the house (although I didn't use it this time, as I thought I was going to make it up before the cold snap). Most of the piping is short runs from where it pops out of the ground, but there's a long run to a hose bib on the other side of the house. I'm glad that when I moved in a couple of years ago I did all of the following:
- Insulated all of the pipes running under the house
- Put foam covers on the two hose bibs outside
- Put an insulating blanket on the water heater
- Put electric heat tape on the 12" or so of pipe under the house that can't be drained
- Keep the house at 50 degrees when I'm not there
- Open the cabinet doors for the kitchen and bathroom sinks
We'll see how well that worked out. My major concern is the long run of pipe to the hose bib on the other side of the house. Hopefully, the electric heat tape and insulation should have kept everything else warm enough.
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me me me
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It's yours!
me me me
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I put one of those blankets on ours since the access door is on the outside of the house with no insulation
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I am in the Easy Cyn and had no issues. My bib coming out of the back of the house won't come on in the morning but at night is fine. All my pipes are under the house and are wrapped in this HUGE gray stuff with padding and plastic.... I guess the previous owners prepared for this.
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Wow..... hold on there in your blanket assessment.
There is potential for water pipes and fixtures to be damaged but to say all would be damaged is stretching things. Way too many variables involved.
If I had a weekend cabin I surely wouldn't hesitate on getting up here as the potential for increased damage is definitely there.
If your water system was on throughout this little Ice Festival it is damaged. Pipes that are full just freeze and break in this condition. It has been that cold.
You are correct. He said he needed to get up here and I assumed that meant the heat was off. I also made a lot of other assumptions that weren't fair. If he left his heat off, had an old cabin with no pipe insulation, and he had pipe that was full of water he is probably coming up to a system full of problems.
My lady has a newer home, INSULATED copper plumbing, and the heat has been on all winter. I have had to cut out two pieces of copper in the basement and garage. They took place ten days apart. One was an easy fix. The other fought me all of the way.
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Wow, you really prepared for this! I bet everything will be fine - but let us know! Unfortunately I had no clue that I had to do anything like this - but now I'm in good shape.
My water meter is at the street, then the pipe runs underground and pops up in the crawl space, under the kitchen sink. There's also valves under the sink to drain all of the piping in the house (although I didn't use it this time, as I thought I was going to make it up before the cold snap). Most of the piping is short runs from where it pops out of the ground, but there's a long run to a hose bib on the other side of the house. I'm glad that when I moved in a couple of years ago I did all of the following:
- Insulated all of the pipes running under the house
- Put foam covers on the two hose bibs outside
- Put an insulating blanket on the water heater
- Put electric heat tape on the 12" or so of pipe under the house that can't be drained
- Keep the house at 50 degrees when I'm not there
- Open the cabinet doors for the kitchen and bathroom sinks
We'll see how well that worked out. My major concern is the long run of pipe to the hose bib on the other side of the house. Hopefully, the electric heat tape and insulation should have kept everything else warm enough.
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Wow, you really prepared for this!
[/quote]
What's that saying...something about an ounce of prevention is worth.....
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i just found my first post ever on this site.
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,287.msg7755.html#msg7755
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"sure hope Chuck hasn't decided to put on his bathing suit"
Really bad visual......
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We made the run up the hill this morning to check for any damage. The part of the pipe in the crawl space that pops out of the ground and into the house under the kitchen sink was frozen, even with the electric heat tape on the pipe. So I have no running water. At least there's no major pipe rupture, although there could be a leak after everything thaws. I originally thought that the heat tape was defective, but I tested it tonight with a bag of ice and it works fine. I believe the problem was that I located the heat tape thermostat on the part of the pipe closer to the house instead of closer to the ground - so the thermostat was seeing the warmer temperatures from the house heat warming the pipes, and the heat tape wasn't turning on when needed.
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Good news biking_brian.
To be safe crack a valve open to relieve pressure on the line as it thaws.
We've got a rental property and received an email tonight that a line burst and flooded the downstairs. This happened today when pipes thawed.
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Couldn't read through this thread until now. I was just so cold, I couldn't sit at the computer. Furnace went out days ago. Think it was maybe 20 something in the house. First sort of nice day they show up to bring the new one. Couldn't stop thinking about the older people that you hear about that die because it's just so cold. How is that we don't have something in place in communities so this doesn't ever happen?
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We've got a rental property and received an email tonight that a line burst and flooded the downstairs. This happened today when pipes thawed.
Wrightwood, is your rental here in town? I have a rental up here too, and have heard nothing from the tenants, so I'm assuming everything is hunky-dory. I was in the lower part of the property yesterday (the rental is an upstairs apt.), and everything looked fine.
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Yes it's in town near Dogwood.
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Thanks, mine is on Lark across from the Catholic Church. The upper part is theirs, and I never hear from them unless something is wrong, which is hardly ever. No news is good news!
I'm so sorry that you have a mess to deal with! :(
Can't we just fast-forward to summer? :-\
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Good news biking_brian.
To be safe crack a valve open to relieve pressure on the line as it thaws.
We've got a rental property and received an email tonight that a line burst and flooded the downstairs. This happened today when pipes thawed.
Did it do very much damage?
Thanks, mine is on Lark across from the Catholic Church. The upper part is theirs, and I never hear from them unless something is wrong, which is hardly ever. No news is good news!
I'm so sorry that you have a mess to deal with! :(
Can't we just fast-forward to summer? :-\
I can arrange another cold arctic blast for ya ::) ;D Just looked and around the 1st of February looks like its going to dip down again... Not nearly as bad though
You though gas was expensive... Just wait for the prices for oranges, avocado, etc. :-\
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Darwin missed a few.
Words to live by, Nolena.
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Good news biking_brian.
To be safe crack a valve open to relieve pressure on the line as it thaws.
Yup, water is turned off at the street, and I had already cracked open the valve that normally drains the water from the house.
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I spent a good part of the day finding/repairing the blown water fittings. The damage was caused from a closed bathroom door with no heat entering and the plumbing on an outer wall.
The pipes and fitting had good insulation but had no chance with last weeks freeze.
Fortunately the new carpeting was indoor/outdoor and the water was vacuumed up right away. There was some damage to kids toys and coloring books but overall not too much.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/disaster/BustedPipes.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/disaster/BustedPipes2.JPG)
Notice this guy? Curt from Cford Plumbing came by to offer some assistance :bow:
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/disaster/BustedPipes3.JPG)
Notice the blow out in the galvanized T. The union expanded and blew the assembly apart.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/disaster/BustedPipes1.JPG)
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Well, that looks pretty complicated, but I'm not mechanical at all. Curt has been a godsend to me on numerous occasions - he and his staff are excellent! :2thumbsup:
I think my heating/water problems are fixed - on Thursday a friend hooked up electric heater wire thingies and did insulating for my main water line into the house, and the drain thingy for the furnace. He was able to "go shopping" in my garage and in one of the sheds and found most everything he needed - only had to go to Mtn. Hdwe. for the heating units and a special cover for one of the outside electrical outlets.
No broken pipes for now! :laugh:
I won't know until spring if either of the 2 other outside bibbs are damaged, when I turn the water back on to them, but I shut them off and drained them many weeks ago, so should be ok.
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Just goes to show how dang strong freezing water is. :o Did the siding, walls, and insulation dry out or did you have to replace some of it?
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Curt Ford is a straight shooter, I have had him work over here a few times.
I have pipe clamps in case of emergency ( I bought them at Mt. Hardware); here are a few other methods that might help.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/epr4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/emergency_pipe_repairs.htm&h=300&w=400&sz=11&hl=en&sig2=U9-0QcC5pFUZid5NJhZX3A&start=31&tbnid=Mq8rYlx6dZ0zKM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&ei=iIizRZr7H5LMJKKc7TM&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpipe%2Bfixer%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN
The clamp I have is insulated and screws down over the entire pipe. I like it better for a quick emergency than the above methods and I strongly discourage the hammer method.
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Most of the water went down and the siding and insulation were OK.
The tenant was home and discovered it probably 1/2 hour after it happened so the damage could have been worse.
Pipe clamps would have done no good in this project. You can't put one around a union or a T fittings. They do have their place on straight runs.
One more thing - When I left there still were frozen pipes and more work may be needed.
Just goes to show how dang strong freezing water is. :o Did the siding, walls, and insulation dry out or did you have to replace some of it?
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Wrightwood's pics remind me of the time my parents house had a frozen pipe. This on the San Francisco peninsula, about 1990 or so, after a sustained hard freeze of about 4 days.
This was a 1" copper pipe, inside one of the two roof-mounted Solar Hot Water tanks we lovingly called "Coffins" We figured that since the plumbing was under the tank, in the coffin, and on a south-facing roof, it would never be a problem. At that point the coffins had been up on the roof for over 20 years.
They held 50 gallons each, and one of the feed lines had split linearly under one of the tanks, and 100 gallons of water came over the side of the roof, and onto the walk below. My brothers and I came over with 50 lbs of rocksalt, to melt the ice, and one brother who was starting out as a general contractor cut out the split piece, and sweated in a new one. We then covered all the pipes inside and outside the coffins with pipe insulation.
My brand-new girlfriend (at the time) had never met any of my family before that day; now she's watching us on the roof, trying to fix this thing. She has now been my wife for almost 15 years.
Peace
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yesterday i was walking on Snowbird, and noticed a house with a flooded front yard. it didn't look like anyone was there. if you have a weekend place near the middle of that street (south side), IM and i'll tell you which house.
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Pete,
You should call the water company and give them the info.
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Wrightwood - Should we share the unorthodox pipe thawing method that I used on my underground frozen pipes? After restoring service to my house, I thawed a 150 foot pipe at the camp. That task required only 25 minutes by my method compared to 1 or 2 days that it would have taken to dig up the line, thaw it out and the bury it again.
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The water company has been notified.
yesterday i was walking on Snowbird, and noticed a house with a flooded front yard. it didn't look like anyone was there. if you have a weekend place near the middle of that street (south side), IM and i'll tell you which house.
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That might be better handled by Personal Message as it could cause problems if done incorrectly.
If anyone still has a frozen water main with steel pipe you might want to contact Dr. Dstructo.
Wrightwood - Should we share the unorthodox pipe thawing method that I used on my underground frozen pipes? After restoring service to my house, I thawed a 150 foot pipe at the camp. That task required only 25 minutes by my method compared to 1 or 2 days that it would have taken to dig up the line, thaw it out and the bury it again.
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That might be better handled by Personal Message as it could cause problems if done incorrectly.
I agree.
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The water company has been notified.
yesterday i was walking on Snowbird, and noticed a house with a flooded front yard. it didn't look like anyone was there. if you have a weekend place near the middle of that street (south side), IM and i'll tell you which house.
cool,thanks.
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As a weekender, I think I am a happy camper...Knock on Wood.
Today was the first day I was able to come up since early December to check out my pipes(good excuse for a motorcycle ride;-). However, since my cabin was rented over the holidays (vacation rental and knowing that..), the thermostat was set to an average of 68, and that seemed good so I did not turn my water off.
But now, in absence of renters, what we (the rental agent (Kris M) and I did was set my new forced air furnace to 55 degrees. So far so good, no evidence of frozen pipes, but I'm afraid to look at my gas bill.
My cabin is single story, 850 sq ft, two bed,1 bath. I now have forced air heat (Thank You John Laing) that I keep the thermostat set at 55. Because of the way my house is configured on a sloping lot, my water heater is located in the crawl space under the house, which is plumbed with all galvanized steel pipe. I think that that water heater is the contributing factor to the workable temps in my crawl space. Just hate to see my next gas bill.
HTH
Randy from Burbank
It looks like the combination of all these factors has kept me lucky so far.... except for the gas bill.
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:o KLR you may need to take another loan out on your house.
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I assume the gas company will give me notice if my bill this month goes above $25... ;) ;) ;) ;D
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We made the run up the hill this morning to check for any damage. The part of the pipe in the crawl space that pops out of the ground and into the house under the kitchen sink was frozen, even with the electric heat tape on the pipe. So I have no running water. At least there's no major pipe rupture, although there could be a leak after everything thaws. I originally thought that the heat tape was defective, but I tested it tonight with a bag of ice and it works fine. I believe the problem was that I located the heat tape thermostat on the part of the pipe closer to the house instead of closer to the ground - so the thermostat was seeing the warmer temperatures from the house heat warming the pipes, and the heat tape wasn't turning on when needed.
The update above was from last week. Rather than spend a lot of time thawing the pipe, I just had the water company close the valve at the street and headed back down the hill.
I got back to WW this weekend, had the water turned on at the street, and the water was flowing again. No leaks, which I confirmed by reading the water meter before going to bed and reading it again when I woke up. So I reinsulated and reheat taped the pipe (this time with the thermostat on the colder end of the pipe) and I'm back in business.
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The update above was from last week. Rather than spend a lot of time thawing the pipe, I just had the water company close the valve at the street and headed back down the hill.
I got back to WW this weekend, had the water turned on at the street, and the water was flowing again. No leaks, which I confirmed by reading the water meter before going to bed and reading it again when I woke up. So I reinsulated and reheat taped the pipe (this time with the thermostat on the colder end of the pipe) and I'm back in business.
Someone did something correct in the design of your cabin. No broken pipes is pretty amazing. I soldered my third broken water line this weekend. Let's not talk about the broken sprinkler line that destroyed a lot of the finish trim in a nice home.
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Yeah, I was very smug thinking we had escaped the burst pipe problems also. Almost all of our pipes are under the house where the furnace is also. It is always hotter than the tropics down there so I really didn't worry. Well......yesterday I went under the house to put the last of the Christmas stuff away and I hear drip drip drip - Grrrrr. Looks like CFord will be getting more business.
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Someone did something correct in the design of your cabin. No broken pipes is pretty amazing.
That is pretty amazing, especially since it is galvanized originally put in when the house was built 40 years ago. I guess the pipe coming out of the ground and into the crawl space had enough bends in it to relieve the stress caused by the freezing.
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Yeah, I was very smug thinking we had escaped the burst pipe problems also. Almost all of our pipes are under the house where the furnace is also. It is always hotter than the tropics down there so I really didn't worry. Well......yesterday I went under the house to put the last of the Christmas stuff away and I hear drip drip drip - Grrrrr. Looks like CFord will be getting more business.
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The scuttlebutt I am collecting is the hose bibs need to be wrapped with insulation and then covered with those inexpensive urethane foam covers. I will try that next year.
Good luck.
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Someone did something correct in the design of your cabin. No broken pipes is pretty amazing.
That is pretty amazing, especially since it is galvanized originally put in when the house was built 40 years ago. I guess the pipe coming out of the ground and into the crawl space had enough bends in it to relieve the stress caused by the freezing.
That is even more amazing. Galvanized pipe is ancient and should have failed. Here's to your good fortune !
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