2007-01-28 23:33:47 · 15 answers · asked by Friend 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
That was a great offer from MN, but no I am in KY
2007-01-29 11:52:45 · update #1
I did have a heat tape in the middle section thought that might be enough. It wasn't. I went and looked and some pipes were exposed. I covered them up and it still wants to freeze depending on how cold it gets at night. I can't just leave the water run all the time so not sure what the next best thing to do might be? There are some good answers here though so thank you and I will probably let the audience vote on the best answer.
2007-01-31 23:29:26 · update #2
Leave the faucets dripping a little bit.
2007-01-28 23:36:36 · answer #1 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mobile Home? Sounds like it. If you leave the hot water run a trickle it is possible to get some one scalded. The cold water comes in to the bottom of the tank and stays there because there is not enough flow to agitate the water in the tank. The thermostat is in the bottom of the tank so it stays cool and the heat stays on. the hot water rises to the top of the tank. The T/P blow off lifts because it goes over temp, and over time it can damage the seat. when someone opens the faucet the water is drawn off of the top of the tank where it is hot. I know of several instances where people have gotten burned. On the other end if you leave water dripping to avoid pipe freeze the waste pipes are usually in the same predicament, with the flow so slow there is not enough heat in the small stream of water to keep it from freezeing in the waste pipe before it reaches the warm underground temperature and it will freez in the waste pipe. Your best bet is to have the supply properly heat taped and insulated. In MN? Drop me a line.
2007-01-29 12:44:17 · answer #2 · answered by oreos40 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a lot of good answers here, using the hair dryer and all. You can also buy a heating tape that you wrap around the pipes and plug in when it gets really cold. Can be expensive to use, but better than frozen pipes. If you have an unheated area where the pipes are, you can buy an electric heater and put it in there when it gets real cold. All supplies should be available at Wal-Mart, Lowes or Home Depot. Bottom line, you need to put some kind of heat on the pipes where they are exposed to the cold.
2007-01-29 09:05:56 · answer #3 · answered by Darby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to let both the cold and the hot water flow. Assuming it is far from the water heater, this pipe too will be subject to freezing.
Ultimately, you need to use heat tape with a thermostat (so you don't pay for electric when it is above freezing) and the recommended amount of insulation the tape maker suggests. Because this costs less than running the water heater supplying a dripping faucet.
Besides, can you guarantee someone will be home each and every time the temperatures drop?
2007-01-29 07:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by KirksWorld 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be careful when using a hair dryer,the pipe may be split,and when you thaw it out ,it may spray all over.Water and electricity do not mix.Take towels and soak them in very very hot water then rap them around the pipe,let stand for a bit and this will melt the plug enough to get it flowing.The problem needs heat tape and insulation.Or you will get more experience at this than you care to.
2007-01-29 10:32:15 · answer #5 · answered by mr. mr. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a hair dryer on any exposed pipes to thaw them and get the water moving. Get better insulation on any exposed pipes, and leave the faucet dripping to help keep the lines from freezing.
2007-01-29 07:39:22 · answer #6 · answered by ralphers 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't open the hot water faucets just the cold ones. Just open them a little or you will have a flood when they thaw. If you can put a heater near your pipes under the house or in the basement where they are froze. Opening the cold water faucets allow the expansion to escape when the pipes are froze and keep them from busting.
2007-01-29 07:42:35 · answer #7 · answered by Enigma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at your local hardwhare store there is what is called heat tape. put it the lenght of your pipes and wrap in insullation then plus the tape it and this will solve your problem. I use it all the time never have a froozen pipe at my house
starting price is around $20 and goes up from there depends on the lenght you need
2007-02-03 16:52:22 · answer #8 · answered by kktinman66 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find the outside supply pipe where it comes into your home. Heat it with a hair dryer until your water flows.
2007-01-29 07:44:30 · answer #9 · answered by bill a 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave the faucets running and open the cupboard below so that it can get warm air. You might even use your hair dryer on the pipes.
2007-01-29 08:16:24 · answer #10 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋