what to do if furnace conks out
 

On Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:17:02 -0500, "Ed Pawlowski"
wrote:


wrote in message
...
if you can't get a furnace to run and the outside temp is in the teens
or lower, what should you do? I'd guess the first thing is to shut off
the water main. Then do you have to open taps in the kitchen and
bathroom? Do you have to open every one a little?

Would all of that insure that pipes won't burst?

Water laying in the pipes will still freeze if the main is shut off. They
must be drained completely. Having flow through the pipes can prevent a
freeze. Still water will freeze first.

You should have access to a service company that offer 24/7 protection. Any
house can go 4 to 10 hours without a major freeze, but you do want someone
out asap. Backup propane, kero, or electric heat helps too. Turn ont he
gas range or electric oven.
Do NOT use a charcoal grill.


Water laying in the pipes WILL freeze, but if the pipes are not full
they will not split. Drain the pipes and keep SOME heat in the
basement.