Antifreeze - not just for cars
Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's
house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Stormin Mormon wrote:
Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Stormin Mormon wrote:
Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
HeyBub wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? Water will still be in the supply lines, probably even if it is drained, and can freeze. If the water was not shut off the house could be flooded when the supply pipe splits. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
HeyBub wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? Water will still be in the supply lines, probably even if it is drained, and can freeze. If the water was not shut off the house could be flooded when the supply pipe splits. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
During the phase change from liquid water to solid ice, the
water (ice) expands. It can easily crack the pipe. So that when the weather warms up, the drain trap leaks. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "HeyBub" wrote in message ... I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
During the phase change from liquid water to solid ice, the
water (ice) expands. It can easily crack the pipe. So that when the weather warms up, the drain trap leaks. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "HeyBub" wrote in message ... I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. This seems unwise, viz. denies power to lamps and burglar/ fire alarms. Many insurance carriers deny coverage when electricity is shut off. Canadian houses empty for a week to several months in winter usually maintain elec. connections and set furnace heat at 45 to 50 deg. Fahr., with an alarm to report if the electricity should fail. -- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa, Canada) |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. This seems unwise, viz. denies power to lamps and burglar/ fire alarms. Many insurance carriers deny coverage when electricity is shut off. Canadian houses empty for a week to several months in winter usually maintain elec. connections and set furnace heat at 45 to 50 deg. Fahr., with an alarm to report if the electricity should fail. -- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa, Canada) |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Stormin Mormon wrote:
Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Stormin Mormon wrote:
Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside.. . . Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message ... Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. The function of water in a P-trap is to prevent sewer gases rising into the house. It is cheaper to refill the traps with non-freezing liquid than to chance months' exposure of soft furnishings to sewer gases, which is likely to be incurable. -- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa, Canada) |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside.. . . Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message ... Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. The function of water in a P-trap is to prevent sewer gases rising into the house. It is cheaper to refill the traps with non-freezing liquid than to chance months' exposure of soft furnishings to sewer gases, which is likely to be incurable. -- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa, Canada) |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
That's true, but not relevant to this situation. Think about it a moment,
then forget about it. It's the least of your problems. The supply pipes are the main issue. "Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... During the phase change from liquid water to solid ice, the water (ice) expands. It can easily crack the pipe. So that when the weather warms up, the drain trap leaks. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org . "HeyBub" wrote in message ... I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
That's true, but not relevant to this situation. Think about it a moment,
then forget about it. It's the least of your problems. The supply pipes are the main issue. "Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... During the phase change from liquid water to solid ice, the water (ice) expands. It can easily crack the pipe. So that when the weather warms up, the drain trap leaks. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org . "HeyBub" wrote in message ... I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
On Dec 9, 7:09*am, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus *www.lds.org . And you drained the pipes, if heat stays off and it gets zero or below for awile even the HW tank can be at risk, but you have Ng so a gen can run the heating system |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
On Dec 9, 7:09*am, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus *www.lds.org . And you drained the pipes, if heat stays off and it gets zero or below for awile even the HW tank can be at risk, but you have Ng so a gen can run the heating system |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
On Dec 9, 7:32*am, "HeyBub" wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - They can freeze and crack, here it get to -20f, eventualy the roaches and termites die without heat but the rodents live. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
On Dec 9, 7:32*am, "HeyBub" wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - They can freeze and crack, here it get to -20f, eventualy the roaches and termites die without heat but the rodents live. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Tony wrote in news:7o9qloF3ou993U1
@mid.individual.net: Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. ......... I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Tony wrote in news:7o9qloF3ou993U1
@mid.individual.net: Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. ......... I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Stormin Mormon wrote:
Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. why not just turn the heat on? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Stormin Mormon wrote:
Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. why not just turn the heat on? |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
On 12/09/2009 10:11 AM, ransley wrote:
On Dec 9, 7:32 am, "HeyBub" wrote: Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I don't understand. How can freezing of water in a p-trap present a significant problem?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - They can freeze and crack, here it get to -20f, eventualy the roaches and termites die without heat but the rodents live. Rodents can die also. I saw an electric box full of straw and dead mice after a mobile home was shutdown for a couple winters. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? the traps WILL break duh. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? the traps WILL break duh. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Tony wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. the drains don't go to the water supply. duh. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Tony wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. the drains don't go to the water supply. duh. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Steve Barker" wrote in message
... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? the traps WILL break duh. If I put liquid in a glass jar, but leave enough headroom and don't tighten the lid, I can put that jar in the freezer and the jar won't break because there's room for expansion. With me so far? After I run water in my sink or tub, the pipes end up empty except for a very small amount in the U-shaped trap. Since there's plenty of room for expansion (above and below), why should there be a problem? It certainly couldn't HURT to use the anti-freeze, but the OP didn't mention shutting off the water and draining the pipes. Seems to me that's where the real problems will occur, since those pipes are under pressure and sealed (until they break). |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Steve Barker" wrote in message
... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. -- Christopher A. Young Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? the traps WILL break duh. If I put liquid in a glass jar, but leave enough headroom and don't tighten the lid, I can put that jar in the freezer and the jar won't break because there's room for expansion. With me so far? After I run water in my sink or tub, the pipes end up empty except for a very small amount in the U-shaped trap. Since there's plenty of room for expansion (above and below), why should there be a problem? It certainly couldn't HURT to use the anti-freeze, but the OP didn't mention shutting off the water and draining the pipes. Seems to me that's where the real problems will occur, since those pipes are under pressure and sealed (until they break). |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Steve Barker" wrote in message
... Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. why not just turn the heat on? Because he said the power got shut off. He didn't say why, but based on the information we have (as opposed to "what if...?"), there is no heat available. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
"Steve Barker" wrote in message
... Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. why not just turn the heat on? Because he said the power got shut off. He didn't say why, but based on the information we have (as opposed to "what if...?"), there is no heat available. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? CY: The drains would only have waer, if they were horizontal runs. And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. CY: I think I remember hearing of traps cracking. The ice expands sideways. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. CY: Yes, there is a laundry sink. I'm also concerned the water pipes may have low spots or horizontal runs. Might not be able to get there with my generator and compressor. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? CY: I'm not totally sure. the house is unoccupied, and beyond that I'm not sure. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Unless the drains were clogged, why would there be any water in them? CY: The drains would only have waer, if they were horizontal runs. And what little is left in the traps would have plenty of room for expansion. CY: I think I remember hearing of traps cracking. The ice expands sideways. What you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve, and then drain as much water as you can from the supply pipes by turning on ALL the taps, especially the one in the laundry sink (in the basement), if there is a tap down there. CY: Yes, there is a laundry sink. I'm also concerned the water pipes may have low spots or horizontal runs. Might not be able to get there with my generator and compressor. Why is the power off? Reasons beyond the owner's control, or what? CY: I'm not totally sure. the house is unoccupied, and beyond that I'm not sure. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
I wrote it, meant it, said it, and stand by it. "We put RV
antifreeze...." -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Tony" wrote in message ... Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
I wrote it, meant it, said it, and stand by it. "We put RV
antifreeze...." -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Tony" wrote in message ... Stormin Mormon wrote: Friend of mine, is acting as caretaker for a family member's house. The power got shut off, and the house is cold inside. Down to 37, last he checked. Four burneers on the stove for an hour raises the temp two entire degrees. Last night, we put RV antifreeze in the drain traps. Toilets, sinks, showers. We considered the dishwasher. But that hadn't run in six month or so, and probably the trap dried out. Washing machine is in the cellar, and should stay warmer. For $3.97 that might be a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of broken pipes. I got to thinking. On the way home, I bought myself a jug of antifreeze. Might never need it. But it might be cheaper than replacing a bunch of pipes and such if I need it here, or for a friend some day. I'm hoping you bought RV type antifreeze and not automobile type. You don't want to flush auto stuff down the drains to contaminate the water supply. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Yeah, the supply pipes have the potential to be a real
issue. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message ... That's true, but not relevant to this situation. Think about it a moment, then forget about it. It's the least of your problems. The supply pipes are the main issue. |
Antifreeze - not just for cars
Yeah, the supply pipes have the potential to be a real
issue. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message ... That's true, but not relevant to this situation. Think about it a moment, then forget about it. It's the least of your problems. The supply pipes are the main issue. |
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