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
..

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

"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?

"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?

"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)

"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)

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.

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.

"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)

"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)

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?

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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).

"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).

"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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.