The running joke has been that when friends in Amarillo told me it didn't snow in Houston I went home and started packing. All kidding aside, I left the worst of the winter horrors in Dumas and Amarillo.
Granny Burnett had talked about pipes freezing up, and having to heat water for dishes on the stove. She had also advised dripping faucets to keep the water flowing. Helene did the same in Wisconsin.
Folks here in Falls County, Texas say burring pipes and wrapping the others isn't necessary. Most of the time it isn't. This winter storm front is setting cold weather records.
So how cold is it you might ask? The pipes left dripping have frozen up. Stay tuned. This is going to be fun.
Well, as they say, what doesn't kill you makes for good blog post. Stay tuned friends and neighbors. I'll tell you how it all turns out.
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou have an odd idea of fun, dear! Excuse me while I go heat some more water for dishes. Pipes might start to thaw by the weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks James, we can use it.
ReplyDeleteWe need to keep an eye on things when the thawing starts. It would be nice if the pipes didn't feel the need to crack. What are the odds?!
Copper pipes are a bit more forgiving than galvanized when it comes to freezing. Leave the faucets open and use the heat from light-bulbs (incandescent, not the new CLF bulbs) as close to where you think the pipes are likely frozen. Slow, gentle warming is best.
ReplyDeleteFor shallow buried frozen pipes, we used to heap manure on top... takes the frost out of the ground in very short order.
Now, some may tell you to hook cables from an arc welder to the pipe... I have seen it done, but also have heard many reports of folks burning their houses down when things go very wrong...
Excellent advise and I thank you. I also knew some folks who used the arc welder method. No fire but I ended up helping the guy replace a bunch of pipe being as I was young and flexable and his daughter was really cute.
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