Ironically we had a frozen pipe today - precisely because a tap was dripping. The drips froze and, gradually, the pipe was frozen. Got out the ladder and heat gun and heated up the pipe outside. The heat cleared it but had to be careful as pipe has many coats of paint and is, I think, a lead pipe.
Trick to leaving a drip is to ensure a lukewarm mix of hot and cold water (which is easier when taps mix) -- and to run a length of string from faucet to drain to pull the stream along using molecular attraction.
This works better in the US where our pipes are inside the walls except perhaps in the South/Southwest. I believe in the UK water pipes are often actually on the exterior, in which case leaving a drip going may not be a great idea.
Here in Illinois, we've not had a winter in awhile where pipes freeze, and I pray it stays that way. It's a serious pain! LOVE IKEA meatballs! Their cafe is just lovely.
Frozen pipe is bad but if they do not crack things are looking up. If you have to replace copper pipe, replace it with PVC. PVC is far superior. In the US, all new construction uses PVC for plumbing. Those IKEA meatballs look delicious. (Note: Some homeowners are replacing copper with Sharkbite Flexible.)
I had hoped to go to IKEA yesterday for a meatball lunch. I’ve never cooked them myself. It sounds like the frozen pipe wasn’t a disaster... i.e., cracked. Phew!
PS I looked at your weather, should not be cold enuf to freeze pipes. Maybe you need to call your little bathroom man for some insulation around your water pipes, they must be very exposed to freeze at 33*!
Trelawnyd lies in a sort of micro climate in a valley on top of a hill. It’s 600 feet above sea level . When I went to st Asaph to the funeral only a few miles to the west….. nothing
Some pipe insulation is called for methinks. I need to get one of those outside tap covers, before it freezes and bursts. Don't ya just love winter? xx
What a bother to have frozen pipes! Glad you've gotten good information in thawing the pipes and in making them less likely to freeze again. Sigh! You're made me miss beef again. Never get bitten by a Lone Star tick if you can help it.
You think he might be doing it for no reason? It's not just "a" postman, i.e. not Colin alone (it's all postpeople, aka posties - men and women, at least all those in the union and who choose to strike). This is just the latest of several strike days recently. My postwoman is similarly on strike, and good luck to her. The disparity in wages between many of those who do not much of use for big pay (self-included actually) and those who do essential things (posties, nurses, bin-men, cleaners, caring for richer folks' children to allow richer folks to earn big money, etc. etc.) for not much at all, is ridiculous. Not that it will change anytime soon. All in my very humble opinion of course.
Effectively most people have taken a cut in wages for the past 5 years or so.including nurses who are due to strike here in north wales tomorrow morning
I like IKEA meatballs too. Better than other brands of frozen ones.
ReplyDeleteHow can you possibly make IKEA meatballs?
Deletehttps://www.redonline.co.uk/food/a32219333/ikea-meatball-recipe/
DeleteOh my gosh .. they are just meatballs. No special ingredients.
DeleteIt’s the sauce
DeleteLooks very tasty.
ReplyDeleteIt was bloody lovely
DeleteWhy is he on strike?
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the whole of the UK is on strike this winter
DeleteYou probably already know, but leaving a water faucet or two dripping will usually prevent water pipe freeze. Meatballs and mash looks good!
ReplyDeleteThank u for that
DeleteIronically we had a frozen pipe today - precisely because a tap was dripping. The drips froze and, gradually, the pipe was frozen. Got out the ladder and heat gun and heated up the pipe outside. The heat cleared it but had to be careful as pipe has many coats of paint and is, I think, a lead pipe.
DeleteNext time try using a hair dryer.
DeleteJo
Sorry, no hair dryer in this house
DeleteTrick to leaving a drip is to ensure a lukewarm mix of hot and cold water (which is easier when taps mix) -- and to run a length of string from faucet to drain to pull the stream along using molecular attraction.
DeleteThis works better in the US where our pipes are inside the walls except perhaps in the South/Southwest. I believe in the UK water pipes are often actually on the exterior, in which case leaving a drip going may not be a great idea.
DeleteHere in Illinois, we've not had a winter in awhile where pipes freeze, and I pray it stays that way. It's a serious pain! LOVE IKEA meatballs! Their cafe is just lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat did he say in the message?
ReplyDeleteGroup member
Delete·
Hi everyone. I'm using my neighbours link just to say we're on strike today and tomorrow. So I'll see you all Friday
ColIn
Frozen pipe is bad but if they do not crack things are looking up. If you have to replace copper pipe, replace it with PVC. PVC is far superior. In the US, all new construction uses PVC for plumbing. Those IKEA meatballs look delicious. (Note: Some homeowners are replacing copper with Sharkbite Flexible.)
ReplyDeleteThank you for that, I have no idea
DeletePvc pipes are great until mice chew through them and then, not so much!
DeleteIt all depends where your PVC piping is. Copper piping is durable and long lasting in a house and looks wonderful if a skilled craftsman installed it.
DeleteJo in Auckland
Look at Youtube for more on Sharkbite and PVC. The reviews are outstanding.
DeleteI had hoped to go to IKEA yesterday for a meatball lunch. I’ve never cooked them myself. It sounds like the frozen pipe wasn’t a disaster... i.e., cracked. Phew!
ReplyDeleteYou may be able to tempt a vegetarian with your meatballs John x
ReplyDeleteThat looks delicious! It must be very cold---is Bluebell fixed or you are still stuck at home?
ReplyDeletePS I looked at your weather, should not be cold enuf to freeze pipes. Maybe you need to call your little bathroom man for some insulation around your water pipes, they must be very exposed to freeze at 33*!
DeleteTrelawnyd lies in a sort of micro climate in a valley on top of a hill. It’s 600 feet above sea level . When I went to st Asaph to the funeral only a few miles to the west….. nothing
DeleteWhat lovely balls you have x
ReplyDeleteSome pipe insulation is called for methinks. I need to get one of those outside tap covers, before it freezes and bursts. Don't ya just love winter? xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a bother to have frozen pipes! Glad you've gotten good information in thawing the pipes and in making them less likely to freeze again.
ReplyDeleteSigh! You're made me miss beef again. Never get bitten by a Lone Star tick if you can help it.
Hugs!
I've never heard of a postman going on strike. Is there something he wants to accomplish through a strike?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
You think he might be doing it for no reason? It's not just "a" postman, i.e. not Colin alone (it's all postpeople, aka posties - men and women, at least all those in the union and who choose to strike). This is just the latest of several strike days recently. My postwoman is similarly on strike, and good luck to her. The disparity in wages between many of those who do not much of use for big pay (self-included actually) and those who do essential things (posties, nurses, bin-men, cleaners, caring for richer folks' children to allow richer folks to earn big money, etc. etc.) for not much at all, is ridiculous. Not that it will change anytime soon. All in my very humble opinion of course.
DeleteEffectively most people have taken a cut in wages for the past 5 years or so.including nurses who are due to strike here in north wales tomorrow morning
Delete