Frozen pipe gurus

[Docknocker]

I'm 95% through a total house renovation project, and hope to finish it up enough to finally move in within a month or so, $$$$$$ dependent.
I currently heat it with salamanders only while working on it, ( yes, well ventilated for both fumes and moisture) as the permanent heat is not yet installed.
All rough plumbing is in, was pressure tested, approved, and system drained.
My concern is the water entrance (town water) freezing. The curb box valve is broken in the open position, and can not be repaired till spring, so I have water in the line from where it enters thru the foundation (4 ft below grade) to my main shut-off ball valve. This is a distance of about 5 linear feet of 3/4" copper line, and includes 2 90's and the water meter.
I have insulated this section with 3/4" foam pipe insulation, and
wrapped R-15 fiberglass batt over the top of that. The cellar is virtually free of drafts.
Should I be worried when the temp gets down to 10* F ,or below, which it soon will? Any other suggestions?

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

Can you get 1 sink up and running and let it drip?

 

[Docknocker]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

No, I can't. Only rough plumbed, no fixtures installed yet

 

[cpubud]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

heat tape if you have electricity

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

Go to your building supply store and get enough heat tape to do the complete length of pipe that has water in it. That with the insulation will be more than adequate to get you through winter.

 

[Docknocker]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

Though about that - is there a heat tape available with some type of thermostat, so it doesn't run continuously?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

agree with pj.

 

[Docknocker]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

Thanks for the input, guys. Wish I lived down near you Tasha, so I could bag the house and just live on the boat!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

If you are at 4' depth into the foundation you should be okay. If you have concerns about outside .... lay straw/hay bales on the ground over the path of the line.

Yes you can get heat tape that has an automatic thermostat on it too (common item in ace hardware and other good hardware stores). You sound like you have it all insulated and as long as there is really no drafts you can be okay. It only takes a 1/8" gap to freeze a water line.

 

[Docknocker]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

Thanks Bob - was waiting to hear from another "Noreaster". Will check Ace...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

They have the kits that allow you to make just about any length you need by buying the wire in bulk...... you attach a special cap and the other end has the thermostat and plug.

Being 95% done.... when you moving in?

Bondo is all the way upstate NY and I am exactly even with Lake George about 40 minutes east of it near Killington VT...... yes we know cold!

 

[Docknocker]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

The plan was to move in 6 months ago, but you know... one sub gets behind which puts the next sub behind - yadda, yadda, yadda. I'm almost due East of you (plus alittle south) - near Saratoga. Boat on Sacandaga. Been in the teens at night for the last week, so getting alittle worried about the water...

 

[Docknocker]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

Sorry Bob, that would be due WEST of you !!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Frozen pipe gurus

Ayuh,....

I'd pull the Water Meter,+ take it home, where it's warm....

I bought 1 of those because of freezing,... They're Very Expensive....

Otherwise go with Heat Tape.... But protect that Meter....