Plumbing
I have cherished my plumbing ignorance for my entire life. Before Hubs, there were landlords to take charge of plumbing welfare. I have never even been curious about the 1% knowledge it takes to avert the plumbing disasters. I have heard the plumbing adage that plumbing is 1% knowledge and 99% persperation, but I think that adage sells the need for a strong stomach short.
The kitchen drain froze up some odd days ago. I thought it was just another clog and began a chemical warfare skirmish which lasted a few days. Not a budge. I considered calling a plumber, but decided to give it a whirl, myself. If my dream of an aeroponics lab comes true, I expect allot of creative plumbing to be part of the project. I disassembled the drain and discovered the solid block of ice inside the pipe. Well duh!!! It never occurred to me that drain pipes froze, too. I thought that was exclusive to the supply lines. I bought a blow dryer to thaw the chunk of ice. I don't know if it is flowing further down the pipe, but I guess I will find out later today after I reassemble. I installed a new shower head yesterday. Hubby feels like he's been replaced.
Still no progress on the lab construction. Prayers in progress. . .
Replies
Oh, sheep crap on the drain, but I do hope that you will hereafter recall that wherever water runs, ice will form, now you are not in your former city of residence....
And I too cherish my ignorance, but that ignorance meant my living room ceiling caved in on me a bi tover a year ago, soooo.... I'm learning a few things.
Having grown up in the Frozen North, I already know a few basics: Always insulate around water heaters, and any pipes exposed to exterior walls (such as my kitchen drain) and beware of old iron or copper, as they'll rupture. Newer plumbing materials are able to expand/contract far more readily and don't crack or such under temperature strain. (They still burst if someone --- say, my spouse --- flushes incorrect thigns down the hatch --- or ifyou forget that pipes made during the 3.5 gallon flush era *need* that much water to force things along in the 1.3 gallon flush toilet era.... ) Another trick is to heat bricks in the oven and place under your sinks to help keep the drains warm overnight. I myself do not favor the "leave all pipes to drip a bit", as it wastes water, and if the home is heated, i sreallllly unnecessary except on those pipes at risk (my kitchen, for example). Preferentially, plumbing in the center of the home, where it is safe from cold sneaking in through walls, and also can add structural integrity to some extent, even against tornado.
Brick note: Heat oven to 400*F. Place bricks in immediately so they heat slowly. Or they can crack apart from thermal strain. Ditto rocks. Handle with mitts. Place on a heat-safe surface. I use an old bathroom tile, myself.
Also remember that if you're starting with all-new? Label pipes! What's which and where it goes, etc. If you're not, remember that fixing one old plumbing thing can cause a cascade of other old plumbing things to go awry (much as in human bodies, really).
Thus endeth my actual knowledge. Where there be water, there be ice, leaks, and/or mold/fungus/etc. Yep, even in pipes. Well, *ew*.
The original part of this house was built in 1951. Yup, I knew it would be a plumbing adventure when I moved in. Luckily, there is only plumbing in the kitchen and the one bathroom.
I envy you. Home is 50 years old, and has three baths, plus a kitchen. And one bath is of course conveniently inconveniently located, ditto kitchen!
Of course, just opening the cupboards so the under-sink area is heated works, too. Ditto dishwashers and washing machines, I'm *told*, but that's one problem I haven't had to face (yet) in any residence. *whew*
The good news is, your Big Project can be planned to be plumbed for minimal issues with weather:-) HOpefully, anyway!
"If you want to hear God(s) laugh, speak your plans." ~Multi-cultural proverb
The Lab will just be one 24-by-24 foot room. Climate control doesn't get much simpler than that. Hopefully, anyway!
Yep. We plan, and .... Cosmic laughter occurs. Alas. Will keep a hope that your climate control is indeed simple and *easy*!
Oh I'm impressed. I just know how to pull the plug after i do dishes. lol triple hugs