[plkelly]

One week ago we had single digit temps and our pipes froze. This has happened before but always thawed after a few hours.

However, this week has remained in the 20's or low 30's. Today it's 50 degrees and we still have no water. The taps are all open and I put a space heater in the room where the pipes come into the house (the room has very little insulation).

Why don't I have water when it's 50 degrees? Could there be something else going on? The bathroom faucet dribbled a little yesterday as if it was going to be OK, but that's all. Still no water and I'm getting concerned. There is no sound of water running, so I don't think there are any broken pipes.

Help, please!

 

[Bondo]

The taps are all open and I put a space heater in the room where the pipes come into the house (the room has very little insulation).

Ayuh,.... Start right there, 'n find out,...

Take it apart where it enters, 'n see if there's water,....

Maybe it's frozen, before that point,....

 

[plkelly]

The pipes are buried and not visible or accessible.

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

it takes a few days or a week for the ground to freeze..its takes the same time to defrost...and your water lines are still in frozen ground..so no water..

 

[joecaption]

Unless you take the time figure out why they keep freezing and address that issue your risking the pipes bursting and doing some major damage.

 

[Bud9051]

Hi pl, I need some more information:
1. Well or city water?
2. Copper or plastic coming into the house?
3. The room that is cold, where is the water entering, up from the ground or through a wall below grade.
4. What is your approximate location, climate?

20° does not push the frost very deep so anything buried a foot or more below grade should be fine, especially if these cold temps haven't been continuous. That says your most likely frozen area is in that cold room. Get a pair dryer and start warming up those pipes, again, are they copper of plastic?

Locate your closest connection to the incoming water and concentrate on getting it to flow through that section.

Note, be sure you know where your shut-off valves are and can close them if you have a burst pipe.

Bud

 

[plkelly]

Hi, and thanks for the responses.
1. We are on a well.
2. Copper pipes
3. Room where pipes enter lower than rest of house.
4. SW Missouri.

We are calling a plumber today, just hoped to avoid spending $$ we don't have. Thanks to all who answered.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

If you locate the correct plumber he can apply a little electric current to the pipe and have it thawed in a few seconds if frozen is the culprit.

 

[Bud9051]

I agree wit SS as copper is rather easy to thaw. Once you determine where it was frozen you can address prevention. If in the ground outside, some hay bails crosswise on top of the ground will help the heat from the ground below keep the pipes warmer. Inside, insulation or in the worst case a heat tape.

Bud