frozen up

biggirafe said:
Personally not sure why anyone needs to heat the MH when its not in use. All you need to do is empty the water out, take the stopper out of your heating and open the taps. I'm sure this has been mentioned a couple of times :rolleyes::p:)
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Hi biggirafe,
When you drain a system, in a lot of cases, some water is left in the pipe systems, (hot and cold) in some of the inaccessable places, ie, voids in bathrooms, behind cookers etc, so it pays to be extra carefull at this time of year.
For what it cost, in my experience it pays to keep a little heat on when frost due.
If I was Pete, in his situation, if he can't get any heat in the van, would wrap an old blanket? who as blankets these days? around the tanks, hot an cold, pump etc, give it a day or two, then check the system for damage.
Finaly, would buy a central heating header tank lagging jacket and wrap the tanks in it, assuming it's onboard.
Good luck Pete.

Happy winter Camping:)
 
Last year, even after daraining down the tanks and systems and leaving all taps open. When the thaw came I had asplit in the body of the kitchen tap.......£57 to replace, so even after draining there is water left to cause damage. This year I darained down a week before this lot and had the heating running every day. So hopefully the system would be dry before this freeze............ wont know till it thaws..... for certain:(:(:confused:
 
I have drained my system even though i am living in the van fulltime.

Nothing to say, that although the interior is plus zero, the extremeties arent suffering.

I can't explain why but i have a funny feeling this cold snap is going to cost me a few quid, re residual water damage....eg bathroom tap completely frozen.

All I need but hey ho

Channa
 
If it's of any use to you guys,..I worked out the cost of running my 700w oil filled radiator..on our Kw/hr rate with Scottish power to cost 6.3pence per hour, which equals under £1.52p per 24 hours. .Cheap for peace of mind I think.

Jackie;)
 
Pioneer said:
Hi biggirafe,
When you drain a system, in a lot of cases, some water is left in the pipe systems, (hot and cold) in some of the inaccessable places, ie, voids in bathrooms, behind cookers etc, so it pays to be extra carefull at this time of year.
For what it cost, in my experience it pays to keep a little heat on when frost due.
If I was Pete, in his situation, if he can't get any heat in the van, would wrap an old blanket? who as blankets these days? around the tanks, hot an cold, pump etc, give it a day or two, then check the system for damage.
Finaly, would buy a central heating header tank lagging jacket and wrap the tanks in it, assuming it's onboard.
Good luck Pete.

Happy winter Camping:)
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There are plenty of caravans and MH's in storage that get no frost damage. If the taps are open and the pump is dry any expansion when trapped water freezes should only be along the pipes.

But I agree if you are able to keep the van warm then its got to be better and cheaper to be safe than sorry. Although in weather like this I'm not sure how useful a heater will be for pipes that are running outside of the van. I think this is where those German A class vans with double skin floors come up trumps.

Its an interesting topic this as all our vans seem to differ and have there own problems
 
keep it simple

might be worth trying the little sachets of chemicals used as hand warmers, bought from millets or soccer sports for 99p. last 8 hours and might just keep a small area warm for little cost. have a few but never used them so if u try them, let us know how you get on !!!
 
you don't need those hand warmers now, you have an hot water bottle!:D

Cheers,
Bill
 
My snuggly van...how girlie ??

I have a frost free tube sitting in my van , but this year its not got the power bless it :( Just off to B&Q for an oil filled radiator, £19.98 3 setting, 300W etc and thermostatically controled will cost pence to run but should not only keep things moving but keep the damp from cushions etc.

Gaynor :)
 
TAPS!! a few years back mine were pushed off the base by a 4" icicle but when they thawed I just pushed it back on the bottom bit and it was fine
 
***** said:
Well Zeezee, how did you get on, is it all sorted?:confused:
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Think I might get a couple of lottery tickets. I got 2 tyres fitted on the van this morning, then reversed the van down the drive and plugged into the mains. We have a fan heater for when we are on a hookup, so I cleared everything from around the water tank & pump, then left the heater blowing towards the pump and pipework (only got cold water in ours, no water heater).
2 hourh later, switch the tap on, nothing...splutter splutter, kinell, I got water coming from my tap.
Ive left the heater on low tonight, it should be ok, its still 2.1 degrees at the moment.
Damn, does that mean I will have to get washed next week.
Cheers, Pete
 
biggirafe said:
good news indeed Pete, no damage then?
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Doesnt look like it, but, itsgetting colder and a light snow shower a bit ago.
Trying to find out what the M62/M6/M56 are like. Could do with setting off fairly early to beat the traffic around Manchester.
ZZ
 
frozen

Zeezee

Who is a lucky boy then.:)

enjoy the trip.

weez
Tony
 
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