Freezing pipes

[rebecca]

Hello

I wrote about a month ago regarding freezing pipes in the winter. I have survived a few spells of -40 degrees and most of my pipes have not froze! However, consistently the pipes to my washing maching freeze. And it must be somewhere where the main splits off and goes to the laundry room. I have been in the crawl space as well as in the hot water heater compartment on the outside of house and I cannot find where it is freezing. I assume that this "T" is some where in the wall. How can I prevent it from freezing? And, once it is frozen, how can I thaw it out again?

I would really appreciate any advice and tips (aside from moving, I love it here!)
Thank you for the help and for having this web site. Many of us are benefitting from it.

Rebecca

[Mark]

Somewhere there's cold air reaching that waterline. It might be an obvious hole, it might not be. If the washer is located on an outside wall (a no-no), then it could simply be cold air coming thru the rim joist and reaching the waterlines which also would run right next to the outside wall.

Otherwise basically figure out how the pipes run and follow it very carefully.

Mark

[Greg Nelson]

I would have to guess that where your water lines elbow off and go up to your washer machine the elbow is pushing down on the bottom board and or there is an insulation void there? Also it may be where your lines are laying going over the frame sometimes a lack of insulation there also. Next time frozen try a hair dryer under your house in those places until the water comes on than you found the problem. Yes it takes someone inside to come tell you when the water is on since you will be under the home. That spot insulate better cut and raise the line so it's not pushing down on the bottom board?? Greg Nelson mobile home service. Clark Mills, N.Y.