Forum Discussion

DeMcCrae's avatar
DeMcCrae
Explorer
Dec 26, 2016

frozen water lines

I'm currently in southern Utah in a Hitchhiker 5th wheel. I have put plywood skirting around my trailer but it is not air tight. It has gotten down to 0 and my water lines are frozen, however my water pump still works and is pumping water from my fresh water tank. I don't know why the water is flowing if the outside water source isn't working. I have a heated water hose so I know water is getting to the inlet. I'm wondering if it would be worth placing a big space heater under the trailer even though it's not completely sealed off. Could that damage the lines?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 26, 2016
    Water flows using pump but doesn't using city water connection.....city water inlet check valve assembly frozen or jammed

    Continue using fresh water tank/pump and refill as necessary

    Just use hose to top off and then drain put away until needed again.
  • sonora's avatar
    sonora
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2016
    If you can block the rapid escape of air from under your trailer then placing a space heater (maybe even two) would be a great way to thaw things out under there. Remember hot air rises so it will heat the best at the underside of your trailer. If it is real drafty under there then this would not work very well.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Dec 26, 2016
    Get some heat tape and wrap the pipes with it. That concentrates the heat where you need it.

    Amazon


    You want it with a thermostat so it will turn itself on and off.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2016
    One space heater won't make much difference, the cold ground will soak up the heat.

    Find whichever pipes are frozen and wrap with heat trace, or park a 40 watt incandescent in the general area.

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