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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: TheBoy on 20 December 2010, 19:27:08

Title: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 20 December 2010, 19:27:08
More blowtorch on the rather meter  >:(

3rd time this year  >:(


But at least all the bogs here are filling back up with water, and we have drinking water again :)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: PhilRich on 20 December 2010, 19:33:05
Nothing worse than having to syphon the bog pan to make a cuppa! ::) ;D ;)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 20 December 2010, 19:35:19
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Nothing worse than having to syphon the bog pan to make a cuppa! ::) ;D ;)
Esp when it hasn't had a flush since 'morning rituals' ::)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: aaronjb on 20 December 2010, 19:37:30
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Nothing worse than having to syphon the bog pan to make a cuppa! ::) ;D ;)

(http://media.bigoo.ws/content/smile/sick/sick_5.gif)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 20 December 2010, 19:42:43
15-20watt bulb can heat it imo.. :-/
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Dodger on 20 December 2010, 19:45:39
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Nothing worse than having to syphon the bog pan to make a cuppa! ::) ;D ;)

(http://media.bigoo.ws/content/smile/sick/sick_5.gif)

Why waste time syphoning the bogpan?? p**s in the kettle, and do away with the middleman... ;D  ;D  ;D :y
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: freecall666 on 20 December 2010, 19:48:17
the idiot who put the ceiling in the kitchen attic never put pipe covers over the water pipes so when it gets cold the water pipes freeze up, had to cut hole in ceiling and leave hair dryer in there and cold tap on until water comes out, 6 times at mo. :'( glad moving in 4 weeks ;D
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: PhilRich on 20 December 2010, 19:51:53
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Nothing worse than having to syphon the bog pan to make a cuppa! ::) ;D ;)

(http://media.bigoo.ws/content/smile/sick/sick_5.gif)

Why waste time syphoning the bogpan?? p**s in the kettle, and do away with the middleman... ;D  ;D  ;D :y
[/highlight]









I'm not that sophisticated tbh  ;D :y
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: feeutfo on 20 December 2010, 20:53:25
Third time? Never heard of a meter freezing personally, can't be right surely?
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 21 December 2010, 09:49:19
What about a 40W bulb and a frost stat......

....or some trace heating tape and a frost stat

http://www.tracesolve.co.uk/trace-heating/cables
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: feeutfo on 21 December 2010, 09:57:26
Wondered if stuffing some loft lagging down the hole would help? Assuming yours is down the inspection cover in the drive like ours? Bolted to the mains stop cock....?
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: freecall666 on 21 December 2010, 10:34:25
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Third time? Never heard of a meter freezing personally, can't be right surely?
just found out the water meter in new house has just blown up, water every were, good job not moved in yet.
question? who fix's it me or water bord??
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Gaffers on 21 December 2010, 10:40:59
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Third time? Never heard of a meter freezing personally, can't be right surely?
just found out the water meter in new house has just blown up, water every were, good job not moved in yet.
question? who fix's it me or water bord??

I beleive that everything upto and including the meter is the water company, everything after is your responsibility :y
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Richie London on 21 December 2010, 10:43:10
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Third time? Never heard of a meter freezing personally, can't be right surely?
just found out the water meter in new house has just blown up, water every were, good job not moved in yet.
question? who fix's it me or water bord??


if its the water meter or its outside the property boundary its the waterboard, anything else on  the property is down to you. as far as i am aware.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: aaronjb on 21 December 2010, 10:48:11
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Wondered if stuffing some loft lagging down the hole would help? Assuming yours is down the inspection cover in the drive like ours? Bolted to the mains stop cock....?

That reminds me - mine is like that (down a hole) but has a little polystyrene 'tube' around it with a polystyrene lid on it that you have to lift up (stab it with a screwdriver, seems to be the done thing, based on the holes in it) before you can see the meter..

Is everyone's like that? Never had a property with a water meter before :)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: the alarming man on 21 December 2010, 10:51:34
mines like that about 18 inches from entrance :y
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 21 December 2010, 11:03:32
I seem to recall that TB's is mounted in an exposed wall box.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: aaronjb on 21 December 2010, 11:06:06
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I seem to recall that TB's is mounted in an exposed wall box.

Ah, that would explain the freezyfreezy action.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: freecall666 on 21 December 2010, 11:13:07
thanks have to give them a ring and see what they say. thanks for the info  :y :)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: feeutfo on 21 December 2010, 13:00:34
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I seem to recall that TB's is mounted in an exposed wall box.

Ah, that would explain the freezyfreezy action.
oh ok, stuff the box with lagging i reckon...?
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 21 December 2010, 13:05:43
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I seem to recall that TB's is mounted in an exposed wall box.

Ah, that would explain the freezyfreezy action.
oh ok, stuff the box with lagging i reckon...?


I think it is, polystyrene from memory.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 18:23:27
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15-20watt bulb can heat it imo.. :-/
6hrs of 2kw fan heater didn't solve it ;D
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 18:26:17
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Third time? Never heard of a meter freezing personally, can't be right surely?
Stuffed with loft insultation

My water meter is one that goes through the wall - read via a cover on outside wall, but back of it, and the stopcock, accessed from the inside. Anglian Water, with this type, look after everything up to stopcock - not sure if that includes the meter though, as its all one unit.  I must call them after xmas...
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 18:29:40
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I seem to recall that TB's is mounted in an exposed wall box.

Ah, that would explain the freezyfreezy action.
oh ok, stuff the box with lagging i reckon...?


I think it is, polystyrene from memory.
Correct, but there is a cutout in the polystyrene, so they can read meter (which is set back probably 6"?). I stuffed this with loft lagging after the 2 freezing episodes earlier this year.

My neighbour's is missing the flap, so his is very exposed, but no problems.

I seem to recall somebody saying my meter, when I posted a pic here, was really old, and prone to freezing.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Kevin Wood on 21 December 2010, 18:35:07
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I seem to recall that TB's is mounted in an exposed wall box.

Ah, that would explain the freezyfreezy action.
oh ok, stuff the box with lagging i reckon...?


I think it is, polystyrene from memory.
Correct, but there is a cutout in the polystyrene, so they can read meter (which is set back probably 6"?). I stuffed this with loft lagging after the 2 freezing episodes earlier this year.

My neighbour's is missing the flap, so his is very exposed, but no problems.

I seem to recall somebody saying my meter, when I posted a pic here, was really old, and prone to freezing.

Wondering if their water usage is more regular. A regular flow of (relatively warm) water from a few feet underground is probably enough to stop it freezing. Sounds like the whole thing was sponsored by the ministry of cr@p design, though. Burying them in the pavement is a much better idea.

Kevin
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 18:43:55
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I seem to recall that TB's is mounted in an exposed wall box.

Ah, that would explain the freezyfreezy action.
oh ok, stuff the box with lagging i reckon...?


I think it is, polystyrene from memory.
Correct, but there is a cutout in the polystyrene, so they can read meter (which is set back probably 6"?). I stuffed this with loft lagging after the 2 freezing episodes earlier this year.

My neighbour's is missing the flap, so his is very exposed, but no problems.

I seem to recall somebody saying my meter, when I posted a pic here, was really old, and prone to freezing.

Wondering if their water usage is more regular. A regular flow of (relatively warm) water from a few feet underground is probably enough to stop it freezing. Sounds like the whole thing was sponsored by the ministry of cr@p design, though. Burying them in the pavement is a much better idea.

Kevin
They have 2 little ones, so undoubtedly higher water usage, but mine froze sometime between 11pm Sunday and 7:30am Monday - I'm guessing their water usage would be similar to mine during those hours - ie, bugger all ;D
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 21 December 2010, 19:03:44
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15-20watt bulb can heat it imo.. :-/
6hrs of 2kw fan heater didn't solve it ;D

 ;D ;D

I mean after you defreeze ;D :y
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 21 December 2010, 19:07:56
seriously , this meter must be below ground level..

with some insulation.. in our street most of our neighbours changed their places to design tthe garden , only we didnt change .. and most of them freeze regularly :-/

Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 21 December 2010, 21:07:35
In which case, trace heating tape and a frost stat....job jobbed!
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 21:21:57
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In which case, trace heating tape and a frost stat....job jobbed!
Not sure what a trace heating tape is?

How will a frost stat help - my heating is on 24/7, with the stat adjusting the temps depending on time of day, and is set for a minimum of 15C in winter...

I've left the panel in the back of one of the kitchen cupboards off, in order to let some heat to meter, but I guess with all the shite she has rammed in there, it makes no difference..
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: aaronjb on 21 December 2010, 21:29:23
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In which case, trace heating tape and a frost stat....job jobbed!
Not sure what a trace heating tape is?

Resistive cable I'd guess - same stuff as is in the heating pads in the Omega or underfloor heating.. and I think Mark's meant a frost-stat on the heating tape, not on your boiler ;)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 21:31:14
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In which case, trace heating tape and a frost stat....job jobbed!
Not sure what a trace heating tape is?

Resistive cable I'd guess - same stuff as is in the heating pads in the Omega or underfloor heating.. and I think Mark's meant a frost-stat on the heating tape, not on your boiler ;)
Ah, hokey dokey.

Not sure how that would work - I'll try to get a pic up showing the unit.  It seems its NOT the pipes freezing, just the meter/stopcock unit.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 21 December 2010, 21:37:47
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In which case, trace heating tape and a frost stat....job jobbed!
Not sure what a trace heating tape is?

Resistive cable I'd guess - same stuff as is in the heating pads in the Omega or underfloor heating.. and I think Mark's meant a frost-stat on the heating tape, not on your boiler ;)
Ah, hokey dokey.

Not sure how that would work - I'll try to get a pic up showing the unit.  It seems its NOT the pipes freezing, just the meter/stopcock unit.

As per my earlier post.

You get 1-2m of trace heating tape and wrap it round the pipes and meter body.

When its cold the tape warms up and stops them from freezing.  :y
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 21:47:39
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In which case, trace heating tape and a frost stat....job jobbed!
Not sure what a trace heating tape is?

Resistive cable I'd guess - same stuff as is in the heating pads in the Omega or underfloor heating.. and I think Mark's meant a frost-stat on the heating tape, not on your boiler ;)
Ah, hokey dokey.

Not sure how that would work - I'll try to get a pic up showing the unit.  It seems its NOT the pipes freezing, just the meter/stopcock unit.

As per my earlier post.

You get 1-2m of trace heating tape and wrap it round the pipes and meter body.

When its cold the tape warms up and stops them from freezing.  :y
Understood now. I can't actually wrap tape around the unit - I'll post a pic when I can find the friggin camera.

I guess the proper solution is to ring Anglian and tell them their bloody meter keeps freezing, and see if they'll change it.  Nobody else around here suffers.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Kevin Wood on 21 December 2010, 21:50:37
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Understood now. I can't actually wrap tape around the unit - I'll post a pic when I can find the friggin camera.

I guess the proper solution is to ring Anglian and tell them their bloody meter keeps freezing, and see if they'll change it.  Nobody else around here suffers.

.. and if they don't fix it, next time it freezes give it a good thwack with sammy then phone them up and say "You recall I told you that rather meter keeps freezing...". ;)

Kevin
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: aaronjb on 21 December 2010, 21:51:45
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Understood now. I can't actually wrap tape around the unit - I'll post a pic when I can find the friggin camera.

I guess the proper solution is to ring Anglian and tell them their bloody meter keeps freezing, and see if they'll change it.  Nobody else around here suffers.

.. and if they don't fix it, next time it freezes give it a good thwack with sammy then phone them up and say "You recall I told you that rather meter keeps freezing...". ;)

Kevin

Sammy Sledge and his brother Larry the Lump?  ;D
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Kevin Wood on 21 December 2010, 21:56:00
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Understood now. I can't actually wrap tape around the unit - I'll post a pic when I can find the friggin camera.

I guess the proper solution is to ring Anglian and tell them their bloody meter keeps freezing, and see if they'll change it.  Nobody else around here suffers.

.. and if they don't fix it, next time it freezes give it a good thwack with sammy then phone them up and say "You recall I told you that rather meter keeps freezing...". ;)

Kevin

Sammy Sledge and his brother Larry the Lump?  ;D

That's the chap. Not sure what Anglian Water's response time is like, so probably best not to do it the morning after a ruby murray. :-X

Kevin
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 21:56:57
Post from earlier in the year, pics of front and back of unit on pages 2 and 3....


http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1263026672
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 21 December 2010, 22:00:03
Take the insulation out, wrap the tape and replace it.
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 21 December 2010, 22:02:05
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Take the insulation out, wrap the tape and replace it.
Of course - was think I had to do it from the back for some daft reason :y

I'll try Anglian first, see if they'll change it first, before I go to that effort/expense...
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: aaronjb on 24 December 2010, 10:14:39
Have you thawed out and been able to shower, now, TB? ;)

I read this just now, and thought of your freezing water meter:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12073944
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: PxMetro on 24 December 2010, 10:31:34
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Nothing worse than having to syphon the bog pan to make a cuppa! ::) ;D ;)

(http://media.bigoo.ws/content/smile/sick/sick_5.gif)

At least it's the right colour lol. ::) ::)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: PxMetro on 24 December 2010, 10:34:37
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Nothing worse than having to syphon the bog pan to make a cuppa! ::) ;D ;)

(http://media.bigoo.ws/content/smile/sick/sick_5.gif)

Why waste time syphoning the bogpan?? p**s in the kettle, and do away with the middleman... ;D  ;D  ;D :y

Why not p**s on the water meter to thaw it and save on the gas  :y :y
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: TheBoy on 24 December 2010, 10:42:19
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Have you thawed out and been able to shower, now, TB? ;)

I read this just now, and thought of your freezing water meter:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12073944
I'm getting quite good at defrosting it now, due to practice.  Can normally do it in around 6 or 7hrs now :)  (takes so long, because its a plastic unit, I'm afriad of overcooking it ;D)
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: aaronjb on 24 December 2010, 11:04:23
 :D :D Well, that would be one way of getting a replacement out of the water board!

"There seems to be a problem with my water meter.."
"Is it frozen, Sir?"
"No, it's a melted lump of plastic."
"Did you try to thaw it with a blowtorch, sir?"
"Me? Nooooo, as if! Never given me a days trouble, that meter.. now could you come and replace it, please, I'm tired of peeing in the kettle for a cuppa"
 ;D
Title: Re: Running water again
Post by: freecall666 on 24 December 2010, 13:11:49
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Third time? Never heard of a meter freezing personally, can't be right surely?
just found out the water meter in new house has just blown up, water every were, good job not moved in yet.
question? who fix's it me or water bord??
get this got e-mail saying that they coming to fix the meter, i have not moved in yet and no stuff in there, any way e-mail say that they would be there yesterday up till 10pm or today from 8am-10pm, sent e-mail saying that i dont live there and noting working yet, but got no reply back, so got mothere inlaw to keep an eye on place just in case they come. what a mess. ::)