power outtage procedures: drain heating and water lines?

D107

During out 6 hour power outtage I was thinking what I would do to prevent freezeup if it took a few days to get the electric back. Freezeup repair costs could probably run VERY high.

Questions:


1. How long would it have to be how far below freezing for measures to have to be implemented?

2. Drain water and heating lines?

3. Get generator?

I know this depends on tightness of house envelope, location of certain pipes. And I've seen wallies recommend a certain type of electric heater strategically placed I presume.

I have a porch on a cement slab whose heating pipes could probably freeze easily on a night of 0 deg. F. Rest of house could last much longer.

Makes you realize the beauty of steam in this aspect. Also the benefit of a separate direct gas-fired HWH, which would function in power failure. It is unusual in NY area to have power failures in winter. Closest I recall was the big one of 1965 but that I think was in Nov. with no real heat required.

Thanks,

David

Ed_26

glycol

Why wouldn't you glycol the system? This procedure will protect your complete system from freeze damage. If you are worried about the domestic plumbing, set up the boiler & controls to operate from a generator.