Bellyflop in TX

[SLB_SA]

From Dallas-Fort Worth Executive Director Phil Crone said it was the perfect storm of record low temperatures and long, unexpected power outages that made it impossible to keep pipes warm.  “If it’s really cold, it's only a matter of time before you get into that situation and we're going to see the worst of this once things thaw out,” Crone said. “We already had a labor shortage going into this situation.”
From three days ago  Michael Griffith with Pinnacle Plumbing in Fort Worth said Jenkins is not alone-- not by a long-shot. He said he has a small company, and on average they receive 14 to 18 calls a day.  By noon Monday, "we've received 93 calls for service," he said.
From Did your pipes burst during Texas’ winter storm? Here’s what to expect from insurance  Chris Pilcic, a public affairs specialist for State Farm, said to first keep calm. Then, turn your water supply off and let all the remaining water in your pipes drain out.Next step, look over your damage, both to your property and your personal belongings. And then call your insurance agent.  “The average frozen pipe claim we paid in Texas last year was $10,300,” Pilcic said on Wednesday.

 

[crofter]

Article on the next issue, frozen pipes. Currently on last resort: call the plumber. 

The article says that the pipes begin to freeze at 20 degrees for 6 hours, and TX was way below that without heat. Also with outside burial only a foot or two could be some frozen supply lines also. Link to article.
-crofter

https://www.hopeplumbing.com/blog/2020/january/tips-on-preventing-pipe-bursting/

 

[SLB_SA]

Apparently Texas was told to winterize their utilities over 30 years ago. Now everybody else is being blamed for this crisis.

 

[crofter]

Apparently they have developed insulated water lines thst can be buried shallow in northern areas. Called "shielded" the water line has U shaped insulation. That is good to know, if you are developing a home base and not to worry about severe weather. Link to article.
-crofter

https://www.publicworks.com/doc/tests-prove-shallow-burial-of-shielded-water-0001

 

[SLB_SA]

That is an interesting article on insulated pipes. Thanks.

 

[bullfrog]

Generators don’t do you much good over extended periods of time if gasoline stations run out of gasoline and because of conditions can’t be resupplied. Most propane fill stations are the same way. As mentioned before on this forum having a way to easily get fuel for a generator from your vehicles fuel tank is really a good idea especially if your vehicle has a large fuel tank.

 

[SLB_SA]

I assume most nomads were watching the weather and left Texas before the cold temperatures arrived. How do you winterize a vehicle or RV for extended periods at -20F and below (or a warmer 5F) without external power?

 

[WanderingRose]

It seems that those who prepared for the severe cold in Texas did not prepare for prolonged power outages, which is the root of the emergency.

Stocking up on some water, extra food, etc., is basic preparedness, but not the crux of the problem.

Even if people knew to anticipate the power outages, which doesn’t seem to be true, not everyone can purchase generators and whatever associated wiring is required to keep a household running.

 

[bullfrog]

GR Building Systems now makes tiny homes and houses out of insulation foam that plumbing lays in grooves cut into the foam. A small heat source can heat the whole house. Earthship houses have been around for years. FEMA (federal emergency management agency) just awarded a huge contract to Boxable I believe for similar concept portable housing. Wonder how come more zoning boards don’t focus on making new construction more functional rather than worrying about how tall the shrubs are?

 

[Camper]

I can make it easy with my solar, batteries, generators, a China diesel heater and my diesel fuel supply.

 

[crofter]

@SLB_SA on how to winterize RV

Drain the tanks and put RV antifreeze in the lines. $2.58 at Wmart. Link to the good stuff, for 50 degrees below zero.

https://peakauto.com/products/antifreeze-coolants/rv-antifreeze/rv-marine-antifreeze/

How to get the RV antifreeze into your water lines: after completely draining your tanks can dump some in your water tank and turn the pump on until pink stuff comes out the spigot and all water appliances. Also can dump some into drain lines.
-crofter

Here is a checklist of more things to do.
https://www.parkedinparadise.com/winterize-rv-camper/

 

[SLB_SA]

It seems that those who prepared for the severe cold in Texas did not prepare for prolonged power outages, which is the root of the emergency.

Stocking up on some water, extra food, etc., is basic preparedness, but not the crux of the problem.

Even if people knew to anticipate the power outages, which doesn’t seem to be true, not everyone can purchase generators and whatever associated wiring is required to keep a household running.

I think this was/is a crisis too large for (most) individuals; the options were to leave or to rely on the "system."  As this article  notes:
"Millions of Texans have gone days without power or heat in subfreezing temperatures brought on by snow and ice storms. Limited regulations on companies that generate power and a history of isolating Texas from federal oversight help explain the crisis, energy and policy experts told The Texas Tribune.  While Texas Republicans were quick to pounce on renewable energy and to blame frozen wind turbines, the natural gas, nuclear and coal plants that provide most of the state’s energy also struggled to operate during the storm. Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the energy grid operator for most of the state, said that the state’s power system was simply no match for the deep freeze."

Even with a generator, what do you do when the fuel runs out and you can't get any more?  Even firewood can run out.  If you and your home are safe and warm, having to boil your drinking water is one more demand on your source of heat.

 

[SLB_SA]

crofter: Thanks. I was also thinking of (engine) block heaters. Maybe coolant heaters might be useful?

 

[crofter]

I have always had to plan for power outages and nasty weather that will freeze you to death. If you have a home base, wood stove and 6 cords of firewood is a common solution to this problem. Or a pellet stove and a generator (requires electricity to run). Or Buddy heater and propane bottle.

My goto is the small insulated space of the van and Buddy heater as needed. The last time I was stranded was in Oregon ice storm, lasted about a week. I shoveled for a day to get out of there with chains. No point getting out earlier as no place with better conditions. Work was pissed.
-crofter

 

[crofter]

crofter:  Thanks.  I was also thinking of (engine) block heaters.  Maybe coolant heaters might be useful?

Like one of these, heats the engine and cab. I have not used one so can't say. Link to supply catalog.
-crofter
https://www.webasto-comfort.com/en-us/heating-solutions/off-highway/coolant-heaters/

 

[crofter]

....Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the energy grid operator for most of the state, said that the state’s power system was simply no match for the deep freeze."...

Or the plants were not winterized. Coal power plants operate year round in cold climates way below zero (think -40 to -60 degrees) it can be done with insulated water pipes, heated areas, and large emergency generators for when the grid goes down. And crews of electricians to keep it going. 
-crofter

 

[bullfrog]

Yet again several good layers, a good sleeping bag, water and lots of chocolate and nuts all somewhere dry. Sounds like beginning nomad advice!

 

[crofter]

Yet again several good layers, a good sleeping bag, water and lots of chocolate and nuts all somewhere dry. Sounds like beginning nomad advice!

That is the low tech way to go. Typical minimalist.
-crofter

 

[bullfrog]

One of the big problems with sticks and bricks in warmer climate urban settings is they just are not designed to function without grid electricity and destroy themselves when the plumbing freezes and then thaws. Most of today’s Bluetooth controlled houses can’t function without grid power. Even most natural gas heated homes are electrically ignited, pilot lights are becoming a thing of the past. Most wood pellet stoves require electric power to feed the pellets. The person that has an RV that is set up for boondocking is probably in better shape than most if they have a vehicle with with large gas and propane tanks that are kept full and a generator or a backpacker that is rigged for cold weather in his back yard. Pitty the people in cars with 10 gallon fuel tanks if they cannot refill them after a couple days. Most boondockers are able to stretch a couple weeks out of their campers. I’ve seen resourceful backpackers go for more than a month.

 

[SLB_SA]

Will (lots of) people in Texas buying RVs (& schoolies, vans, fifth wheels, etc) affect the availability of vehicles for nomads? (How many vehicles has Bob owned? How long does one last?)