Replies

1. 
   mike_baker | Oct 09, 1999 03:12am | #1

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   I'm in the planning phase of detached garage with living space, including a bath, on the second floor. The garage will be built on a 48" stem-wall foundation to get below our 42" frost penetration level. The water supply line will be routed from house to garage below frost line. What's the best way of protecting the supply from freezing as it comes up from frost line to slab level inside the garage? I'm assuming that it would be typical to protect the line from slab level to second floor level in a heated first floor chase or closet, but that won't help below ground. Would a below ground chase of some kind or a mini-crawl space work, or is there an easier way?

1. 
   Mad_Dog | Oct 10, 1999 10:25am | #2

   *Mike,Assuming it's not practical to use infloor radiant heating in the garage, (although it could be) but possibly would be for your living space, I believe you could keep the plumbing warm enough by running the heated lines next to your cold water supply, though I have no experience to back this up. It's worth considering and maybe someone who has tried a system like this could comment. Wouldn't hurt to define what the heating system you're considering is, and where you are located, although with 42" frost depth, obviously it gets pretty cold there.MDxxxx

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   Guest_ | Oct 10, 1999 08:01pm | #3

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   Mike -

   I 'm not sure I have any great ideas... I think Mad Dog has it about right. The only other thing I can think of would be a recirculation system to keep water moving through the pipes.

   I also don't want to start a huge argument, but here goes...you should think about using PEX tubing for your supply lines. PEX has the ability to freeze and not burst. That way if whatever solution you come up with fails, like during a power outage, you have some backup.

3. 
   Tim_Devery | Oct 11, 1999 01:26am | #4

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   Nick:

   PEX is for pecker heads! It sure does not freeze,
   but it melts at 125 degrees f. For a real solution, I tried some Playdough from my kids squish system and it worked just fine. Joints were easy to connect, just "mush-em" together. And the best part is that they come in such lovely colors! I think Wall-Mart sells it for about $2.37 per pound, go ahead give it a try. You won't be sorry

4. 
   Guest_ | Oct 11, 1999 02:16am | #5

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   Tim-

   How pleasant to hear from you. Say hi to your wife for me. Why don't you stick to installing floors! Yeah, and I want my friggin' tractor back, too!

5. 
   Tim_Devery | Oct 12, 1999 02:46am | #6

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   Hi Nick:
   My wife sayes hi! I thought I might try some home renovation, Know where I could pick up a nice used
   hammer. I should also get some nails too!
   Say hi to your woman for me.

6. 
   mike_baker | Oct 12, 1999 02:46am | #7

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