Backyard Rink-Frozen Valve

[Zamboni 6]

Minus 15 celsius here today, couldn't flood the rink because the @#*% valve is frozen-pouring boiling water on it didn't work. I installed the best valve possible last summer, type where the actual valve is inside your basement and valve handle outside....still froze solid. Basement is warm-I guess the cold travels in/on the pipe to the water.

Anyone have a solution-considering installing electrical heat tape today but I can't get it around pipe to the outside-just on pipe in basement....it would be wrapped around actual valve though.

http://www.mygreathome.com/fix-it_guide/heat_tape.htm

Anyone have expeience with that tape?

Any other suggestions-wife is taking a stand against hose hooked to kitchen sink-going out patio doors as in previous years :) Got a space heater against the valve right now so neighbourhood kids aren't dissapointed this afternoon-4-6 hours use yesterday has rink in bad shape....help!

[Spreedizzle 1]

Minus 15 celsius here today, couldn't flood the rink because the @#*% valve is frozen-pouring boiling water on it didn't work. I installed the best valve possible last summer, type where the actual valve is inside your basement and valve handle outside....still froze solid. Basement is warm-I guess the cold travels in/on the pipe to the water.

Anyone have a solution-considering installing electrical heat tape today but I can't get it around pipe to the outside-just on pipe in basement....it would be wrapped around actual valve though.

http://www.mygreathome.com/fix-it_guide/heat_tape.htm

Anyone have expeience with that tape?

Any other suggestions-wife is taking a stand against hose hooked to kitchen sink-going out patio doors as in previous years :) Got a space heater against the valve right now so neighbourhood kids aren't dissapointed this afternoon-4-6 hours use yesterday has rink in bad shape....help!

I work in the Plumbing & HVAC field.....so I can help you out with this one. Yes...you can use that heat tape. The tape/wire is very easy to install. You simply wrap it around the pipe and secure it directly to the pipe, cover the pipe and wire in a minimum of 1/2" foam/rubber pipe insulation and then use the plug. With most of these products the wire is sold on a spool and then you purchase terminations. Here is the issue with your application. The plug itself is your thermostat for the system. Most of them close the circuit (conduct electrical current) at 38 degrees. That being said, if the plug is in your basement it probably won't see temperatures that low, but your hose cock (hose hook up outside your home) is freezing constantly in the temperatures.

In all reality, if you are in a climate where this happens consistently you are setting yourself up for problems. Frozen copper pipes expand, and copper doesn't appreciate expansion and can easily burst all the way back to where the water isn't frozen....thus turning your basement into a swimming pool. About 2 feet prior to the hose cock you should see a standard ball valve with a tiny weep/bleed hole on it. My recommendation is to close that valve and open the weep to drain the water out of that last 2' of pipe prior to your hose cock EVERYTIME that you are not flowing water through it during your winters. Frozen pipes are no fun, and a lot of home owners insurance companies will NOT cover it if the system is not bled/purged of the excess water leading to your hose cock.

Should you have any other questions....by all means let me know.

[Powerfibers 8]

When you hit the ice with the water, does it crack the ice on the surface? Mine does that everytime. Makes me wonder if the smoothness is worth it. I usually get freaked out and wait to skate yet another day.

[Zamboni 6]

Powerfibers...yep, cracks-sometimes with a loud pow thats heard down the block. Smooth though, ice stays tight despite the 'fractures'. I have about 22" on the low end sides to get 4" in middle up top....60' x 32'

Spreedrizzle....Thanks for the explanation on how my copper line to outside should be set up. I installed this myself, drilled hole in brick wall & installed that 'thru-wall-valve'....was sort of proud of my handiwork till I read your post.

Think I'll start over, install valve in basement- pull hose through casement window to flood...no more frozen hose that way. Thanks again for the post, I can imagine the joy of dealing with insurance company when I was the plumber.