Avoid frozen pipes

[MyPrevost]

For the next 2.5 weeks the bus will be parked here in Nova Scotia. To avoid frozen pipes, what should we keep running.

The bus is plugged into 15 amp house connection. I currently have the galley webasto set to 55 degrees. I have the basement heater set above freezing.

How much diesel will it use over the 2.5 weeks with freezing temperatures most days?

Also, I purchased two digital thermostats to replace the two White-??? thermostats that control the CC/Webasto system. Is there any reason I should not instal them?

Thanks

[MyPrevost]

Lloyd, you should be okay. The Webasto typically uses about a quart of diesel an hour, but it won’t run constantly. Keeping your diesel tank at least half full is a smart move. Adding a small electric heater in the bay on low could also help keep things warm.

As for the thermostats, if they match your system’s requirements and are simple on/off types, you should be good to go!

[MyPrevost]

There are a few options to handle this situation. What you’re doing is one approach. Dale suggests another, but since your coach has water spread across two bays, you might need a pair of heaters, which could push the limits of your 15 amp circuit.

Another option is to completely drain the system. If you’re already working on it, take the time to drain everything, including the lines upstairs by opening all valves and draining the P traps.

[MyPrevost]

Lloyd,

When I brought my bus home, it had to sit out during the Ohio winter until my barn was ready. I was plugged into a 50 amp outlet, which helped a lot. If you can boost your power to the bus, I recommend doing so.

I kept the interior temperatures at 55 degrees, which worked well. However, for the basement, I’d suggest setting the thermostat higher than just “above freezing.” I had mine around 50, and it still froze in -20 wind chill. Critical areas include the faucet between the bay door and the interior wall, which can cause issues. The thermostat being inside the wall means the outside temperature can be much lower, so keeping the temps up will cost a bit more in fuel, but it’s better than dealing with repairs later.

[MyPrevost]

I drained all the pipes and tanks this morning while replacing the kitchen faucet. I planned to redo all the pipes in the plumbing bay, but after talking with Dale, I decided to wait until after the POG rally in TN to see what he did on his coach. I want to completely redesign the plumbing area since it’s poorly conceived.

After installing the new kitchen faucet and shower head, I refilled the system to test everything.

I plugged the leaking solenoid with a 1/2 inch brass plug and will repair or replace it later when I redo the plumbing.

I could just empty it all tomorrow and refill later.

I assume I won’t need to prime the system since it came back fine today, is that correct?

[MyPrevost]

The pumps are self-priming and can run dry without any damage, so you shouldn’t have any issues there.

Just ensure everything is drained, and if possible, blow air through the upstairs faucets to clear any water from low spots.

And since I prefer caution, I would still keep some heat in there.

[Author]

Posts