Frozen Water Pipes

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 2:23 PM

Problem(s) Encountered:

There is no running water in the observatory.  I noticed this around 1:30 AM.


Solutions:

The valve and pipe assembly off the pump for water supplied to our facilities was, according to Mike Hawes, "frozen solid".  Water pressure is at zero.   For now, we don''t see any signs of cracked water lines.  Hopefully that will remain the case once we hit temperatures >0C as well.  

Heat tape has been added to the pump assembly but best estimates are that we will not see running water today, possibly not until late tomorrow.  

Jugged water has been brought down from the summit for use with toilets and we have bottled water for drinking/cooking.  We also have an open invitation to use the dorms on the summit for showers as needed, during normal business hours (8.15-16.00).  Just have to get access through admin (Belina).