Unfreezing the Gray #1 Drain Valve

danemayer

Well-known member
Was below 0 last night and the basement got down to 34. Everything's running again now except the Gray #1 drain valve which is stuck. Gray #2 opened part way - enough to drain the tank.

Any tips on freeing up #1 or is it just a matter of waiting for it to thaw out. Btw, basement is now up to 57.
 

westxsrt10

Perfict Senior Member
Is your valve completely enclosed? Maybe you can aim a hairdryer towards it from behind.
I was able to unfreeze mine by spraying it with hot water from the outside shower. Pouring some RV antifreeze in the tanks after they are empty should stop them from freezing up.
 

danemayer

Well-known member
Dropped the underbelly bottom cover in the corner where the 2" pipe exits. As it turns out, the #1 valve is accessible and a hairdryer got it going again.
 

danemayer

Well-known member
Now that the thermostat is working, the underbelly is warm and the valves are operating smoothly. It probably also helped that the temps went up to 25 yesterday afternoon, but the thermostat problem was probably root cause.
 
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