Did anyone hear it was raining in Virginia?

[R W Burgess]

We've had 4 inches since early morning. I wasn't really concerned at first. Just follow along with my families adventures today.........

"Yep, wasn't worried about a little storm. We lost electricity at about 3:00pm today, so I layed down and took a nap. It was about time for one anyway. We decided to go to "town" to eat supper. So did everyone else! It took us an hour to get our food, and we couldn't even get to the front of the line to pay the bill, so I left enough money including the tip and left for home. We were lucky that VA Power had Warsaw lit up, but everything with Northern Neck Electric( A Co-op) was dead, still is. Got home and realized the water was finally getting ready to out of the sump pump. Hurriedly tried the generator, not a pop. Smelled the gas, not good. Decided to turn the generator over and dumped the gas, right in the yard. It;s probably in the Potomac already.....so sue me!! It was raining cats and dogs all of this time. Got some gas out of the shed, by then I was barefoot, no point in putting on another pair of dry socks and shoes. Got the generator running...Thank you, Lord. Ran an extension cord downstairs to the first sump pump just before it ran over. Walked over to the finished side of the basement, water already half way to the TV...too late. Went outside plugged the outside sump pump in...nothing. Rats! Quickly to the shed, another new pump waiting for me...all this by "flashlight" by this time. Got new pump, old water hose out...whoops, the hose needs an adapters, or bushing they call it. No time to look. It could take 24 hours anyway to find anything in my garage by flashlight. Back to the basement, tried the next pump, an older model. Got the hose looked up, plugged it in....nothing. Darn, getting aggravated by this time. Found an old pump that I knew leaked badly, but at least it pumped. Pulled the extension hose into the house(I needed to dry my feet), looked down and darn, it had a piece of cutoff PVC pipe in the outlet. Got Gloria to pipe wretch the PVC off. Darn, same size hose as the first, again no bushing. The heck with it, got the Duck Tape out, stuck the extension plastic pipe inside the PVC, taped that sucker from "Kingdom Come"! Ran down the outside steps, plugged it in, fired her up, and water was running everywhere. The extension pipe/hose had mutiple holes in it. More duck tape later and the water is running more in the yard, then into the ourdoor steps. Went inside, dryed off, sat a while and thought, hey let's get some more electrical extension cords. First, the refrigerator is running, then a lamp(We finally turned the oil lamps off), got a radio going, then after about 2 hours, I thought! "The heck with this, unplugged the DSL unit, brought in the used lap top, plugged in for a recharge, fired up the DSL and here I am. Did I mention we had a serious fight over who got to check their e-mail first? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

We got 10 gallons of gas, and we're having fun again. Suck it up you city slickers. We hicks know how to live.

Wayne, Gloria, and Mike

[Shop Rat]

Wayne, Reminds me of that Y2K song "A Country Boy Can Survive". Now the big question is...will you have all the right adapters and such for the next time this happens? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Thanks for your support Susan. Yes, I'll have the correct equipment the next time. I'll be getting a new sump pump, as the old one is now not reliable. WE ended up with a little over 5 inches of rain, with some local areas getting over 9 inches. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> By the way, I used my old beater 4 wheeler to gewet gas last night....had to make this car related. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[1937hd45]

Wayne, You just admitted to having two pairs of shoes, and I know you have a '32 Ford coupe, that kick act isn't fooling me. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Boots Bob, Boots!

And, you've seen pictures of the coupe, but what you don't realize is that the floorboards were not replaced after the channel. Makes for an easy "pedal power" when you're out of gas.

Yaba Daba Do!!!!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[MCHinson]

Glad to see that we left some rain for you. We got 11 inches here when Ernesto came ashore in Southeastern NC. It was loads of fun watching local drivers turn their cars into boats. The wrecker guys had lots of fun. My Crown Victoria Police Interceptor managed to get me everywhere I needed to go without any problems. As long as you know which streets have cars floating, you can drive around the the low areas using adjacent streets.

[57_chieftain]

9.35" here in va. beach according to the news. There was a brand new BMW about 2 blocks over from me with the passenger side window wide open all day. A couple of rags and some air freshener and it'll be good as new, i bet!

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

I empathize with ya Wayne....sorta.....

My problem though is a lack of water. Happened Saturday evening, just as I was about to take my Saturday bath. The water cut off. Went down to the well house, piddled with the control box a little and after not having any luck I slappped it a good lick. Instantly I heard the sweet sound of a 1.5 HP pump submersed 475' into the ground start up. Turns out to be only the relay. Removed the relay took it to every home improvement and hardware store I could find. No luck. And as luck would have it's a long weekend.Will have to wait til Tuesday when a plumbing supply opens. SO the Brown family are now taking turns going down to the well house and slappin the control box whenever someone needs water for whatever reason. The highlight of the day came when my 88 year old mom with Alzeimers reminded us that "You never miss the water til the well goes dry" <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Lamar, I'm still learning from this storm.

I've been thinking about trying to reverse hook up my generator through an unused/leftover Electric Range plug in the basement(been putting this off for some time). Showing my stupidity here now, I just knew I could knock all of the breakers up, and power up the ones I needed hot. Well, I never thought of using one of the two supplied 110 volt generator plugs to plug into an outside receptical, using the same "knock off the breakers" deal.

DuHHHHHH???!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, I'm ready for another storm to try out my remedies, or "burn down the house" whichever comes first. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

On another note, Gloria, suggested we call the carpet cleaner guys <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> No Way! We have a Bissell unit. I'll do it myself. Well, just today I went past a cleaning company and spotted the big industrial blowers on the sidewalk advertizing their availability.

DuHHHHH???!!!

Back to the basement, plugging in our two box fans, to speed along the drying process. It's almost dry now.

Live and learn, I always say. Hope this helps any other dummies like me.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Be careful with the power thing though, and make sure you disconnect the Power Companies breaker. Bad things can happen, when they come back online.</span>

Wayne

[Shop Rat]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyway, I'm ready for another storm to try out my remedies, or "burn down the house" whichever comes first. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /></div></div>

Well, at least if you do set the house on fire there will be storm water to help put out the flames. Just in case you might want to stock up on Hershey bars, graham crackers and marshmallows. You know, just in case.... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[MCHinson]

You have the right basic idea there with the generator. Haven't needed it since about 1997 but, it is nice to have. I had an electrician hook up a connection for me to plug the generator into. I just have to turn off the main breakers (which connect you to the power company's grid) and then the generator supplies power to the other items. You should probably have an electician do this for you to make sure it is done safely. They do make specific sort of pricey connections for generators that make it impossible for you to have both the main breakers and the generator on at the same time. That helps you avoid needing the "Hershey bars, graham crackers and marshmallows". Also, remember the generator is much smaller than the power company's source, so you probably won't be able to power everything you want to power at the same time.

I recommend using a professional electrician to keep it safe!

[R W Burgess]

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Thanks MC.

That was what I was trying to say, but I could never do that with 2 or 3 words, when long menadering sentences will do the same thing. PeterG once told me that we could never fill up the memory in this forum. I'm trying to prove him wrong. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BTW, you're right about getting professional help in these situations. We certainly wouldn't want any bad news about any of our members copying my dumb decisions. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[novaman]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Also, remember the generator is much smaller than the power company's source, so you probably won't be able to power everything you want to power at the same time. </div></div>

Unless the only things your power with the generator is the fridge, and some lights. Gas stove and gas hot water sure are nice during power failures. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Not if they're electronically "lit" Dave. Our hot water header won't do squat without electrical power. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

For power usages we managed to run the refrigerator, 2-4 interior lights, 2 dehumidifiers, and the power wet vac. Earlier with just the frig and a couple of lights, we turned on the microwave for coffee, generator noticed the increased need for power quickly, but recovered nicely. I told Gloria it was like camping without the bugs. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Ron Green]

Wayne, Plugging into a 110 volt outlet with the generator will only allow the one side of your house panel to be hot. The panel has two electric busses thus you need to power both through a 220 volt outlet to be able to use different circuit breakers for electric loads as they are connected into both busses. Most decent generators have a 220 volt output however you need to be careful you don't have to much load plugged in.

Be careful as the main breaker on the panel must be in the off position when running the generator as once the power from the utility comes back there won't be major problems. They make a manual or automatic generator transfer switch just for this and both are expensive.

Remember "wiring's not a hobby" <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Ron, my friend just ran the power in the two connected rooms he had plugged into. He split off one circuit to run a cord to the refrigerator in the next room. You already knew that didn't you? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

PS, forgot to mention that it's raining down here again, Ron! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[Friartuck]

This story is starting to sound alot like the one of three well known plumbers and a movie they made, circa 1940. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[showchef]

I understand your delima. We live in Atlanta and have had major pumps running during Katrina or anytime we gets lots of rain. Don't get me started on the "Why's" but just to say a sleazy contractor did a poor job of laying drainage on our back patio...so I am all too familiar with pumps, hoses and generators. We are ok, until we have lots of rain in a short period of time, the french drain system gets overwhelmed and the water fast approaches our den ( on a slab...not good! The lowest estimate....$ 16,000!!! to rip out entire patio, replace lines, replace patio... So I put on my "wet clothes" and tend to the pumps, all ready to crank up new generator in case of a power outage...

Best of luck to you. I am new to this website posting.. I have a 1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme Pace Car and am original owner. I'm sure I will get alot of valuable information here. I've read alot of your replies and help offered. Thanks

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

Yea Friartuck, I felt a little like Curly running around town looking for a relay today. First place didn't carry it but could sell me the complete control box of which the relay is a part of for $55. Not bad I told him but let me look awhile for the relay. After hitting 4 more water and electrical supply houses I finally find one. How much I ask. $52 says the sales guy. I say "are you sure that's not for the complete control box?" He says "Nope that's $65. I say " you mean to tell me this little two inch square relay costs 52 bucks and the complete control box including capacitors, switches, metal box and all is only $12 more. He says "nope your maths wrong, it's $13 more". I thank him and go back to the first place and wonder why the guy is smiling so when I walk through the door.I buy the complete unit and am comforted with knowing that at least I'll have a bunch of spare parts. After 3 days without water, I get get home and my dear sweet mom meets me at the door with "LAMAR, WE DON'T HAVE ANY WATER". All I could hold myself to saying is "Oh, really?!!". As of now we do though, thank gawd.

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

Welcome aboard snowchef (how'd that name come about from someone living in Atlanta, I'll bet that has got to be a story in and of itself). Be sure to post some pictures and tell us more about that Olds Pace car in the "Me and My Car" Forum

[R W Burgess]

Yes showchief, welcome to the forum. Notice the "photo gallery" at the top and post a picture or two. I'll put them in a forum for you.

Also, be aware that not all of the information you get from our forum is 100% accurate. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

We're not perfect, but we try to be. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[joe_padavano]

Wayne,

As others have noted, backdriving your breaker panel from a 110 outlet will only power one side of the 220 panel unless you can find two 110 outlets connected to opposite phases of the panel. We're in Northern VA (Loudoun County) and have a 15 KW PTO-driven generator that we run from the tractor. I use a 60 W/220 v breaker to connect the generator output to the breaker panel. Someday I'll wire an outlet to the outside of the house (I could use it to run a welder normally!) but for now I just drag cable through the basement. Of course, always be sure to turn off the main before connecting the generator.

[R W Burgess]

Thanks Joe. That's what I did this year, dragged the cable through the backdoor, but we could have done without the generator noise. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[RocketDude]

If you want to do it first class, money no object, get a generator with automatic switching gear. It senses the power going out, and fires up the generator, and has you back in full operation in fractions of a second. That what the hospitals and Police and Fire Depts use. They need instant power in case of an outage.

It can be a little expensive, but so can flooding your house out once or twice a year.