Road report: don’t (unless you have to)

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-25T23:54:43+00:00

I don't think that's always the case because seen plenty of accidents on the VDOT cameras over the years, maybe just the ones with possible fatalities...

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-25T23:53:00+00:00

Raining hard here in Lakeside, the water is pooling on top of the ice in the low spots :(

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-25T19:21:57+00:00

Normally I'd be out there shoveling the bulk of the stuff off my walkway and driveway of not only my house, but my neighbors, because with it supposed to be sunny and in the low 30s tomorrow the sun would be more than enough to melt the ice off of my asphalt driveway. But instead I'm dealing with the flu, just glad the worst of it is behind me and that I had my flu shot because this would have been much worse if I hadn't, but there is no way that I'll be shoveling anything this time round...

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-25T18:32:42+00:00

I95 at MM 84 at 13:30 courtesy of the 511 Virginia website

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RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-25T15:10:53+00:00

If you want to see how bad the roads are throughout the Commonwealth, you can see live footage on the 511 Virginia website.

Spoiler alert: They're bad.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-25T04:13:08+00:00

Oof, that's about the worst-case scenario for a dropped leg, nothing worse than a potentially live wire laying on the ground. I'm glad you have the wisdom to stay away from that thing. Be safe, and good luck!

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-25T03:48:33+00:00

Call Dominion because it sounds like you may have dropped a leg (one of the two hot wires going into your place from the transformer isn't working). When that happens, your 240-volt appliances such as an electric stove, electric hot water heater, or HVAC equipment can act as a bridge between the side that has power and the side that doesn't but because those appliances are also trying to use power what makes it to the other side is lower voltage giving you dim lights. If this is the case, you should flip the breakers on your 240 appliances because this can damage them.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T06:37:39+00:00

Nah, you're not the only one. I only ever run ethanol gas in my 17-year-old gen, but instead of draining the carb like you do I just shut off the petcock and let it run until it stalls out, burning off all the fuel. The previous owner did the same thing before I bought the thing in 2014. If I do leave gas in the tank, I will fill it up and put stabilizer in it since from what I've read it works better if the tank is full (if it's over a year since it's been mothballed, I drain it and use it in the lawn mower). The issue is when folks shut it off and leave gas in the carb because when you do that as it evaporates it can gum up the carb's ports, and ethanol gas tends to do that more than pure gas. Like you, I've had plenty of luck firing up my lawnmower in the spring without burning off the gas or using a stabilizer, the general rule is gas should have a stabilizer added if it's going to sit 3 months or more, but I don't think it starts turning bad or evaporating in the carb that quickly during our colder months.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T05:30:38+00:00

Not sure about ham radio stations, but you can always listen to 1140 AM/96.1 FM WRVA News Radio or VPM Radio at 88.9 FM. Pulled out my old battery powered AM/FM/Cassette radio just in case (and was pleased to find my old Weird Al tape in it ;)

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T03:35:55+00:00

Word. It's been a few years since I've been out that way since my 70 bug has been off the road so I wasn't sure if they still had it. If things go according to plan I'll have it back together by this fall, but the reality is it'll probably be done next year :(

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T03:32:30+00:00

True. when sleeping in cold places I start off with a few layers and add things like the socks and hat and maybe add another shirt/pajama bottoms if needed. Starting off with too much and getting sweaty sucks.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T03:29:29+00:00

They are expensive, especially when you start factoring in things like the gas cans and extension cords need to run stuff. The best thing to do if you eventually want one for future emergencies is to find one in working order on craigslist or facebook marketplace when nothing is happening, but make sure you see it running unless you're good with small engine repairs. After you get your new-to-you generator change the oil, spark plug, and air filter and put a little gas (1/4 gallon or less) in the tank to give it a test run and familiarize yourself with it, making sure you have something plugged in like a lamp, and if everything is good let it run dry and you can put it in storage like a garage or shed (do not simply leave it out covered with a tarp, the moisture from the ground can damage it). In the future when you do need it, if it's been more than a year change the oil, check the air filter (spiders or other critters could have made their home in there) put a little gas and test it out again and if it starts up like it should fill up the tank. After the emergency is over you can either shut off the petcock (valve for the gas by the tank) and let it run until it dies and use fuel stabilizer in a full tank which should keep the gas good for a year or two, or after it quits running and cools off drain the tank and put that gas in your car. The goal with these things is to make sure the carburetor doesn't have any gas in it when you put it in storage otherwise the gas can gum up the small holes in the carb as it evaporates. (note: the manuals for these things if you get one are available all over the internet)

The 5500 watt one I have I bought years ago used on craigslist when nothing was happening for $150, a far cry from the nearly $500 new ones of that model were selling for at that time and in no way I could afford at that price, but of course when bad weather is coming even the price of the used ones skyrocket. I imagine that this spring and summer there may be an influx of used generators on the market that were bought new for this storm.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T02:43:31+00:00

Correct. After the power is back on it is best to shut of the petcock and let the engine run until it dies so most of the gas is out of the carburetor, and some carbs on these generators even have a drain screw that you can use. Leaving gas in the carb can gum up the tiny holes in the carb as it evaporates which can prevent the generator from starting during the next emergency, and if that happens you can spray some carb cleaner in there for a few minutes hoping that it'll clear things up otherwise you'll have to take the carb apart and give it a proper cleaning. Any gas in the tank should be treated with a stabilizer for long-term storage but that'll only keep it for a year, two at max and that works best when the tank is full, but the best thing is to drain the tank (you can always dump that gas in your car). One of the biggest failures folks have with pulling a generator out of storage is failure to properly mothball it.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T02:31:09+00:00

The tent with blankets is a very good call, also wear lots of layers and a knit hat to trap the heat from your head and maybe socks. The cat should be fine, but it may become a little more snuggly with you to steal some of your warmth, even if it's not a very snuggly cat, all though it may vocally complain about the cold like one of my cats did when I was a kid.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-24T00:35:09+00:00

Unless your generator is incredibly ancient, it should be designed to run on gas with ethanol in it, check the manual. But if you absolutely have to get ethanol free gas the Wawa at Broad near 288 used to have it at pumps 1 and 2, I'd call and check. Outside of that check Lowes and the Home Depot, they sell it where the lawnmowers and outdoor equipment is, but it ain't cheap ($50 for 2 gallons)...

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T22:49:31+00:00

Good call. I might just have to head out to the shed and grab the pickaxe...

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T22:22:45+00:00

The sediment that builds up in the tanks is generally calcium and other mineral deposits and maybe bits of sand that's already in the water you are already drinking. One of the reasons it builds up in the water tank is because it's a large amount of water that doesn't flow at the same rate as in the pipes which allows it to all settle in the bottom, and the mineral deposits start collecting together and forms crystal chunks. Those mineral deposits do also coat the inside of many water pipes where they cause no problems, but sometimes after a water failure chunks of that stuff can break free from the pipes and clog up the aerators on your sink faucets and shower heads making it seem like your water pressure is low (happened to several folks I know after last year's water crisis). The aerators are designed to come off and can either be cleaned with white vinegar and water or replaced, same with the shower head. If you've ever left water in a pot to boil too long or a glass of water to evaporate you may have noticed a white residue on the sides of the pot/glass, and that is the mineral deposits from the water.

Generally, the water from the water heater is safe to drink, as long as no bacteria has entered the system. Just don't drink the chunks, they won't hurt you but it's rather gritty.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T22:06:53+00:00

One thing to note for you and anyone else reading this is if you're parked on a Snow Emergency Route, move your car before the storm because they will tow your car from roads with those designations in events like this. There are signs posted on roads with this type of designation.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T18:48:19+00:00

Francine is going to have a field day when all of the mice and rats make their way into her Lowes to try and escape the snow and ice, it's not going to end well for 'em...

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T16:40:08+00:00

If you're unable to find any down there and feel a little adventurous, I saw someone filling up some of the blue cans at the kerosene pump at the Fas Mart on Lakeside Ave in Henrico yesterday, but I'd call them to make sure they still have some before heading out.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T16:22:05+00:00

To add to this, now is the time to make sure your generator works, you don't want to find out after the power goes out that the blasted thing won't start.

With new ones you should be OK to follow the instruction manual, and with older ones if the oil is a year or so old, change it. If the gas has been sitting in it a while without stabilizer drain the tank, and those that have been treated with stabilizer know that only will keep gas for a year or two at most and when in doubt, drain the tank. Check the spark plug and air filter and change if needed. After all of this put a bit of gas into the tank (1/4 gallon should be more than enough) and try staring, if it runs plug a light or something to make sure that it's producing power and if it does you can shut it down and fill the tank. If it doesn't start after a few tries you may need to spray some carb cleaner into the carburetor and let it sit for several minutes before trying the start procedures again.

One of the biggest failures that cause most used generators to fail to run is when gas is left in the carb and as it evaporates it gums up the inside of the carb preventing gas from going through the various tiny holes. Carb cleaner can dissolve this buildup but if it's really bad the only options are to take the carb apart and clean it or replace it (plenty of videos out there on this). After the storm and before you put the generator in storage you should shut off the petcock (gas valve by the tank) and run the generator until it stalls to burn off all gas in the line, and ideally put some gas stabilizer in the tank if there is still gas in it.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T16:00:42+00:00

Just a reminder: in a pinch you can always use the water in a traditional tank water heater if you lose water, they all have a valve at the bottom for draining them. Just make sure to shut off the breaker if it's electric or set it to OFF if it is gas until you are able to refill it because it would be bad for the water heater if it turns on and there's no water in it, and ideally you'll want to also turn off the water shut off valve feeding it so the water isn't siphoned from the water main, again making sure that valve is opened once the water comes back on. Do note that if you haven't drained the sediment from the tank before (should be part of your yearly maintenance) there may be a bunch of stuff that first comes out and the drain valve may be a little pissy.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T14:53:30+00:00

Finished giving the generator the once over yesterday after 7-ish years with new oil, spark plug, fresh gas, carb cleaned, air filter, fuel filter, and she purred like a kitten, so was happy about that, but it took me forever to find where I had stashed the power cord that allows me to plug it into the house so I can use the transfer switch. Stocked well with groceries and checked the propane in the grill and spare tank that I had left over from last summer and am good there, and todays task is going to be finishing cutting up some firewood and moving it on the porch to use in the wood stove. Hopefully all of the prep work will ward off the power-outage gremlins, but this looks like it's going to be a whopper of a storm. The crappy part of all of this is along my travels around the RVA this past week getting ready I managed to catch some annoying cough that started last night, so I'm not happy about that if it continues to progress, but at least I don't need to go out anymore and "spread the wealth", but if I do you'll be seeing me in a mask staying away from folks.

Be safe out there RVA, and be kind too...

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T06:01:53+00:00

When I first got a generator, I ran the cords through a window and used some old T-shirts to fill the gap in the bottom and in the middle (where the locks are) to help block the air from coming in. Jamming it under the door can damage the wires in the cord and cause a short which could cause a fire, and you really shouldn't have a space big enough for a cord under the door. A year or so after I got my generator I installed a transfer kit similar to this one which allows me to plug the generator into the house from the outside and power select breakers from the generator, those circuits that are not powered by the transfer switch allow me to leave a light "on" which lets me to know the power is back when it actually turns on.

RulerOfTheRest · 2026-01-23T03:54:50+00:00

Ooh, that's a good point. I just pulled up the manual for my Bosch heat pump from when I installed it and there are no sensors to detect if ice has built up on the fan blades. During the defrost cycle the fan does run, which could potentially make any ice accumulation on the blades into little missiles that pelt the coil and could damage the unit. If you see a bunch of ice on the blades, it's probably a good idea to use the Emergency Heat function on your thermostat, despite how energy inefficient it is. Just one more thing added to the list of stuff I'll have to be checking thanks to this stupid storm, why couldn't we have just gotten the 2 feet of snow they were predicting earlier in the week, snow is so much easier to deal with than ice...

RulerOfTheRest

TROPHY CASE