how i winterize

[computerspook]

This is how I handle preparing the plumbing for the winter.


Now the first step is that I run the pump to get it and the line to it free of water. I run this to the cold tap on the sink.


Then I prepare the air compressor. The first set of comments here is going to be that the air compressor will blow up the water lines. The first thing I do is to reset the regulator to almost no preasure. Like 5-10 pounds. And I check it and make sure it is correct using a blower nozzle on the normal air hose. Make sure it work both with providing air and when it is not.


Then I have this hose system I built. Obvious a hose end on one end and an air chuck on the other one. I then use this to first empty the hot water heater to make sure that it is well emptied. Then I empty all of the cold water lines. I run each one individually until there is no water flow and then for about 5 minutes on each one. Then I do the same with the hot water lines.


Then I go back and empty the water pump again and then all of the taps. Then last I drain the water heater one more time. No anti freeze just air.


Then I do put antifreeze in the drains. Don't forget on a scamp to run your shower drain pump. Then I clear out the gray water. No water has actually gone into the black water so it is good.



Since I may go active in the winter from time to time I may have to do this again. Usually I don't rewater it until spring. I will just use bottled water on an incident. But I have responded where they needed me to bring it with water. Then I just repeat the process to get it ready to sit again.


Since the air compressor is designed for putting out a lot of pressurized air it does real well at putting out a lot of limited pressure air so it will have moved a lot of air so the lines while not dry and definately not got enough water to freeze and break something.


But once again the key is to make sure that you have to air compressor set for very limited pressure, and like triple checking that before hooking it up. My next iteration of this will be to have an extra pressure relief valve built into the hose.



PS I then also use this same setup with more pressure (about 30 pounds) to winterize my pressure washer.