D.I.Y Winterize cabin

[Iron Cowboy]

Hey everyone I have a small place to winterize where none of the water lines are more than 15 feet in total length. I want to do it myself this year and am looking for tips from others that know how to do this. Looks pretty easy where I just need to turn water valve off and remove threaded plug and shoot air thru with compressor. Anyone thats done this know if I am missing anything like a special adapter for the pipe fitting?--(since its such short lines I could just hold my hand over any opening?) Then I put r.v antifreeze in toilet to finish. any other tips?

[glenn57]

i would push anti freeze threw all the lines also. cheap protection.

[sal]

Don't forget antifreeze in the traps!!!!!!!

[Tom7227]

If you have a well you need to be sure to deal with it also. If it is a submersible pump you at least have to be sure to turn it off and drain the line as far to the pump as you can. It it is a shallow pump you need to turn it off and remove the drain plugs from the pump to make sure it is dry. Then you have to be sure to drain the surge tank and the water heater.

Turn off the well, open all the faucets and work backwards. Flush the toilet and hold down the handle until it's drained as far as it will go. Don't forget the hose spigot if you have one.

Some hook up a compressor and blow out the lines. If you have the equipment that's probably a smart thing to do. You may find that you nearly pay for a compressor with the savings from having a plumber come and do it.

Then get some RV antifreeze and pour it in the toilet and the traps for the sinks and shower.

If this sounds complicated then the thing I would do would be to pay someone to come and do it and watch the process and learn. Next year you can give it a try.

[crothmeier]

they make an adapter to hook compressor up to the hose bib on the outside of the house, or other faucet. Dont forget the water heater! dum anti-free in every drain.

[Iron Cowboy]

thanks for the tips guys! I have a tankless water heater, anyone know what the process is for that? Anything special or does it just blow out when I do the lines? Also the pump is a above ground sand point, I will have to take a look (first year) but

am guessing theres a drain plug on the bottom somewhere? Also guessing I can get the adapter at northern tool or fleet farm?

[ottertailguy]

For the sand point just unscrew the check valve so the water empties from the pipe below. Also don't use too much pressure when blowing out the lines. I use between 40-50 lbs and that works fine.

[Tom7227]

you can cobble together the addapter yourself. Buy the part for the air hose and then mess around in the plumbing isle until you get the right set of bushings and pipe and couplings. Check on line for the clue on the tankless cause I don't have it.

[Water Dog]

I use a Shop Vac to blow out the pipes. Just hold it to the open faucets for a few seconds. Don't forget to open the shower valve if you have one.

[propster]

Stupid question - do you blow the air from the main inbound water supply hose toward the open faucets?

[Dave]

Yes