Winter Water Management- House/ Hose Connection

 At Trefoil Gardens, our CoOp water systems may be used any time that the temperature is above freezing. 

During winter months, this means that we must periodically drain and recharge the waterlines, Starting with those at your house. We call these connections the "Supply Connections", and those in the garden are called "Service Connections"

Here's a step-by-step guide to the typical hose connections at our member's houses, with notes on how to properly drain and recharge the lines. 

Light Freeze

If a light freeze is expected, especially if it will be a couple of days or accompanied by winds, we will perform a Level 1 shutdown. For this shutdown, we will drain everything we can, but will not remove any equipment.

Because we don't expect anything to freeze solid, this is more of a precaution to prevent stress on the system, and protect the most fragile equipment in the lines. 

 

To shut down the Supply Connection: 

1. Do a quick inspection, noting and repairing any leaks

2. Fully close Hose Bib (A) by turning counter-clockwise until you feel solid tension on the handle.

3. Open the bleeder valve on Wye (B).  This should not be connected to a hose, and the valve will be open when the "Switch" is in line with the fitting. Water should pour from this fitting. Be careful, or you'll wind up wet! 

This will set up the Supply Connection for the second part of a Level 1 shutdown: Preparing the Service Connection for winter. It is very important that this step happens before the Service Connection is winterized. 

To start up, reverse steps. Service side of system should be restarted before Supply side.

Hard Freeze

If a hard freeze is expected, we will perform a Level 2 shutdown. For this shutdown, we will drain everything and remove any fittings or connections that might be damaged by freezing. 

To shut down the Supply Connection:

1. Follow instruction for Light Freeze. 

2. Allow system to drain till pressure is released.

3. Remove Wye (B) and Pressure Regulator (C). These fittings are connected just like a garden hose, so they should be removable by hand. If they are a little tight, use a wrench.

The next step will be to shut down the Service Connections. 

To start up, reverse the steps. Be sure to inspect the rubber gaskets in the female connections. Replace any damaged gaskets, and use a little waterproof grease to lube the connection. Threads should be clean of dirt and debris. Hand-tighten fittings and inspect for leaks as the system comes online. As with a Level 1 Shutdown, Service side of system should be restarted before Supply side.