Any tips on an easy and quick way to winterize my machine would be much appreciated. (Yes I’ve done research). The only way to get antifreeze into the supply line right now is to disconnect the supply line from the barb which is a pain. I have a few ideas but wanted to get yall’s opinions before I do anything. Thanks in advance!
Any suggestions on how I can modify the existing plumbing so I can get antifreeze into the line?
Could I add a garden hose fitting into the inlet of the pump and then just disconnect the supply line and use that pump saver stuff?
Is there some kind of fitting that would allow me to simply connect an air compressor and blow out the pump? (This seems like the quickest and easiest method…not sure of its the best though)
Yeah, compressed air won’t be enough to get all of the water out of your system. It’ll probably be fine but what if it isn’t?
Unhook supply line, drop in bucket of antifreeze (no fancy crap, just good old green stuff, start motor on lowest throttle setting, watch for antifreeze out of end of hose, stop motor, you’re done. Don’t overthink this. My 5 year old nephew could winterize a pressure washer.
You could cut your supply line and put a 3 way valve at the cut. Then have a line go to a ball valve. Open that valve to pull antifreeze into your machine. I just do what @DisplacedTexan said. Super simple.
I have an IBC tote so I just pop it off. If you intend to do this for a while here’s what you do.
Buy a 15 gallon Fimco sprayer tank, two ball valves, 15 gallons of antifreeze, and however much hose you need to reach from Fimco tank to ball valve. One ball valve directly at Fimco tank, one at supply tank. Shut off supply, open valve at Fimco, start machine like I said earlier. Easy squeezy.
I forgot to say that ball valve at supply list be 3 way.
Here’s the solution I came up with. At least this way I (and my employee) arent trying to wrestle the supply line off the barb in 30 degree weather. Pop the camlock and pour some antifreeze into the disconnected supply line.
I wouldn’t have a cam lock permanently there. All of them leak eventually which means they can suck air. I’d spend $30 and do like William said and put a Banjo 3 way where you have the red knob on/off now in front of your filter. Then just have a short drop hose that you can drop in some anti-freeze when you need it
That probably is a better solution. If you know off the tip of your head where to find a 1” banjo 3 way, let me know. I have searched and cannot find one!
As kindly as I can say it, please don’t respond if you’re going to question my integrity or are generally unhelpful. My search was for a ball valve that had barbs already installed, which I could not find. Looks like I can purchase barbs separately though. I appreciate the links you provided but again, if your assistance comes with accusation, no need to comment at all.
That’s just knowing your vendors and their products. No 3 way banjo comes with barbs. That’s what the female npt is there for, to screw a barb in. I’m not trying to be mean, but all you posted was
If you would have included “with hose barbs” would have been different. So maybe be more specific and you will get better answers.
