Winterizing
Outdoor Showers are susceptible
to freeze damage just like water
faucets and hose bibbs
Outdoor Showers are susceptible to freeze
damage just like water faucets and hose bibbs!
In EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES it is advisable to remove items, such as…
In EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES it is advisable to remove
Faucet handles
& Cartridges
Hand sprays
Foot showers
Drinking fountain
bubblers and
Hose bibbs
TYPICAL VALVE ASSEMBLY AND ADVICE
FROM A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER
Plumb your outdoor shower with a shut-off valve so that the entire system can be totally drained prior to winter weather.
Turn off water supply to the shower unit. For a stop and waste valve, shut off the water by turning the valve clockwise until it won’t turn anymore.
For a ball valve, turn the handle a quarter turn so it is perpendicular to the pipe. Remove drain caps and let water drain.
Use compressed air to blow excess moisture out of the pipes and valves.
TYPICAL VALVE ASSEMBLY AND ADVICE
FROM A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER
Plumb your outdoor shower with a shut-off valve so that the
entire system can be totally drained prior to winter weather.
Turn off water supply to the shower unit. For a stop and waste
valve, shut off the water by turning the valve clockwise until
it won't turn anymore.
For a ball valve, turn the handle a quarter turn so it is
perpendicular to the pipe. Remove drain caps and let
water drain.
Use compressed air to blow excess moisture out of the
pipes and valves and remove cartridges.
IN ADDITION TO USING AN AIR COMPRESSOR, THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE IMPORTANT:
Remove the cartridges, shower heads, valves, hand sprays,
foot showers, and hose bibbs and store them indoors for the winter.
Cover the shower pipes to prevent water and debris
from entering the exposed openings.
IF YOU FORGET TO WINTERIZE YOUR UNIT:
If you forget to winterize your unit before freezing temperatures occur and your pipes do freeze, you can avoid busted valves if you act quickly. Otherwise cartridges can freeze and crack.
If the frozen pipe is a hot-water line, open the hot-water spigot.
The moving water might thaw the pipe.
If both hot and cold water lines are frozen, or if you are not sure, open both spigots. Keep opening and closing the spigot until the water flows freely. A hairdryer or other source of heat can be used if needed.
