RESOURCE; INSTRUCTIONS TO WINTERIZE CABIN WATER SYSTEM

INSTRUCTIONS TO WINTERIZE CABIN WATER SYSTEM 10/08

Buy a gallon (maybe 2) of windshield wiper fluid at your nearest super market before going to cabin.

1. Turn off water heater at circuit box in kitchen.
2. Open valve (yellow handle) at base of water heater. Water will drain to outside.
3. Enter original crawl space with 10" Crescent wrench and a flashlight. Wear a hat, lots of webs. Light to the left.
4. Turn off pump at the switch on wall above the pump. You will now be in the dark.
5. Close yellow valve on top of pump. If you do not do this, the water pressure will knock the plugs into the hole.
6. Remove plug at base of pump. Lots of pressure !
7. Remove the other plug (same size) hidden under the pump. There are two identical plugs. Do not remove the closest one.
8. Remove tiny plug on horizontal pipe at back of pump. Put all three plugs in bowl provided.
9. Open valve (black) above the white pail. Water will drain into pail.
10. Open yellow valve you closed earlier. More water will be present.
11. Remove gauge on top of pump. This needs the 10" Crescent wrench. Gauge will be rusted in. Tap w/ whatever you have.
12. Open all faucets including the shower. Release air pressure in water tank. Release valve is on top of tank. You should hear a whoosh. This gets any remaining water out of the tank.
13. Dip Excess water from toilet bowl. Dump into sink.
14. Pour a gallon of windshield wiper fluid into bathroom sink, shower drain, kitchen sink and toilet bowl & tank. Use the whole gal. Buy another gallon on way to cabin. Super markets are cheaper.
15. Lock both doors, lock shed, return keys. Drive safely

Note: The smaller size wrench should be in the bowl by the pump. I don't remember the size. Box or open end works best.
Pressure release is on side of new water heater. Wrench needed is 9/16" for the small plugs on bottom of water pump. 10" crescent needed elsewhere.

Good luck. Be sure you print directions I sent earlier and take with.
I did find the old directions up there. There are a couple of copies but only one has a drawing that is poor. If anyone wants to draw a better pic on the other copies please do so.