Winter Self Draining Water Shutoff Valve

[600SL]

I would like to "T" off my out door hydrant and run water to my building. Since the building is not heated, I would like to be able to shut the water off outside and have the water in the building drain back into the ground just like my hydrant does in the winter. I would like the water in the building to be potable water.

What valves types are required to do this?
Also since the toilet wont drain is there a risk of fracturing the toilet.
Would I have to open the sink faucets of could I put check valves in the lines at the toilet and sink.

 

[larry4406]

Curb stop with drain back.

Valve is mounted below frost line. Long handled wrench drains the downstream line. Take a piece of 4” PVC pipe and notch ends to clear in and out piping. Orient the pvc vertical and thus is your access for the tool. Female threaded adapter and cap at top.

Yes winterize the bath. Maybe RV antifreeze in the toilet?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Assuming you'll put the sink and toilet inside a dedicated room in the building, consider insulating and heating just that room. If it's small enough and well insulated enough, a small electric heater will probably be enough to keep it above freezing, and won't cost a huge amount to operate.

 

[KenC]

Curb stop with drain back.

Valve is mounted below frost line. Long handled wrench drains the downstream line. Take a piece of 4” PVC pipe and notch ends to clear in and out piping. Orient the pvc vertical and thus is your access for the tool. Female threaded adapter and cap at top.

Yes winterize the bath. Maybe RV antifreeze in the toilet?

It's also good practice to surround the valve with coarse gravel to prevent dirt/clay etc from blocking the drain port as it is not under pressure, just gravity to empty the pipes above.

 

[tarmy]

What they said. We call them stop and waste valves around here. Any structure that is subject to freezing temps should have them. Location is fairly important too. They should be at or damn near the lowest point on the system to drain most/all the water out to prevent freeze expansion rupture.

 

[600SL]

Curb stop with drain back.

Valve is mounted below frost line. Long handled wrench drains the downstream line. Take a piece of 4” PVC pipe and notch ends to clear in and out piping. Orient the pvc vertical and thus is your access for the tool. Female threaded adapter and cap at top.

Yes winterize the bath. Maybe RV antifreeze in the toilet?

Thanks. Just bought the valve. Expensive for what appears to be a ball valve $265.

 

[dcg9381]

Also since the toilet wont drain is there a risk of fracturing the toilet.
Would I have to open the sink faucets of could I put check valves in the lines at the toilet and sink.

You want to be able to push air into your water main and "blow out" all the valves by opening them one at a time until they flow air.

Toilets, faucets, shower, any appliance that takes water (dishwasher, ice maker).

Anything with a P-trap needs to be completely drained or add the correct type of anti-freeze. I don't think you'll fracture as there is room for expansion on the P-trap side, but you don't water **** in valves.

 

[Glemon]

I have a sink in my garage with hot and cold water. I put ball valves with drains in the house where the lines go out. Garage is insulated and stays about 20 degrees warmer than outdoors. Anyway, I have to shut off and drain sometimes in December and flip them back on in March or so.

SharkBite 1/2 in. Brass Crimp Ball Valve with Drain Full Port - Ace Hardware

Used to control water flow and enables water supply shutoff for servicing and making repairs. Features a drain / vent that allows for water to be drained from the line if needed. Certified for use in potable water and hydronic heating systems.Find the PEX BARB BALL VALVE 1/2 at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

 

[ycgoat]

I am looking at this same concept for a well service to an un-insulated metal building. Would I need a check valve before the stop waste valve

 

[cmandp]

We'd always put RV antifreeze in the toilet tanks at my grandparents shore house when we were winterizing. I'm not sure how much of a problem it was as the toilets were original to the house; I'm sure it was forgotten at times over the 40+ years. But better safe than sorry.

 

[rharman]

This brings back memories. We had a cabin in the Big Bear area when I was a kid and my dad would always have to drain the water lines and I remember him putting anti-freeze in the sinks and toilet. I kind of miss that place. They sold it probably in the early 70's I'd guess.