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4LowNGo
12-02-2015, 03:38 PM
One of the videos I saw the guy popped the screen out of the fresh water hookup and stuck his finger in to press a relief valve so some of the pink stuff flows out. How important is this step and what's the trick to getting that screen out?

JRTJH
12-02-2015, 04:51 PM
The screen is easily removed. It's the same type as found in the washing machine water hoses in your house, simply a rubber washer with a "dome" shape screen embedded in it.

Use caution when pushing on the "pin" that's under the screen. There is a small, easily dislodged O-ring on it. When you push on the "pin" and there is any pressure on the "other side", you can "blow the O-ring" off it's seat. If you do that, chances are you'll be replacing the city water inlet next spring.

The purpose of "that guy's" action is to displace any water that might be in the supply line "from the city water inlet to the pump Tee fitting"... The most sure way to avoid any freeze damage in that area is to use compressed air, blow out the water lines and then when you install the antifreeze, it will "backflow" into that line. All you'll have present in "that line" is antifreeze and some air. Using this procedure, there's no reason to "push in the pin"...

If you don't have a compressor or can't purge the city water line, then BEFORE you turn on the pump, remove the screen, push in the pin and have someone else turn on the pump. You'll get an "almost immediate" flow of pink from the city water inlet. Remove your finger from the pump and continue with your winterizing. Using this method, you'll know if the O-ring is dislodged. If it is, you will get a continuous flow of antifreeze from the inlet. If the O-ring is seated and functional, you won't have any "leakage" from the city water inlet. If you do have that "continuous flow", use the cap or a garden hose plug to prevent leakage and you can continue your winterizing. You might as well go ahead and order a replacement city water inlet fitting, you'll need it in the spring.

Think twice about just removing the screen and pushing the pin. You may set yourself up for more than a "pink shower".................

4LowNGo
12-02-2015, 05:00 PM
The guy in the video opened a water line inside to relieve the pressure before doing this.

JRTJH
12-02-2015, 05:23 PM
The guy in the video opened a water line inside to relieve the pressure before doing this.

Which is why I said, "Use caution when pushing on the "pin" that's under the screen. There is a small, easily dislodged O-ring on it. When you push on the "pin" and there is any pressure on the "other side", you can "blow the O-ring" off it's seat. If you do that, chances are you'll be replacing the city water inlet next spring."

Most people don't "get" the subtle parts of a youtube video and do quite a bit of damage trying to do what they "think" they saw in the video. It's a "good thing" that you picked up on relieving the pressure. Congratulations on that. More miss that than catch it.

4LowNGo
12-02-2015, 05:30 PM
Thanks for the info. I will try and use caution :D