Re: [A/S] English-metric conversions; 2 winterizing questions

["Jim Dunmyer" <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dick,
 Which "open drain lines" had water flowing from them? If it was the DRAIN
lines, you just had water run out of the traps. If it's the drains for the
fresh water system, you didn't get it blown dry.

I'd drain the water heater before and after blowing the system down, but the
valve/plug will have to be closed in order to apply pressure to the hot
water lines. If you always have at least ONE valve or faucet open, you
shouldn't be able to build up enough pressure to hurt anything. I take the
tire chuck and apply it to the Schrader valve in short 'bursts', not just
hold it on there. If you're concerned about over-pressuring the system, be
especially careful on the first application of air, as there's water in the
system that will offer resistance. Once most of the water is blown out,
you'll be unable to build up very much pressure unless you have a large air
line and a lot of air pressure behind it. I just use line pressure, about
110 PSI on my system.

Don't forget to go around to all of the faucets and drain valves, one at a
time, making a complete circuit at least twice. If you repeat it a third
time, you should get only air, maybe a BIT of spitting.

                                                         <<Jim>>