Winterization Instructions
Draining your vacuum breaker is essential before cold weather hits!
Your vacuum breaker, also called a PVB, RPZ, or backflow preventer, is installed above ground per area regulations. Unfortunately, that leaves it susceptible to freezing. With a few simple steps, you can drain it yourself and save hundreds on repairs!
If these steps are too intimidating, call our office for you FREE FIRST CLASS and we can leave it shut down for you the first time too.
If you do not want to do it yourself, you can always call or text our office and we will get you scheduled. 318-507-9775
Step One :
Find your ball valve close to your water meter
Your water meter will be a square and our ball valve box will be a circle. It should be located within a few feet of the water meter.
The grass grows over the lid if you do not keep it clear. You may need to probe for it, but you can start by looking for an indention in the grass.
& turn the handle to the off position.
Inside the box will be pvc pipe with a colored ball valve atop.
The ball valve handle should only turn one direction. Criss crossing the line will stop the water flow from the water meter to the system.
Criss cross the line.
Step Two :
Drain excess water from your vacuum breaker.
Whatever side your ball valve was on in front of the meter will be the side of the yard your vacuum breaker is installed. It should stand at least 12” above the ground and is usually hidden in bushes or flower beds.
DO NOT TURN THE HANDLES TO WINTERIZE. That traps water in the lines and allows it to freeze.
This picture shows a vacuum breaker that is on. The handles run with the pipes to allow water to flow. (In an emergency the handles can be used to temporarily stop the water flow but never to winterize.)
The arrows point to the pev cox. Use a flat head screwdriver to turn those one-quarter-turn. Trapped water will flow out when opened but should stop after several seconds.
Step Three :
Run out excess water & leave your controller off for the season.
Turn your controller to manual run and hit start.
Let the system for about 30 seconds to force any excess water out of the lines.
Turn the controller to the off position for the season
And you're done!
