Blowing Water Lines
Today when I started to tie in the new water lines to move the wife's washer and dryer up out of the basement, it dawned on me that what I have always taken for granted may not be the case for others on the lists. I made up a blow-down adaptor long ago and use it all the time. Basically I purchased male and a female brass pipe to hose adaptors, then I put a quick connect that fits my air hoses into each one. I carry them screwed together and when ever I want to clear a water line or blow the water out of a hose so it won't freeze, I just select the adaptor I need and after it is attached either to an available water hydrant or hose, I apply the air and blow all the lines down stream clear. By opening faucets one at a time you can blow just about all of the water from all the lines in the house. It is also a good way to quick drain a hot water heater. Turn off the water to the house and apply air to the hot water connection at the washing machine and open the cold water in the tub. This will pressure up the water heater and blow the water right up the drop tube and down the drain. I always blow out the lines before trying to change a connection or addition. Just makes life a lot simpler. Dale in the Flat Lands