Thanks for all of the replies! I figured it was going to be a make shift deal and yes, this would definitely be the time to put a shut off valve on both sides. I like the barb idea too. I'm not sure which unit is in there. We got back from a Labor day trip and I haven't done anything other than dry the bay out where the water was running too. It is an electric/propane combo unit. I'll most likely do my research and purchase the unit over the winter and then do the install come spring time when it comes out of storage.
Thanks again.
