Winterizing City Water Inlet Question

You can forget it if you want and it will probably be ok. However me I wouldn't dare.

If you got the system pressurized and stick a screwdriver in there with enough force to dislodge the one way valve that water and stuff will initially shoot out of there like a cannon. If you want to do the valve release thing, go inside or use the outdoor shower to depressurize, release the valve in the inlet and then stand clear while holding the ball valve in and have someone turn on the pump.

I got tired of all that and made an adapter to go from the outdoor shower to the city water inlet. I simply turn on the outdoor shower and let it put the pink stuff in the city water tube.

BTW I know a guy that broke his city water inlet valve first time out of the chute. :S

Thanks, I didn't mention I've already winterized. How about if I give it a shot of air but say 20 psi? Or use something soft like a cotton swab to open it? Or should I just forget it?

I would not push that valve - it breaks EASILY. Just use some air to clear it out.

cekkk wrote:
Is that saying opening the valve relieves pressure and allows some fluid to back up?

yes.

The city water inlet has an anti siphon valve built into it. This prevents water from backing up into the hose and then into the public water supply. The anti siphon valve allows water to flow in only one direction unless you defeat it temporarily for winterization. When you pressurize the water system with anti freeze and then defeat the anti siphon valve, anti freeze will apear at the valve due to the pressure in the system.

Most of these valves are plastic and can be broken very easily. What I suggest is a shot of air using an air valve adapter. You do not need to take anything apart. Do this before introducing RV anti freeze and open all faucets and drains before introducing air. The air will clean out all water in the valve area and most of the water in the system. After the air I winterize with antifreeze.