1. In mild climate areas, when temporary freezing conditions may occur, run your filtering equipment all night to prevent freezing.
2. End-user is responsible for determining when freezing conditions may occur. If freezing conditions are expected, take the following steps to reduce the risk of freeze damage. Freeze damage is not covered under warranty.
Clear Winterization Steps
1. Shut off electrical power for the pump at the circuit breaker.
2. Drain the water out of the pump housing by removing the two thumb-twist drain plugs from the housing. Store the plugs in the pump basket.
3. Cover the motor to protect it from severe rain, snow, and ice.
Note: Do not wrap motor with plastic or other airtight materials during winter storage. The motor may be covered during a storm, winter storage, etc., but never when operating or expecting operation.
Outdoor Nanobubbler Cold Weather Bulletin
PVC pipes are in danger of freezing when surrounding temperatures approaches 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice begins to form and gradually blocks the pipe. This blockage causes a rise in water pressure. Eventually the pipe ruptures and damages the equipment. To avoid dealing with burst pipes, prevent them from freezing. Some advanced planning will assist you in keeping your pipes intact during winter months. As a general rule, pipe should be buried at least 12” below normal frost depth. Both intake and discharge (including goosenecks) should also be below frost depth. the impact strength of PVC pipe decreases during cold weather. At 32°F, however, the pipe still maintains 70% to 90% of its strength at 73°F.
Before the Temperature Drops
Insulate exposed pipes. Wrap pipes with thermal insulation or heat tape. Four types of thermal insulation are available for water pipes, and each one is assigned an R-value. The R-value indicates the heat retention for each material. Spiral-wrap is the lowest cost and has the lowest R-value and the most difficult installation process. R-4 foam tubing is highly recommended. Measure the insulation and trim to your pipe length. Seal your insulation using duct tape.
Seal areas of the enclosure that let in cold air into the enclosure. Check wiring connections and vents for gaps that need to be tightened or plugged. While running, the unit generates enough heat to avoid internal components from freezing.
When the Temperature Drops below Freezing
If there is a chance that the system is going to lose power, then drain your system by removing pump lid and removing drain valve at bottom of pump housing, draining the whole system and then reinserting the plug, and putting the lid back on loosely. Remove the SS plug from the lower discharge side of the nanobubble generator block. If you blow the system out with air, be careful wear appropriate eye protection and stand away from unit do not pressurize above 50 psi, remove any sensors first. Do not blow the system from the pump, Close isolation valves after blowout.
Winterizing is a good time to lubricate the pump lid o-rings. Add 1 quart of food grade Propylene Glycol to any water remaining in the unit. Leave unit off until temperature remains above 32 F for 24 hours.
Source: Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association; Seattle Public Utilities.
