Patent ID: 8944086
Filing Date: 2015-02-03
Classification: E03B,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A plumbing freeze protection system, comprising: a fluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line, wherein the fluid connection bypasses a plumbing fixture fluidly connected to the water supply line; a valve operable with the fluid connection to alternately prevent water flow from the water supply line to the waste line, and allow water flow from the water supply line to the waste line at a high volumetric flow rate defined as being within 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluid connection; and a timer adapted to control the valve, wherein the timer is adapted to open the valve for a predetermined time period to deliver a the high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply and waste lines, wherein the water supply line includes a cold water line and a hot water line, and further comprising a mixing valve at the fluid connection between the water supply line and the waste line, the mixing valve fluidly connecting the cold water line and the hot water line, such that flow through the mixing valve allows for flow through the cold and hot water lines to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, the cold and hot water lines.