Patent Publication Number: US-2023135904-A1

Title: Systems and methods for automatically performing a flush operation for a water supply

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to appliance, and more particularly to methods for flushing water supply pipes for domestic appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many commercial and residential buildings are equipped with domestic appliances. Many of these appliances are connected to municipal water supplies, such as washing machine appliances and dishwashing appliances. The water is selectively supplied to these appliances for use in certain operations, such as washing operations, rinsing operations, and the like. Conventionally, the pipes through which the municipal water is supplied are in a constantly occupied state; in other words, these pipes are filled with stagnant water to be ready to be supplied on demand. 
     Further, many of the commercial and residential buildings are located in climates which can experience very cold temperatures at certain times of the year. These cold temperatures bring the potential for the pipes to freeze, thus resulting in pipe damage creating water damage within the commercial or residential building. Moreover, some of the commercial or residential buildings may be vacant for extended periods of time, sometimes during the cold months. Extended stagnation of water within the pipes may result in growth of legionella, which in turn may be dispensed into the appliances upon reactivation. If the contaminated water is transferred to humans, serious sicknesses can result. 
     Accordingly, a method of operating a domestic appliance that obviates one or more of the above-described drawbacks would be beneficial. In particular, a method of operating a domestic appliance that performs routine flushing of water supply and drain pipes would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an appliance is provided. The appliance may include a water supply, a temperature sensor provided in the appliance, a container, and a drain pump. The method may include receiving a flushing initiation trigger to perform a flushing operation; initiating the flushing operation, the flushing operation including supplying flushing water to the container via the water supply and draining the flushing water from the container via the drain pump; measuring, via the temperature sensor, a temperature of the flushing water supplied to the container; determining that the temperature of the flushing water is above a predetermined temperature threshold; and stopping the flushing operation upon determining that the temperature of the flushing water is above the predetermined temperature threshold. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance is provided. The appliance may include a container configured to store a liquid therein; a liquid supply line fluidly connected to the container through which the liquid is supplied to the container; a liquid supply valve provided on the liquid supply line and configured to selectively allow the liquid to pass through the liquid supply line into the container; a temperature sensor provided at one of the liquid supply line or the container, the temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the liquid; a drain line fluidly connected with the container through which the liquid drains from the container; a drain pump connected to the drain line to selectively release the liquid from the container; and a controller provided within the appliance, the controller configured to perform a series of operations. The series of operations may include receiving a flushing initiation trigger to perform a flushing operation; initiating the flushing operation, the flushing operation including supplying flushing water to the container via the liquid supply line and draining the flushing water from the container via the drain pump; measuring, via the temperature sensor, a temperature of the flushing water supplied to the container; determining that the temperature of the flushing water is above a predetermined temperature threshold; and stopping the flushing operation upon determining that the temperature of the flushing water is above the predetermined temperature threshold. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG.  1    provides a schematic representation of an appliance system that includes a washing machine appliance, a dishwasher appliance, and an external communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    provides a sectional elevation view of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a system of connected appliances  50  according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, system  50  may include a washing machine appliance  52  and a dishwasher appliance or dishwasher  54 , for washing clothes and dishes, respectively. Each of washing machine appliance  52  and dishwasher appliance  54  will be described below according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Specifically, these figures illustrate various views of washing machine  52  and dishwasher  54  in order to facilitate discussion regarding the use and operation of system  50 . However, it should be appreciated that the specific appliance configurations illustrated and described are only exemplary, and the scope of the present subject matter is not limited to the configurations set forth herein. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that like reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar features between washing machine  52  and dishwasher  54  (e.g., such as controller  62 ). Further still, it should be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed in one or more additional appliances, e.g., such as a recirculation pump, a water or liquid dispenser, a refrigerator appliance, a water heater, etc. 
     Referring still to  FIG.  1   , a schematic diagram of an external communication system  60  will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system  60  is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between and among washing machine  52 , dishwasher  54 , and/or a user of such appliances. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, cycle settings, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of washing machine  52  and/or dishwasher  54 . 
     As illustrated, each of washing machine appliance  52  and dishwasher appliance  54  may include a controller  62  (described in more detail below). External communication system  60  permits controllers  62  of washing machine  52  and dishwasher  54  to communicate with external devices either directly or through a network  64 . For example, a consumer may use a consumer device  66  to communicate directly with washing machine  52  and/or dishwasher  54 . Alternatively, these appliances may include user interfaces for receiving such input (described below). For example, consumer devices  66  may be in direct or indirect communication with washing machine  52  and dishwasher  54 , e.g., directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network  64 . In general, consumer device  66  may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, consumer device  66  may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device. 
     In addition, a remote server  68  may be in communication with washing machine  52 , dishwasher  54 , and/or consumer device  66  through network  64 . In this regard, for example, remote server  68  may be a cloud-based server  68 , and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the remote server  68  and the client devices may be carried via a network interface using any type of wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL). 
     In general, network  64  can be any type of communication network. For example, network  64  can include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer device  66  may communicate with a remote server  68  over network  64 , such as the internet, to provide user inputs, transfer operating parameters or performance characteristics, etc. In addition, consumer device  66  and remote server  68  may communicate with washing machine  52  and dishwasher  54  to communicate similar information. 
     External communication system  60  is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system  60  provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , washing machine appliance  52  will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Specifically, an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance  52  is described herein. Specifically,  FIG.  2    provides a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance  52 . Washing machine appliance  52  generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. 
     While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance  52 , it should be appreciated that vertical axis washing machine appliance  52  is provided by way of example only. It will be understood that aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any other suitable washing machine appliance, such as a horizontal axis washing machine appliance. Indeed, modifications and variations may be made to washing machine appliance  52 , including different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Washing machine appliance  52  has a cabinet  102  that extends between a top portion  104  and a bottom portion  106  along the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) and a second side (right) along the lateral direction L, and between a front and a rear along the transverse direction T. A wash tub  108  may be positioned within cabinet  102 , defining a wash chamber  110 , and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids or water (e.g., during an operating cycle). Washing machine appliance  52  further includes a primary dispenser  112  ( FIG.  2   ) for dispensing wash fluid into wash tub  108 . The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing articles during an operating cycle and may include any combination of water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other wash additives or treatments. 
     In addition, washing machine appliance  52  includes a wash basket  114  that is positioned within wash tub  108  and generally defines an opening  116  for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket  114  is rotatably mounted within wash tub  108  such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. In this regard, washing machine appliance  52  is generally referred to as a “vertical axis” or “top load” washing machine appliance  52 . However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a horizontal axis or front load washing machine appliance as well. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error. 
     As illustrated, cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  52  has a top panel  118 . Top panel  118  defines an opening that coincides with opening  116  of wash basket  114  to permit a user access to wash basket  114 . Washing machine appliance  52  further includes a door  120  which is rotatably mounted to top panel  118  to permit selective access to opening  116 . In particular, door  120  selectively rotates between the closed position (as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) and an open position. In the closed position, door  120  inhibits access to wash basket  114 . Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket  114 . A window  122  in door  120  permits viewing of wash basket  114  when door  120  is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance  52 . Door  120  also includes a handle  124  that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door  120 . Further, although door  120  is illustrated as mounted to top panel  118 , door  120  may alternatively be mounted to cabinet  102  or any other suitable support. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  2   , wash basket  114  further defines a plurality of perforations  126  to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of wash basket  114  and wash tub  108 . In this regard, wash basket  114  is spaced apart from wash tub  108  to define a space for wash fluid to escape wash chamber  110 . During a spin cycle, wash fluid within articles of clothing and within wash chamber  110  is urged through perforations  126  wherein it may collect in a sump  128  defined by wash tub  108 . Washing machine appliance  52  further includes a pump assembly  130  ( FIG.  3   ) that is located beneath wash tub  108  and wash basket  114  for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub  108 . 
     An impeller or agitation element  132  ( FIG.  3   ), such as a vane agitator, impeller, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof is disposed in wash basket  114  to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash basket  114 . More specifically, agitation element  132  extends into wash basket  114  and assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket  114  during operation of washing machine appliance  52 , e.g., to facilitate improved cleaning. In different embodiments, agitation element  132  includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or a triple action element (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , agitation element  132  and wash basket  114  are oriented to rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to vertical direction V). 
     Washing machine appliance  52  may include a drive assembly  138  in mechanical communication with wash basket  114  to selectively rotate wash basket  114  (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  52 ). In addition, drive assembly  138  may also be in mechanical communication with agitation element  132 . In this manner, drive assembly  138  may be configured for selectively rotating or oscillating wash basket  114  and/or agitation element  132  during various operating cycles of washing machine appliance  52 . 
     More specifically, drive assembly  138  may generally include one or more of a drive motor  140  and a transmission assembly  142 , e.g., such as a clutch assembly, for engaging and disengaging wash basket  114  and/or agitation element  132 . According to the illustrated embodiment, drive motor  140  is a brushless DC electric motor, e.g., a pancake motor. However, according to alternative embodiments, drive motor  140  may be any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, drive motor  140  may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of motor. In addition, drive assembly  138  may include any other suitable number, types, and configurations of support bearings or drive mechanisms. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a control panel  150  with at least one input selector  152  ( FIG.  1   ) extends from top panel  118 . Control panel  150  and input selector  152  collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display  154  of control panel  150  indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation. 
     Operation of washing machine appliance  52  is controlled by a controller or processing device  62  that is operatively coupled to control panel  150  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel  150 , controller  62  operates the various components of washing machine appliance  52  to execute selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary embodiment, controller  62  may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with methods described herein. Alternatively, controller  62  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel  150  and other components of washing machine appliance  52  may be in communication with controller  62  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     During operation of washing machine appliance  52 , laundry items are loaded into wash basket  114  through opening  116 , and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  152 . Wash basket  114  may be filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives via primary dispenser  112 . One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance  52  to provide for filling wash tub  108  and wash basket  114  to the appropriate level for the amount (or number) of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket  114  is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket  114  can be agitated (e.g., with agitation element  132  as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket  114 . 
     More specifically, referring again to  FIG.  2   , a water fill process will be described according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, washing machine appliance  52  includes a water supply conduit  160  that provides fluid communication between a water supply source  162  (such as a municipal water supply) and a discharge nozzle  164  for directing a flow of water into wash chamber  110 . In addition, washing machine appliance  52  includes a water fill valve or water control valve  166  which is operably coupled to water supply conduit  160  and communicatively coupled to controller  62 . In this manner, controller  62  may regulate the operation of water control valve  166  to regulate the amount of water within wash tub  108 . In addition, washing machine appliance  52  may include one or more pressure sensors  170  for detecting the amount of water and or clothes within wash tub  108 . For example, pressure sensor  170  may be operably coupled to a side of tub  108  for detecting the weight of wash tub  108 , which controller  62  may use to determine a volume of water in wash chamber  110  and a subwasher load weight. 
     Moreover, washing machine  52  may include a temperature sensor  156  configured to detect a temperature of water supplied to tub  108 . For instance, temperature sensor  156  may be provided within tub  108 . In some embodiments, temperature sensor  156  is provided within water supply conduit  160  (e.g., to detect an immediate temperature of the water supplied to tub  108 ). It should be noted that temperature sensor  156  may be provided at one, both, or additional locations within washing machine  52 . As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor  156  may each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensors, etc. In addition, temperature sensor  156  may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that appliance  100  may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments. 
     After wash tub  108  is filled and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket  114  can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly  130 . Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket  114  depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation element  132  may again provide agitation within wash basket  114 . One or more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket  114  is rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the laundry articles through perforations  126 . After articles disposed in wash basket  114  are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket  114 , e.g., by reaching into wash basket  114  through opening  116 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , a general description of dishwasher  54  will be described. Dishwasher  52  may include a cabinet  102  having a tub  103  therein defining a wash chamber. The tub  103  may generally include a front opening and a door hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ), wherein the wash chamber is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher. Optionally, a latch may be used to lock and unlock the door for access to the chamber. 
     Generally, the tub  103  may define a discrete vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are orthogonally oriented such that vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T form an orthogonal directional system. 
     As is understood, the tub  103  may generally have a rectangular cross-section defined by various wall panels or walls. For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the tub  103  may include a top wall and a bottom wall spaced apart from one another along a vertical direction V of the dishwashing appliance  100 . Additionally, the tub  103  may include a plurality of sidewalls (e.g., three sidewalls) extending between the top and bottom walls. It should be appreciated that the tub  103  may generally be formed from any suitable material. For instance, in several embodiments, the tub  103  is formed from a ferritic material, such as stainless steel, or a polymeric material. 
     A fluid circulation assembly  144  for circulating fluid (e.g., water and dishwasher fluid) may be provided, e.g., within the tub  103 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the fluid circulation assembly  144  may also include a pump  146  located in a machinery compartment  148  located below the bottom wall of the tub  103 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the fluid recirculation assembly  140  may also include a diverter assembly  184  in fluid communication with the pump  146  for diverting fluid between one or more spray-arm assemblies. For example, the diverter assembly  184  may, in several embodiments, include an inlet  192  coupled to the pump  146  (e.g., via pump conduit  180  shown in  FIG.  2   ) for directing fluid into the diverter assembly  184  and first and second outlets  186 ,  188  for directing the fluid received from the pump  146  to the lower spray-arm assembly or the mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies, respectively. In some such embodiments, the first outlet  186  may be configured to be directly coupled to the lower spray-arm assembly and the second outlet  188  may be coupled to a suitable fluid conduit  182  of the fluid recirculation assembly  140  for directing fluid to the mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies. Optionally, a third outlet  190  may be direct the fluid received from the pump  146  to a variable jet assembly. Additionally, the diverter assembly  184  may also include a diverting valve  194  to selectively divert the flow of fluid through the assembly  184  to the first outlet  186 , the second outlet  188 , or the third outlet  190 . 
     Similar to the washing machine  52  described above, dishwasher  54  may include one or more temperature sensors  156 . Temperature sensor  156  may be provided at one or more locations include within a water supply line or attached to/provided within tub  103 . It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwashing appliance. The exemplary embodiments depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  3    are simply provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for the user interface  150 , different configurations may be provided for the racks and other differences may be applied as well. Moreover still, as mentioned above, the present disclosure may apply to additional appliances. 
     Now that the general descriptions of exemplary appliances have been described in detail, a method  300  of operating an appliance (e.g., washing machine  52 , dishwasher  54 ) will be described in detail. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method  300  of operating one or more of washing machine  52  and dishwasher  54 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method  300  is applicable to any suitable domestic appliance having a water supply. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controllers  62 , remote server  68 , and/or a separate, dedicated controller. 
     In detail, method  300  is directed toward a method for performing a flushing operation via one or more domestic appliances. For instance, each of the domestic appliances may be connected to a water supply source, such as a municipal water supply, via one or more pipes (e.g., plumbed within a building or domicile). Certain instances may arise for which the water provided within the pipes needs to be pumped, flushed, urged, cycled, or otherwise moved to prevent certain occurrences. For at least one example, the pipes may need to be flushed to avoid the water provided therein from freezing and damaging the pipes and/or the appliances. For another example, the pipes may need to be flushed periodically to discourage bacterial growth due to stagnation within the pipes. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  4   , at step  302 , method  300  may include receiving a flushing initiation trigger to perform a flushing operation. In detail, the controller may determine that one or more conditions are present that require the flushing operation to be performed. The flushing initiation trigger may be based at least in part on one or more of an ambient atmospheric temperature, a user input, a time of day, a time of year, a predetermined schedule, or the like. For instance, the appliance may obtain (e.g., via a connected network) a local weather forecast including real time temperatures and/or predicted or forecasted temperatures. Thus, the controller may determine that temperature is or will be below an atmospheric temperature threshold. The atmospheric temperature threshold may be defined as a temperature at which water supply pipes may be in danger of freezing. In some embodiments, the controller considers an extended forecast to determine that the atmospheric temperature is scheduled to be below the atmospheric temperature threshold for an extended period of time, increasing the likelihood of freezing. 
     According to another embodiment, the flushing initiation trigger is dictated by a user input. In detail, the user may manually start the flushing operation, e.g., via an input through a user interface of the appliance or through a mobile application remotely connected to the appliance. Additionally or alternatively, the user input may be a passive user input. For instance, the user may store a predefined or predetermined schedule for performing the flushing operation. The predetermined schedule may incorporate a vacancy or vacation mode. The vacancy mode may include time periods for which the building will not be occupied by any user, and thus the appliances will not be used (i.e., water will not be circulated through the appliances and thus the supplying pipes). 
     According to still another embodiment, the initiation trigger may include a calendar trigger. For instance, the appliance may be programmed (e.g., via the user or during manufacture) to perform the flushing operation at a predetermined time of day or time of year. The time of day may be a time of day at which the appliance is unlikely to be used (e.g., overnight). The time of year may be a winter time, or any time period where atmospheric temperatures are typically at or below the atmospheric temperature threshold. Moreover, a combination of two or more of the above-mentioned flushing initiation triggers may be used to initiate the flushing operation, as would be understood. 
     At step  304 , method  300  may include initiating the flushing operation (e.g., in response to receiving the flushing initiation trigger). The flushing operation may include supplying flushing water (e.g., from a water supply) to the appliance and draining the flushing water from the appliance. In detail, the appliance may include a container configured to store a supply of water. In the examples described above, the wash tub (e.g., of washing machine  52 ) and wash chamber (e.g., of dishwasher  54 ) may be the container or containers. The appliance may further include one or more water supplies, as described above. The water supplies may include water supply conduits or pipes and one or more water supply valves. For instance, the water supply may include a hot water supply and a cold water supply, each having respective conduits and valves. 
     Accordingly, upon receiving the flushing initiation trigger, the controller may selectively activate or open the water supply valve or valves to supply water to the container. For instance, the controller may open a hot water valve on a hot water line to supply hot water (e.g., hot flushing water) to the container. The hot water valve may be maintained in the open position to allow the water from the hot water supply to be supplied to the container. As will be described in more detail below, the supply of the hot water to the container may be monitored by a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor  156 ). 
     Similarly, the controller may open a cold water valve on a cold water line to supply cold water (e.g., cold flushing water) to the container. The cold water valve may be maintained in the open position to allow the water from the cold water supply to be supplied to the container. As will be described in more detail below, the supply of the cold water to the container may be monitored by a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor  156 ). 
     At step  306 , method  300  may include measuring a temperature of the flushing water (e.g., via a temperature sensor), and at step  308 , method  300  may include determining that the temperature of the flushing water is above a predetermined temperature threshold. In detail, as the flushing water is being supplied to the container, the temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the flushing water. As described above, the temperature sensor may be provided within the water supply or may be provided within the container. It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these locations and a placement of the temperature sensor may vary according to specific embodiments. Further, the controller may incorporate one or more additional methods or instruments to detect and monitor the temperature of the flushing water supplied to the container. 
     In at least one embodiment, the temperature sensor is provided within the water supply. For example, the temperature sensor is located at or near an outlet of the water supply, such that the temperature of the flushing water is monitored as it is being supplied to the container, or as the flushing water is exiting the water supply and entering the container. According to this embodiment, a real-time measurement of the temperature of the flushing water may take place. For instance, immediately as the flushing water is exiting the water supply, the temperature sensor is monitoring the temperature of the flushing water. Accordingly, the controller may simultaneously activate a drain pump of the appliance to immediately drain the flushing water from the container. Thus, the flow of the flushing water may be seamless through the container of the appliance, decreasing the amount of time required to perform the flushing operation. 
     According to another embodiment, the temperature sensor is provided on the container. In detail, the temperature sensor may be configured to monitor a temperature of the container (or a temperature of a liquid within the container). Accordingly, the temperature sensor may not monitor the temperature of the supplied flushing water in real time. Since the temperature of the flushing water is only determined once it is collected within the container, the drain pump may not be immediately activated when the flushing water is supplied to the tub. 
     Instead, the flushing water may be supplied to the container at a first time point. As the flushing water is collected within the container, the temperature sensor may take regular measurements of the temperature thereof. Flushing water may be continually supplied to the container as the temperature sensor continues to monitor the temperature of the container (or the flushing water therein). At a second time point, once the controller determines that the temperature of the flushing water within the container is at or above the predetermined temperature threshold (e.g., via the temperature sensor), the controller may halt the supply of the flushing water to the container. Thereafter, at a third time point, the controller may activate the drain pump to drain the flushing water from the container. 
     At step  310 , method  300  may include stopping the flushing operation upon determining that the temperature of the flushing water is above the predetermined temperature threshold. As described above, the controller may cease the flushing operation once the temperature of the flushing water (and thus a safe temperature within the pipes of the building) are at a safe temperature to avoid freezing. Moreover, the controller may continue to monitor the flushing initiation triggers to determine if/when to restart the flushing operation. For instance, the controller may determine that a certain predetermined amount of time has passed from stopping the flushing operation that the pipes may again be in danger of freezing. The predetermined amount of time may be based on a number of factors, including the ambient atmospheric temperature, a level of activity within the building, a time of year, a time of day, a preset schedule, or the like. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the controller may determine that one or more objects are present within the container prior to supplying the flushing water to the container. For at least one example, the controller determines that a laundry load is present within the wash tub of the washing machine after receiving the initiation trigger to perform the flushing operation. Similarly, the controller may determine that a load of dishware is present within the wash chamber of the dishwasher after receiving the initiation trigger to perform the flushing operation. Accordingly, the controller may alert the user as to the presence of the one or more objects within the container. 
     For instance, the controller may send a notification to a connected mobile device of the user. The notification may be a push notification alerting the user that the flushing operation is about to begin and warning of the presence of objects within the container (e.g., tub) of the appliance or appliances. The controller may then temporarily halt the execution of the flushing operation, e.g., for a predetermined amount of time, to allow the user to remove the items from the container. In at least some embodiments, the controller waits for a signal (e.g., an all clear signal) from the user before initiating the flushing operation. In at least some other embodiments, the controller performs the flushing operation after the predetermined amount of time has elapsed. According to this embodiment, the controller then sends a notification to the user that the flushing operation has been performed and the objects may need to be rewashed. 
     According to the embodiments disclosed herein, a flushing operation may be selectively performed on certain connected appliances within a building. The controller of such appliances may receive an initiation trigger to perform the flushing operation, such as a detected ambient atmospheric temperature, a predetermined schedule, or a user input. The controller may then initiate the flushing operation by supplying water to a container of the appliance via a water supply. The water supply may be connected to a municipal supply, delivered to the appliance through connected pipes within the building&#39;s structure. The supplied water may be monitored by a temperature sensor to determine a temperature of the supplied flushing water, thus determining the temperature of the water within the connected pipes. Upon reaching and/or exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold, the controller may cease the flushing operation. The flushing water may be drained from the container, either during the supplying of the flushing water or after the determination of the predetermined temperature threshold. Thus, the pipes of buildings may avoid freezing and causing damage thereto. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.