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OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly rambly)

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OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly rambly)

#1

OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly rambly)

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>Out here on the north coast, we get locally serious frost - meaning down into the low 20s, and before you snow country folk laugh, understand what I mean by "locally serious" (I saw real frost exactly three times growing up in Oakland, a mere 60 miles south). Last Spring, I reworked our irrigation controls to work better, which involved raising them up about 5 feet. So, I now have a vertical supply line, of PVC, that height. This line is common with our house water, and I can't cut it off, since the cutoff valve I installed also feeds two spigots and LOML doesn't want them turned off.

I've drained the water halfway down by cleaning the inline filter, and am considering pouring a cup of dilute bleach into the line, figuring that it will slowly percolate through and cut down on mold buildup over the winter. Any opinions?

Re: OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly rambly)

#2

Re: OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly ram

bill tindall

>I don't have a clear picture of your situation but:

1. Bleach will definitly prevent and kill mold. It is also very corrosive if you have any metal parts exposed.

2. If water freezes in a PVC pipe it will bust. The stuff gets very brittle when cold.

I don't know if this is practical but if you can pour antifreeze into the line-you will only need about a 10% solution- it will prevent mold and freezing.

Re: OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly rambly)

#3

Re: OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly ram

Dave Chatham

>Be sure to buy RV antifreeze, it is made for water lines containing potable water. NEVER use automobile antifreeze for this, NEVER, EVER !

Re: OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly rambly)

#4

Re: OT - frost and mold proofing PVC (slightly ram

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>I think I may have to restructure my irrigation lines...maybe for this winter, I better just wrap the pipes up real well.

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