Thinking of re-designing my weep system

[Bubbles Galore]

So at this point, it makes the most sense to run another leg off of my current manifold to get set up for the freeze protection? I would need a line in for air and the purge solution, correct?

Hopefully this works well because this could potentially be a huge money saver for me this winter.

 

[keniniowa]

The previous owner of my wash built a weep system to pull out of the automatic pit and then switch over to city water if it got too low.

Like everything he built, it almost works. The problem is that the pump wouldn't produce enough pressure to keep city water off. Have a different pump for it now(not installed).

Am going to rig it so I can use that pit water for bay clean up in the summer. Use that same pump to either directly feed a pressure washer or fill a tank to feed it. Right now I use city water for bay clean up.

 

[waright]

ken, the system you have was designed by the old Hydrospray company. Most all of their installs had a pit reclaim weep system for autos and another pit reclaim weep system for self serves.

The system is designed to switch to city water weep if the reclaim weep pump loses pressure due to a plugged foot valve in the pit, a plugged filter on the inlet of the pump, a empty pit, or possibly a weak pump. Usually the pump is not weak, rather the city water pressure is not regulated down low enough, so it ends up interfering with the reverse actuated pressure switch.

as far as wash down with pit water; water and sewer in vinton probably 1 to 2 cents per gallon. At 4gpm with 4 min washdown 16 -30 cents max for each time you wash bay. Figure in the electric to run 2nd pump, the cost of fittings, maint, etc. and would not be worth it.



Bubbles, there are lots of ways to pit reclaim weep water, but can be a pain to install and operate. I would give MEP's system a shot. If it gets too damn cold, blow the lines and lock the doors. Shutting down at night or during cold streches is not as bad as it sounds. It has really helped me control expenses during the winter.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

since I have to add to my manifold on the roof anyway, do they make a solid block manifold that could be used. I just have the cobbled up misc brass fittings that are kind of a pain. if I'm going to add this feature, then I would like to do it right.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[pitzerwm]

Could you make or have made a solid block of brass drilled out and threaded to give you the options that you need?

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Just found one on mcmaster carr. This will work out much better.

 

[Ghetto Wash]

Just found one on mcmaster carr. This will work out much better.

Got a link to it? I'd like to see it.

 

[MEP001]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#manifolds/=83tna4

 

[Bubbles Galore]

That's the one. Mep, I will shoot you over an e-mail with what I'm thinking on a more detailed level. If this works as intended, it should cut my water bill in half for these winter months coming up.

 

[jprb]

Could you draw the antifreeze solution into the air line with a chemical injector? (working like a soap induction line, or an oiler on an air line)

Just a thought.

JPRB

 

[MEP001]

Could you draw the antifreeze solution into the air line with a chemical injector? (working like a soap induction line, or an oiler on an air line)

That sounds like it would work if there's enough air flow through the gun and tip, basically use the air to purge and draw the solution at the same time. You'd probably want to control the chemical flow with a separate solenoid from the air purge.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Got a link to it? I'd like to see it.

NAtional; Pride carries some in Stainless and Brass

http://www.nationalpridecarwash.com/search?q=MAnifold

I know I saw some in Schedule 40 PVC or some plastic material in Sonny's or KR but I cannot locate them now.

 

[Ghetto Wash]

NAtional; Pride carries some in Stainless and Brass

http://www.nationalpridecarwash.com/search?q=MAnifold

I know I saw some in Schedule 40 PVC or some plastic material in Sonny's or KR but I cannot locate them now.

Thanks, Earl.

$30 vs $70+. I wouldn't do it at McMasterCarr prices, but will probably keep a few on the shelf and replace manifolds as needed at the National Pride prices.