Missouri Patent of the Month – July 2022
An outdoor shower is one of those things that can either be the height of luxury or a maintenance nightmare. If not constructed properly, these showers are subject to the weather conditions and may fall prey to burst pipes from cold temperatures. Solutions are typically to disassemble and store the shower away during cold weather. This process is time consuming and quite a nuisance for the shower users. PRIER Products, Inc. has designed a freezeless outdoor shower that can last in any weather.
The freezeless system is coupled with a hot and cold water hydrant. A riser system is also installed and operates with the hydrant to create a self-draining solution. When the hydrant is turned on, water passes through the outlet and the shower adapter. The water pressure forces a washer against the base of the apertures, sealing the riser couple. Water flows out the elbow, through the riser, and out the shower head. As long as the hydrant is open, the water pressure holds the apertures closed. Once turned off, the water in the riser forces the washer away from the base of the elbow, opening the apertures and allowing the water in the riser to drain out of the shower head and apertures. Water in the hydrant alsod rains through these apertures, protecting the hydrant from freezing.
With this type of solution, the outdoor shower can be permanently installed without concern of water freezing in the pipes. For further protection, the water supply can be disconnected and drained in the winter months, but there is no need to disassemble and store the shower.
PRIER has been building plumbing with a purpose for over 140 years. They have been innovating top-quality plumbing products for both the residential and commercial building industries. Their mission involves helping both people and the planet through sustainable solutions.
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