VaTreeFarmer wrote:
My Virginia tree farm near the Blue Ridge Parkway is remote and has no
grid power. I currently only work it on weekends. My agricultural well
is generator operated. I use large pressure storage tanks for the well
water, and the shed that encloses my well and tanks is 8' x 12' in
size. I want to put an older working washing machine in the well pump
shed, and use it to do cold water washes.

I am insulating the pump shed (at about 1500 ft elevation near Stuart,
VA) to ~R19. When freezing weather comes I pump the water out of the
well pressure tanks and above ground pipes to protect them from
freezing damages. My question is about the washing machine that I want
to keep in the same shed.

Can I use compressed air at the water intake hose to blow water out of
the washing machine for freezing weather storage? I heard that would
still leave water in the washer's drain trap, which could freeze and
rupture plumbing.

How might one 'winterize' a washing machine for possible freezing
temperatures? Could I use RV water tank antifreeze by pouring some in
the water intake while the machine is set to fill the wash drum, and
then by setting the machine to 'drain' so that the antifreeze would
occupy both fill and drain lines?

I realize already that this is an atypical location and usage for a
washing machine. Relocating the machine to an alternate location is
not an option for me. Thanks for any help folks may have on this
unusual query.

Most washing machines will gravity drain the water in the tub and in the
pump if you simply lower the drain hose down to floor level. Hopefully
you have a floor drain to make things simple. It *could* leave some
water in the pump, so attach a good wet/dry shop vac to the drain hose
to see if any more water comes out. You can not use the machine without
raising the drain hose again, all the water that goes in will just flow
right out again.

I would think so but not be certain if disconnecting the water inlet
hoses, then attempting to fill the machine with warm water should open
the valves and let most of the water out of that part of the machine.
Your idea of using compressed air to blow the water out at the same time
should do the trick. Be sure both the hot and cold water valve
solenoids are energized and open when you use the compressed air.