Under body flushing system

[5030tinkerer]

I am building a home in the country and want to set up an X10 (or other remote controlled solution) under body flush system at the base of my apron outside the garage. The idea is to take a piece of piping and lay it slightly under grade (and slighly angled) as part of my concrete apron pour. It seems like this should be fairly easy to do, but I am getting hung up on one detail: how to get the water in the pipe to drain automatically so as not to freeze in the winter. Any suggestions?

 

[NoMo]

Thermistatically controlled burst of compressed air?

 

[slowrev]

A small drain hole in the lower end of the pipe ?
It would still allow the water to spray upwards but after the electric valve shuts off it should allow the water to drain out. Or a normally open electric valve that closes when the water pressure is switched on and opens when the supply valve is switched off.

 

[5030tinkerer]

I like the simplicity of the small hole in the lower end of the pipe, but have concerns that it will freeze shut - perhaps these aren't warranted. The electric valve idea sounds intriguing, but would have to support the high pressure of a pressure washer type application. Any ideas on where such a valve could be acquired? I could angle the pipe a few token degrees downward, allow the supply line to move downwards to the service opening 6' undergrade in my basement area and have the valve purge itself into a floor drain there. This would purge 10-15' of line of water, sending it all the way back down into the basement drain.

 

[Bedlam]

Tinker,
Teach me what the heck is it? Your wanting to install? Something that will clean the undercarriage of the car or truck?
Al

 

[5030tinkerer]

I am wanting to install a remotely actuated solution that will clean the undercarriage of vehicles as they drive over - sort of an underbody flush at the carwash, but in my own driveway.

 

[Bedlam]

Wow never heard of that. Its a cool idea though.
I am always sweeping the basement of dirt brought in by the car or tractor.
If you have time when you do post a few pics and how you get along with it.
Thanks
Allan

 

[slowrev]

Aren't you afraid of turning your driveway into an ice rink ?

 

[5030tinkerer]

It will be cool...assuming I can pull it off. As far as turning the driveway into an ice rink, plans are to install 3/4" pex in the apron slab and have this be it's own zone for the radiant heat flooring that will exist throughout the house. While I do not anticipate running this terribly often (since I'd likely be broke if I did - nothing like ACTUALLY heating the outdoors like my parents were always warning me about...), flipping it on will be a good backup plan should ice form.

 

[Birdman]

I have a yard hydrant that drains off after each use. Would it be possible to take one of those apat and reuse the parts you need?
yard hydrant from Northern Tool + Equipment