First, locate the water supply valve serving
        the R.P.Z. and turn it to the off position.
        Relief the pressure in the system by opening
        all valves and test cocks on the RPZ.
 

        Next, with wrench in hand, loosen one of
        the unions until you can turn it without the
        assistance of a wrench, leaving it just snug.
        Then loosen the second union in the same
        manner. This method will support the
        R.P.Z. valve until you can free your hands
        of the wrenches. Loosen the unions the rest
        of the way and remove the valve.
 

        Turn both shutoff valves, and all of the test 
        cocks to a 45-degree angle of the normal    
        open or closed position. This allows water 
        that is trapped between the ball and the seat
        to drain. Now, turn the valve back and forth
        several times and get all the water out of it   
        that you can. Note! There is still some     
        water inside the valve. If it freezes it will
        damage the R.P.Z. I recommend storing 
        the valve inside your home, in the laundry    
        room or a closet.
 

        Next, remove all water from both stand
        pipes serving the R.P.Z. You can do this by
        using a short section of hose and draw the
        water out. Be sure to cover the stand pipes
        with something that you are sure will last
        the winter. If duct tape is your pleasure,
        please do not tape directly to the other half
        of the union. Place a plastic bag on first, and
        tape over and around that. You will be glad
        you did that when it is time to put it back on
        in the springtime.
 

        This is what happens to R.P.Z.s that were left
        out in the winter elements. It's the ole scrap
        for them.

        Remember, there are well over one thousand      
        R.P.Z.s in our local area, and ole man       
        winter hits them all the same day. And it's
        hard to get someone to come out, on that day,
        and winterize yours. A pattern that I've noticed
        thru the years, is that by the second week in  
        November, they need to be winterized.       
        So make arrangements before winter comes.