A system for preventing freeze-induced rupture of a supply pipe is provided, comprising remote and internal temperature sensors for determining first and second temperature data, a flow control device for attachment to the supply pipe. The flow control device comprises an upstream inlet configured to be connected to the supply pipe, a downstream outlet configured to be connected to a drainage pipe, at least one valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet and configured to selectively move between a closed position in which liquid is blocked from flowing therethrough and an open position in which flow of liquid is permitted therethrough, and at least one flow control component configured to limit the flow rate of liquid therethrough. The system further comprises a controller configured to control operation of the at least one valve based at least on one of the first temperature data or the second temperature data.

A system for preventing freeze-induced rupture of a supply pipe is provided, comprising remote and internal temperature sensors for determining first and second temperature data, a flow control device for attachment to the supply pipe. The flow control device comprises an upstream inlet configured to be connected to the supply pipe, a downstream outlet configured to be connected to a drainage pipe, at least one valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet and configured to selectively move between a closed position in which liquid is blocked from flowing therethrough and an open position in which flow of liquid is permitted therethrough, and at least one flow control component configured to limit the flow rate of liquid therethrough. The system further comprises a controller configured to control operation of the at least one valve based at least on one of the first temperature data or the second temperature data.

Specified is a water supply apparatus, a mixing apparatus (1) being provided for mixing, in a mixing container (3), water conveyed in the mixing apparatus (1). Arranged relative to the mixing container (3) is a base apparatus (2) which has a base chamber (9) that is hydraulically connected to a water pipe (11, 12, 13) of the water supply apparatus and has an opening to the surroundings. A sealing device (10) is installed in the base chamber (9) for the purpose of closing off the opening of the base chamber (9) from the surroundings. The sealing device (10) has a weak point wall region (17) whose pressure strength is lower than the pressure strength of wall regions of all the other components of the water supply apparatus which, in the operating state, enclose cavities that can be filled with water, and which separate these cavities that can be filled with water from the surroundings.

A circulating hot water system has a hot water flow circuit defined by pipework leading out from and back to an in-line heater, and including a pump to drive circulation of the hot water. Each of multiple user points has an outflow branch conduit and a return flow branch conduit with a common wall for heat exchange, as does the main flow circuit: the outflow conduit surrounds the return conduit. Water is fed into the system from a pressurized cold water supply main through a check valve. Sensors are used to monitor water temperatures and flow conditions around the system. A programmed control processor can control heating and pumping rates in various regimes, e.g. to maintain system temperature above a predetermined threshold. An isolation valve adapted for concentric double pipes is also described.

A circulating hot water system has a hot water flow circuit defined by pipework leading out from and back to an in-line heater, and including a pump to drive circulation of the hot water. Each of multiple user points has an outflow branch conduit and a return flow branch conduit with a common wall for heat exchange, as does the main flow circuit: the outflow conduit surrounds the return conduit. Water is fed into the system from a pressurized cold water supply main through a check valve. Sensors are used to monitor water temperatures and flow conditions around the system. A programmed control processor can control heating and pumping rates in various regimes, e.g. to maintain system temperature above a predetermined threshold. An isolation valve adapted for concentric double pipes is also described.

Disclosed are embodiments of a coupling mechanism that can be used to selectively secure two sections of telescopically engaged pipe in a fixed position relative to each other and provide a fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquid) seal between to the coupling mechanism and the two pipes, regardless of whether the pipes are secured in the fixed position or are freely moveable relative to each other. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism can be used as part of a faucet assembly, which can include an adjustable faucet assembly including the telescopically engaged pipe.

Disclosed are embodiments of a coupling mechanism that can be used to selectively secure two sections of telescopically engaged pipe in a fixed position relative to each other and provide a fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquid) seal between to the coupling mechanism and the two pipes, regardless of whether the pipes are secured in the fixed position or are freely moveable relative to each other. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism can be used as part of a faucet assembly, which can include an adjustable faucet assembly including the telescopically engaged pipe.

Disclosed herein are flow control devices including at least one remote temperature sensor configured to determine first temperature data associated with air outside of a dwelling; a valve configured to control a first flow rate of the liquid flowing from an inlet of the supply pipe along a controlled liquid flow path by moving a valve position from a closed position to an open position; a flow control component in fluid communication with the valve, and configured to control a second flow rate of the liquid flowing from the valve; at least one internal temperature sensor configured to determine second temperature data associated with air inside the dwelling; a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensors and configured to control operation of the valve based at least on at least one of the first temperature data and the second temperature data; and a housing configured to contain the flow control device components and further configured to releasably attach to a spigot or spout of a supply pipe. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices.

Disclosed herein are flow control devices including at least one remote temperature sensor configured to determine first temperature data associated with air outside of a dwelling; a valve configured to control a first flow rate of the liquid flowing from an inlet of the supply pipe along a controlled liquid flow path by moving a valve position from a closed position to an open position; a flow control component in fluid communication with the valve, and configured to control a second flow rate of the liquid flowing from the valve; at least one internal temperature sensor configured to determine second temperature data associated with air inside the dwelling; a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensors and configured to control operation of the valve based at least on at least one of the first temperature data and the second temperature data; and a housing configured to contain the flow control device components and further configured to releasably attach to a spigot or spout of a supply pipe. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices.

A heated faucet cover configured to insulate and protect exterior faucets is disclosed. The cover is configured to provide heat to the faucet when the temperature lowered below a predetermined temperature. The faucet cover includes a housing with an outer shell. The cover further includes a heating system and a control device. The heating system includes one or more heat sources, for example, incandescent bulbs. The heat sources are securely positioned within the cavity of the housing and mounted on bases of the cover, which are electrically connected to the power supply via a power cord. The control device is a thermostatic control element, configured to control the operation of the heat sources. The control device activates the heat sources when the predetermined ambient temperature falls below 35 F. and shuts off when the predetermined ambient temperature is above 45 F., thereby preventing the faucets from freezing in cold weather conditions.