A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure. Geographic location, occupancy sensors and occupant identifiers are used to control the system to facilitate operation and minimize leak damage when occupants are away.

A portable liquid dispensing station for outdoor use in cold temperatures comprises a housing defining a base for resting on a support surface and enclosed interior thereover, at least one liquid storage tank supported inside the housing for containing unused liquid, a pump supported inside the housing in fluidic communication with the tank for conveying the unused liquid under pressure to a downstream location, a liquid dispensing device supported externally of the housing but in downstream fluidic communication with the tank for selectively releasing the liquid, a basin supported externally of the housing for collecting the released liquid, and a collection tank in fluidic communication with the basin to collect the used liquid for storage and which is supported inside the housing. The liquid dispensing device, the basin and the collection tank are heated and the air inside the housing is also heated to prevent the liquid from freezing.

A frost-free lawn sprinkler valve assembly comprising a shutoff of the water supply from the outside of a dwelling in which the assembly is located.

A sanitary hydrant comprises an isolated reservoir that can be positioned below a freeze level at the location of installation. A piston within the isolated reservoir is operable to expel, during a downward stroke, stored fluid from the reservoir before actuating a valve that allows fluid to flow from a fluid supply source through the hydrant. On an upward stroke, the piston releases the valve and generates a negative pressure within the reservoir that draws fluid from within the hydrant into the reservoir.

An embodiment of a fluid valve includes a substantially flat face plate, a receptacle, a cavity, and a valve assembly. The receptacle is disposed in the face plate and has at least one protrusion each configured to engage a respective at least one groove of a valve-opening-and-fluid-dispensing device. The cavity has a front end in fluid communication with the receptacle, and has a rear end. And the valve assembly is disposed in the cavity, includes a first sealing ring, is configured to form a seal by urging the sealing ring against the rear end of the cavity in response to the valve-opening-and-fluid-dispensing device being absent from the receptacle, and is configured to allow fluid to flow into the rear end of the cavity in response to the valve-opening-and-fluid-dispensing device being disposed in the receptacle.

A portable liquid dispensing station for outdoor use in cold temperatures comprises a housing defining a base for resting on a support surface and enclosed interior thereover, at least one liquid storage tank supported inside the housing for containing unused liquid, a pump supported inside the housing in fluidic communication with the tank for conveying the unused liquid under pressure to a downstream location, a liquid dispensing device supported externally of the housing but in downstream fluidic communication with the tank for selectively releasing the liquid, a basin supported externally of the housing for collecting the released liquid, and a collection tank in fluidic communication with the basin to collect the used liquid for storage and which is supported inside the housing. The liquid dispensing device, the basin and the collection tank are heated and the air inside the housing is also heated to prevent the liquid from freezing.

A freeze frame to protect an outdoor faucet and hose when the outside temperature dips below freezing is disclosed. The frame comprises a first box and a second box. The two boxes are held-together using one or more spring-loaded hinge. The first box has a cavity and a pair of padlock tabs at its upper portion. The second box comprises a cavity and a pair of lock hasps at its lower portion. The cavity of each box forms a hole, which allows the hose to remain connected to the hose bib. The frame further comprises a closed-cell foam gasket with one or more mounting flanges. The gasket is configured to mount the second box to the dwelling wall using one or more fasteners. The first box is configured to cover and secure the water pipe connection surrounded by the second box.

A freezeless outdoor shower assembly that is self-draining to prevent freezing and damage to the assembly when the assembly is exposed to cold and freezing weather. The assembly includes a riser coupled to a self-draining riser coupler assembly which drains water from the assembly when water from a water source it turned off. Preferably the freezeless outdoor shower assembled is coupled to an outdoor freezeless hydrant providing hot and cold water.

Existing plumbing fixtures, such as hose bibs, sillcocks, spigots often become loose over time due to stripped holes of securing screws, rusted screws, deterioration of material behind, or inadequate installation from the start. A fixture accessory adapted to tighten the loose fixture can include a plate or split-plate assembly that can slide behind the fixture to secure it without removing the fixture. The fixture can be secured to the plate by a variety of attachment means such as screws, bolts, clamps, or an adhesive, and the plate can be secured to the wall by a variety of attachment means. Also disclosed is a system to firmly hold a freeze-prevention cover over a plumbing fixture.

A freezeless outdoor shower assembly that is self-draining to prevent freezing and damage to the assembly when the assembly is exposed to cold and freezing weather. The assembly includes a riser coupled to a self-draining riser coupler assembly which drains water from the assembly when water from a water source it turned off. Preferably the freezeless outdoor shower assembled is coupled to an outdoor freezeless hydrant providing hot and cold water.