Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for cleaning and disinfecting shopping carts. The system comprises a main housing with three main systems: a steam system, an ultraviolet system and a microwave system. The combination of the systems allows for the reduction of germs and viruses without the use of chemicals which may be both harmful to the shopping carts and to the environment. A conveying means allows shopping carts to be displaced through the system. The system further provides a disinfecting box in connection with the main housing for users to disinfect their hands. The method provided allows for the cleaning and disinfecting of a shopping cart with the use of the system.

Abstract: A water circuit purging system for purging water from a water circuit, comprising: a water discharge line; a flow directing device coupling a main water line to a water source and to the water discharge line, and movable between an operative configuration in which the main water line is in fluid communication with the water source, and a discharge configuration in which the main water line is in fluid communication with the water discharge line; a pump for pumping water from the water discharge line when the flow directing device is in the discharge configuration; a condition sensor for sensing a condition of the main water line; and a controller for receiving an indication of the sensed condition and to move the flow directing device from the operative configuration to the discharge configuration upon determination that the main water line is in a predetermined condition based on the sensed condition.