Water Heater Draining; Sanitizing - Airstream REI Co-op Special Edition Owner's Manual

Maintenance

Water Heater Draining

If your Airstream is to be stored during winter months,
the water heater system must be drained to prevent
damage from freezing. It is accessed by lifting open the
roadside bench. Once drained, RV non-toxic antifreeze
can be added.
1� Turn off electrical power to water heater.
2� Shut off gas supply to water heater.
3� Turn off water pump on water system.
4� Open both hot and cold water faucets.
5� Remove service panel to access system drain
valve. The water heater is located under the
roadside rear lounge.
6� Turn drain valve knob clockwise to drain and then
clockwise again to close.
7� Follow the Winterizing and Storage instructions for
draining entire water system.
NOTE
System will have to be refilled with water and all air
removed from lines before unit will re-light.
Scalding injury from hot water and/or tampering
with the drain valve!
When traveling to a location where freezing
conditions are likely, or when storing the trailer, be
sure to drain all water from the water heater.
8-12
WARNING
WARNING

Sanitizing

Potable water systems require periodic maintenance
to deliver a consistent flow of fresh water. Depending
on use and the environment the system is subject to,
sanitizing is recommended prior to storing and before
using the water system after a period of storage.
Systems with new components, or ones that have been
subjected to contamination should also be disinfected
as follows:
1� Use one of the following methods to determine the
amount of common household bleach needed to
sanitize the tank.
a� Multiply "gallons of tank capacity" by 0.13;
the result is the ounces of bleach needed to
sanitize the tank.
b. Multiply "Liters of tank capacity" by 1.0; the
result is the milliliters of bleach needed to
sanitize the tank.
2� Mix the proper amount of bleach into a container of
water�
3� Pour the correct amount of solution (water/bleach)
into the Fresh Water tank and fill with potable
water�
4� Open all faucets (hot and cold) allowing the water
to run until the distinct odor of chlorine is detected.
5� The standard solution must have 4 hours of contact
time to disinfect completely. Doubling the solution
concentration will allow for contact time of one (1)
hour.
6� When the contact time is completed, drain the tank.
Refill with potable water and flush the plumbing of
all sanitizing solution.
2023 REI Special Edition