Table of Contents
Advertisement
Winter Use and Storage
Water Heater Drain Plug
136
out completely. Drain the black tank first and allow the gray water tank to rinse out
the flexible hose drain line. You may now add a commercial holding tank chemical
cleaner Driving the unit around for a few miles will allow the cleanser to circulate
within the tanks and drains. Drain and flush once more with fresh water.
3. After all the tanks have been drained, make sure that any water remaining in the
lines is either blown out, or replaced with a nontoxic RV antifreeze solution which
will prevent any water that remains from freezing. To blow out the water lines,
proceed as follows:
4. Open all faucets including the toilet flushing device and the shower head sprayer.
Open any other water lines that are closed. You will need access to an air
compressor along with an adapter that will connect the air to your unit. These
adapters can be purchased at an RV supply store. Do not exceed 55 psi when
hooked up to the water lines to avoid damage. If your vehicle is equipped with a
water filter, remove and drain it before proceeding. Replace it with a diverter tube,
which will come with the unit. This will create a bypass in the water line so that the
antifreeze will not go into the filter assembly.
5. Turn on the water pump and allow it to run to clear all water from lines. Turn off the
water pump.
6. Open all low point and water tank drains.
7. Open the water heater cover and remove the water heater drain plug located on
the lower front side of the water heater (see photo). MAKE SURE THAT THE
WATER HEATER HAS COOLED DOWN BEFORE DRAINING.
8. Hook an air hose to the city water connection located in the termination compartment.
Blow out the water lines (do not exceed 55 P.S.I.) until no more water can be seen
coming out of the lines. Pause for several seconds and repeat until clear.
9. Put nontoxic RV antifreeze in the drains, p-traps, and water tanks.
If you do not have access to an air compressor, you may use the "wet" method
of winterization:
After you have completely drained all the tanks, water heater and lines by opening the
low point drains and switching the water heater bypass valves to the bypass position,
close the low point, water tank and the water heater drains.
Pour 4-6 gallons of RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank and let the water pump
circulate the mixture. Do not dilute. Open the furthest faucet or water valve from the
pump and work your way through the entire system. Turn on one (hot and cold) at
a time until the antifreeze solution is observed, then close the valve. Allow at least
2 cups to pass through for complete protection. Make sure to include all water lines
such as showers and tubs, toilet, washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers and
outside shower faucets. The antifreeze should be left in the sink, washer and shower
p-traps and toilets during storage to protect those lines. Open all faucets one half way
to relieve pressure on the valve seats during storage. Wipe all fixtures clean to prevent
staining.
Antifreeze must be nontoxic in nature and must be
flushed from the fresh water system before human use.
Automotive antifreeze is poisonous and SHOULD NOT
be used in drinking water systems.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
