Winterization And De-Winterization - forest river Travel Trailer Owner's Manual

PLUMBING
be obtained from your dealer or larger campground
stores. Refer to the toilet manufacturer's information in
your Owner's packet to determine which part you may
need, its correct name and part number. (If you have a
different toilet than the one described, follow the manufac-
turer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.)
Winterization and
De-winterization
When storing your recreational vehicle through periods
of freezing weather in an unheated environment, it will be
necessary to winterize the water system. Damage to the
water system components will result if the proper winter-
ization steps are not taken.
NOTE:
Before using the compressed air method, you will need
a special adapter known as a blowout plug. This plug
allows compressed air to be delivered through the city
water fill. This small, inexpensive adapter is available at
most RV supply stores.
W ARNING
Never use automotive antifreeze in your fresh
water system. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and
not for use in potable (drinkable) water systems.
Winterizing With Compressed Air
1. Purchase 2 gallons of RV non-toxic antifreeze.
2. Drain the fresh water tank and empty the waste
water holding tanks.
3. Turn the water heater bypass valve to the bypass
position. (This valve is located near the water
heater incoming lines at the rear of the water
heater. The water heater is usually located in a
base cabinet in the kitchen, and it may be neces-
sary to remove an access panel to reach the
bypass valve.)
4. Drain the water heater.
5. If you have a water filter system installed, remove
the filter from the assembly and discard. (You will
need to purchase a new one and install it when
de-winterizing your unit.)
6. Open all faucets, including shower head sprayer (if
applicable), toilet flushing device and any other
water lines that are closed.
7. Turn on the water pump for at least 30 seconds to
clear any water from the lines.
8. Connect an air hose with an adapter (blowout plug)
to the city water fill connection.
9. Set the pressure to no greater than 30 lbs. and blow
out the water lines until no water can be seen com-
ing out of the fixtures and lines.
10. Pour RV antifreeze into drains, p-traps, toilet and
tanks.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to start the water heater or use the
plumbing system after the system has been winterized.
Dewinterize. Flush and sanitize the water system prior to
use.
Winterizing With Antifreeze Only
1. Purchase 4-6 gallons of RV approved, non-toxic
antifreeze.
2. Drain all tanks (fresh water and sewage tanks).
3. Turn water heater bypass valve to bypass position.
4. Drain water heater.
5. If you have a water filter system installed, remove
the filter from the assembly and discard. (You will
need to purchase a new one and install it when
de-winterizing your unit.)
6. Fill the tank above minimum water pump operation
level with the RV antifreeze. (Use of a long funnel
may be helpful.)
7. Turn the pump switch 'ON' and open the cold water
side of all faucet fixtures. Leave the faucets open
until the antifreeze (generally pink in color) flows out
of the faucets. Repeat for the hot water side.
8. Flush toilet until antifreeze is visible inside the bowl
and pour one gallon of antifreeze down the toilet to
winterize the black holding tank.
9. Pour antifreeze down each shower/tub, lavatory
sink and kitchen sink to fill p-traps.
10. To winterize gray tank(s), pour one gallon down
each related sink drain.
Dewinterizing Your RV
NOTE:
Do not attempt to turn on the water heater or use the
plumbing system once the system has been winterized.
Dewinterize the water system, flush and sanitize prior to
use.
1. Drain all holding tanks (fresh water and sewage).
2. Attach garden hose to fresh water fill and fill tank.
3. Turn 'ON' pump switch and open cold water side of
all faucet/shower fixtures. Leave open until the
water runs clear (no pink residue). Repeat for the
hot water side.
4. Flush toilet until clear water runs into bowl.
5. Dump tanks again.
6. Sanitize the water system. (Refer to that section in
this manual.)
7. IF a water filter has been installed, drain the lines,
remove the assembly, clean and reinstall using a
new filter.
When ready to use the water heater, turn bypass valve to
open position to allow water to enter and fill the water
heater tank.
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