Cold Weather Conditions; Cold Weather Storage; Winterization; Using Air Pressure - Beaver Contessa Owner's Manual

colD WeatHer conDItIonS

Extended use in below freezing (32° F./0° C.)
weather will require operation of the Aqua-Hot
system to protect interior water lines, fixtures,
water storage tanks and pumps. Exposed
drains may freeze quickly. If in doubt about
what temperature the motorhome will tolerate,
winterize with potable antifreeze.

Cold Weather Storage

If the motorhome is stored where freezing
temperatures may occur, drain the domestic
fresh water loop. Begin draining the fresh water
tank by opening the low point drain for the fresh
tank and allowing the water to drain.
NOTE:
Icemakers, water filters, water purifiers
and the Aqua-Hot all use domestic
water and should be drained and stored
in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendation for winterization.

WInterIzatIon

Water, plumbing and sewer systems require
winterization when the motorhome is placed
in storage. The recommended method of
winterizing the motorhome is using air pressure
to remove liquids that may freeze and cause
damage to the various systems and appliances.
The lines can then be left empty or filled with an
FDA approved RV antifreeze.
When plumbing lines are drained, antifreeze is
not necessary, and the decision to use antifreeze
is left to the motorhome operator.
CAUTION:
It is recommended that a qualified
RV service technician familiar with
motorhomes, such as an authorized
dealer, perform the winterizing
procedure.
NOTE:
Some items (optional and otherwise)
such as the icemaker, washer-dryer
and dishwasher may require special
instructions. Check all OEM manuals
for instructions and recommendations.
NOTE:
Use ONLY FDA approved RV antifreeze
to winterize the water systems in the
motorhome.

Using Air Pressure

Access to an air compressor and an adapter
to connect the air line regulator to the water
system is necessary. Air adapters used for
winterizing are available at RV supply locations.
Air pressure should not exceed 40 PSI. Higher
pressure can damage the lines.
1. Empty and flush the holding tanks.
2. Drain the fresh water tank by opening
the drain valve located in the roadside
bay with the fresh water tank.
3. Open all low-point drain valves. Let all
the water drain.
20 0 8 c o n T ess a
waTeR sysTeMs — 
4. Remove water filter housing (located
behind the water service center) and
install a diverter hose.
CAUTION:
Neglecting to winterize the Aqua-Hot
during freezing temperatures will result
in serious damage to the domestic
water heating system. Aqua-Hot, Inc.
recommends winterizing the Aqua-Hot
domestic water loop with FDA approved
antifreeze. Instructions for this
procedure can be found in the Aqua-Hot
owner's manual.
5. Connect an air hose with regulator
to the City Water connection. Turn
the tank fill lever to the "City Water"
position. Set regulator for 40 psi
and turn on air. (Air adapters for
winterizing are available at RV supply
locations.)
6. When water stops flowing from the
drain valves, open and close the
faucets one at a time, hot and cold,
until only air comes out. Do not forget
the toilet and any outside faucets.
7. Hold the toilet flush mechanism open
until the water has stopped running.
8. Disconnect the air hose with adapter
and turn the tank fill lever to the "Tank
Fill" position.
9. Close all valves and faucets.
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