Stupid winterizing question

onecrazyfoo4u · 10-09-2019, 07:57 AM

I can't rememember what I did last year. But I already opened the fresh water tank drain, opened the low point drains for hit and cold, took out the water heater rod and let it drain, and blew out the water lines with the air compressor adapter. And put some antifreeze down each drain and a little in each tank.

What I forget, is do I leave open all winter the low point drains, fresh water tank valve, and leave water heater anode out? Or do I close them all again? Thanks

**Flybob** · 10-09-2019, 08:08 AM

I leave all my drains open over the winter. Also check to see that there is no water behind your black and grey tank valves. OK for a little to be in tanks, but not behind the drain valve. Did you remember outside shower? Run the water pump for a second or two to get water out of pump and strainer as blowing the lines does not accomplish this. I would add antifreeze as an extra margin of safety however some people are comfortable with just blowing out lines.

**Iwritecode** · 10-09-2019, 08:22 AM

I like to put the anode rod back in mostly to keep the threads on the tank from rusting up. Finger tight is fine. Just have to remember to check it and tighten it up again in the spring.

MillMitch · 10-09-2019, 08:29 AM

toilet and pressure release button in city water outlet

onecrazyfoo4u · 10-09-2019, 09:19 AM

Thanks for the replies. I did remember the shower, and did run the pump for a few seconds to push any remainder out. Good idea for the keeping the threads on the water tank, I'll loosely put the anode back in but leave everything else open. Thanks!

rbq · 10-09-2019, 01:24 PM

Dud you remember to empty the water filter canister?

onecrazyfoo4u · 10-09-2019, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbq

Dud you remember to empty the water filter canister?

My camper doesn't have a built in water filter, I just use the external hose adapter one. Thanks though!

WFD · 10-09-2019, 07:02 PM

It was mentioned to run the pump a few seconds to get any water out...but the pump is used to suck up the antifreeze when winterizing so does that not accomplish that? Or was this mentioned just in case one only blows out the lines and does not use antifreeze?

jd4010 · 10-09-2019, 07:08 PM

After winterizing (blowing the pipes and running pink antifreeze thru all pipes), I also leave the faucet valves open. Just remember to close them all first before you hook up in the spring (don't ask....don't ask!!!!)

RBDTx · 10-09-2019, 07:13 PM

What is a “pressure release button in city water outlet”?

WFD · 10-09-2019, 07:25 PM

At your city water connection, remove the screen inside there and you will see a little white button. Stand to the side and press it and it will cause antifreeze to shoot out there so that line has antifreeze in it. It will have pressure so stand to the side....don't ask me how I know this!!!

5picker · 10-09-2019, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iwritecode

I like to put the anode rod back in mostly to keep the threads on the tank from rusting up. Finger tight is fine. Just have to remember to check it and tighten it up again in the spring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by onecrazyfoo4u

Thanks for the replies. I did remember the shower, and did run the pump for a few seconds to push any remainder out. Good idea for the keeping the threads on the water tank, I'll loosely put the anode back in but leave everything else open. Thanks!

Why not go ahead and tighten the anode?

After draining the water heater and flushing, I reinstall the anode and tighten.

Nothing to remember next year.

**Iwritecode** · 10-10-2019, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5picker

Why not go ahead and tighten the anode?

After draining the water heater and flushing, I reinstall the anode and tighten.

Nothing to remember next year.

Mostly because I didn't feel like getting the wrench and socket back out again.

It's possible that I'll be replacing it anyway. I might be able to squeeze a few more months out of it but I have a new one sitting in my storage compartment. I'll decide in the spring.

Click image for larger version

Name: 20191006_152941.jpg
Views: 96
Size: 467.7 KB
ID: 216951

Cathi · 10-10-2019, 08:40 AM

Wondering how to run my AF through the lines without it going through my storage tank? I can’t seem to find a storage tank bypass valve?
2018 Cherokee

timfromma · 10-10-2019, 08:45 AM

I blow out my line AND add antifreeze. This ensures that the antifreeze doesn't get diluted with water still in the lines.

timfromma · 10-10-2019, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathi

Wondering how to run my AF through the lines without it going through my storage tank? I can’t seem to find a storage tank bypass valve?
2018 Cherokee

Does your camper have a winterization kit installed? This is just a length of hose with a couple of valves just before your water pump. This allows you to use your pump to suck antifreeze right out of the bottle anp pump it throughout your plumbing. Make sure your water heater is bypassed before you do this.

5picker · 10-10-2019, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathi

Wondering how to run my AF through the lines without it going through my storage tank? I can’t seem to find a storage tank bypass valve?
2018 Cherokee

2 ways...

1. Remove the suction line at the pump and add a temporary line/hose that will allow antifreeze to be pulled into the system by the pump.

2. Install an aftermarket winterizing/bypass kit.
Camco 36543 Pump Converter Winterizing Kit $11.99 (free ship)

You may also like: