Anti-freeze in fresh water tank line

[Arefbee]

OK, this is probably simple, obvious and covered in a manual somewhere, but I have struck out so far.

I just used the bypass hose to winterize the system.

I have all the lines after the water pump running pink, but how do I get anti-freeze into the line from the fresh water tank to the pump?
Should I just put some in the tank and run the pump? I assume I need to do that so can I get the drain line too.

[MtnGuy]

I never worry about that section, but maybe I should. You could disconnect that line, allowing any water to run back into the fresh water tank. A check valve on the intake side of the pump usually prevents the water from running back into the tank when the line is hooked up.

I don't put antifreeze in my tank. I just make sure it is drained as best as possible. You can leave the cap on the low point drain slightly loose, just in case a bit of water drains to that when you park it for the winter. Do not leave the cap off.....that is a place for bugs an mice to enter your tank.

[TURBS]

Just unhook fw line at pump and watch it drain back into fw tank.
That's how I've done it.
Since the line is opaque you can see the water run back out.
Turbs

[TURBS]

Fyi sometimes it can take up to 4 or 5 gallons for pump to pick up a prime .
A "little bit" is going to cut it it.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Just unhook fw line at pump and watch it drain back into fw tank.
That's how I've done it.
Since the line is opaque you can see the water run back out.
Turbs

Keep a towel handy, the water will drain out on the pump also. lol

I would also remove the pump and take it in the house just to make sure it doesn't have water left in it that would freeze. 2 or 3 minute job.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by dunnnc

Keep a towel handy, the water will drain out on the pump also. lol

Right u are !

[MillerTime]

Just reading my palomino owners manual and it states (I parrafrazed a couple)

Winterizing w/ compressed air
1. Drain fresh and waste tanks
2. Bypass h2o heater
3. Drain h2o heater
4. Remove filter if you have one
5. Open all faucets, shower head sprayer, toilet flushing device and any other water lines that are closed
6. Turn on water pump for at least 30 seconds to clear any water from the lines
7. Connect an air hose w/ adapter to city fill connection
8. Set (air) pressure no greater than 30# and.blow out water lines untill no water can be seen comming out of fixtures and lines.
9. Pour rv anti- freeze into drains, p traps, toilet and tanks.

I think # 6 may introduce air into the line from the tank to pump.

The winterizing with anti- freeze only is the same till #5
5. Fill tank above minimum water pump level w/ rv antifreeze
6. Turn pump on and open cold water fixtures till pink comes out. Repeat on hot side
7. Flush toilet untill antifreeze is visable and add 1 gal. To black tank.
#8 &9 are the same exept to pour 1 gal in each gray tank.

That's what my manual states so I guess they think that is what it takes to limit any liability on their part.
- hope this helps

[Arefbee]

Thanks all for the replies! I get home a bit late so crawling in there isn't much fun. I'm going to look at it again Saturday. I like the idea of getting it to go back to the tank. Maybe I can lower the hitch to get gravity on my side. The tank (like most I guess) is under the master bed up front.

[KyDan]

On my last trip of the season on the way home, I open my fresh tank
drain. This allows most of the residual water to slosh out.
Since I use my pump to pump in anti-freeze later the pump is
protected. I wouldn't want to un-install it each season!

Some years that "last trip" doesn't happen due to bad weather or schedule so
the tank has a bit more water in it. I just leave the drain valve open
and have not had any problems. The drain line is about the size of a
pencil so unless we've got pigmy mice around here they aren't getting in!

FYI, most state police will frown on anything draining out of your RV
even fresh water. If you pull the plug on a full tank and hit the road
and a cop happens to be behind you, you 'll probably get tagged.
I let mine do most of the draining while we're tearing down on the last
morning before we head for home....

[ayotte]

If your fresh water tank is empty and you run the pump with the taps open it will suck the water out of the line going from the pump to the fresh water tank. Shouldn't have to worry about the line freezing and busting. If you have black tank flushes make sure you blow them out or pump antifreeze into them.