Water in lines

boubou · 10-10-2011, 08:07 PM

When done with trailer, (except for winterizing) in between trips or before driving, should I empty the water lines and the toilet of water or do I leave it all in except for dumping grey and black water? (this is about city water, not in the water tank)

Jeep4Two · 10-10-2011, 08:20 PM

I don't drain mine. I wouldn't see the need unless the camper is going into storage for a long term timeframe.

Ovair · 10-11-2011, 06:47 AM

I've never drained the lines except for winterizing. If I don't use the rig for a few weeks, I run the water for a minute or so to make sure all the state water is out of the lines.
I ALWAYS keep a little water in the black tank. Even after draining, I put a bit of water in there. Mostly because the toilet tank chemicals require it, but also to make sure that any solid matter that might have gotten missed doesn't become concrete.

TURBS · 10-11-2011, 08:07 AM

Hallways leave water in toilet bowl!
Keeps the seal lubricated.

boubou · 10-11-2011, 09:01 AM

Thanks to you all! Very helpful as always

Soooo
Does that mean that on route if stooping overnight at walmart or whatever we can just use the toilet?
Kind like in a bus ?
Also, the book says the tank needs to be 2/3 full before dumping. What if we are just out for the weekend? Don't bother draining or another idea is to add water in the toilet to fill and then empty tank? (I kinda like the idea of not hauling waste around)

Triguy · 10-11-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boubou

Also, the book says the tank needs to be 2/3 full before dumping. What if we are just out for the weekend? Don't bother draining or another idea is to add water in the toilet to fill and then empty tank? (I kinda like the idea of not hauling waste around)

Yes, adding water to the BW tank to 2/3 before dumping is the way to go. I also don't like to leave the tank partially full between trips.

Ovair · 10-15-2011, 12:40 PM

and yes it's exactly like on a bus.

TURBS · 10-15-2011, 11:29 PM

I only drain my hw heater every time we use it.

bruce10 · 10-31-2011, 11:30 PM

Speaking of draining lines ...When you drain the water lines at the 'low point' uner the camper does it drain your water heater also? Winterirzed my camper and blew out the lines but did not pull the plug on the hot water heater to make sure it was empty. My camper is stored about 25 miles away. I have a Surveyor SP 189.

Hoo Dad · 11-01-2011, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce10

Speaking of draining lines ...When you drain the water lines at the 'low point' uner the camper does it drain your water heater also? Winterirzed my camper and blew out the lines but did not pull the plug on the hot water heater to make sure it was empty. My camper is stored about 25 miles away. I have a Surveyor SP 189.

I would go back and drain the water heater. When I drain mine I also flush it and leave the anode out, however others put their anode back in. However, this is a good time to check on the condition of the anode in case it needs replacing.

dretired · 11-01-2011, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce10

Speaking of draining lines ...When you drain the water lines at the 'low point' uner the camper does it drain your water heater also? Winterirzed my camper and blew out the lines but did not pull the plug on the hot water heater to make sure it was empty. My camper is stored about 25 miles away. I have a Surveyor SP 189.

Empty the water heater (remove the plug ) and open pressure relief valve also.. if you can... take a few clean rags(12x12 ) ..twist a corner and insert them into the plug hole to absorb the water in the bottom of the tank..

dretired · 11-01-2011, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dretired

Empty the water heater (remove the plug ) and open pressure relief valve also.. if you can... take a few clean rags(12x12 ) ..twist a corner and insert them into the plug hole to absorb the water in the bottom of the tank..

I watched the tech as he winterized my new 5th wheel ...The first thing he showed /told me was DRAIN the WATER HEATER !!!! Its a $800 dollar repair bill ...

Ovair · 11-01-2011, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce10

Speaking of draining lines ...When you drain the water lines at the 'low point' uner the camper does it drain your water heater also?

It does not drain the heater. You'll need to pull the plug and lift the pressure relief bail to let air in so the water will gush out.

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