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Old 10-18-2018, 09:29 AM   #1
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2018 2801QS Winterize Water pump

2018 Forester 2801QS
Hello,
Winterized with compressed air last night, first time ever.
Should I drain the water heater and then open the bypass valve and close the other valves?
Replace plug when done...

Can someone tell me where the water pump is?
Assume there is a line to introduce antifreeze
Is there a water filter?

Thank you
George
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Old 10-18-2018, 10:16 AM   #2
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Hey George, on my 2801 the pump and filter are behind a door in the passenger side second to last compartment.
The cold water drain valve is also there, the hot drain line has a cap underneath where the lines come out the bottom of the compartment.
On my rig there wasn’t a winterizing valve for sucking anti-freeze but they are easy to add.
First turn all three valves for your water heater bypass and pull the plug, I leave mine out for the winter.
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Old 10-18-2018, 05:34 PM   #3
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Hi, I have the same Rv 2801 I blow out my system with air, but you mentioned something I didn't think about the low water drain for hot water system, does this line have a valve on it, or is it just a cap on the end that will need to be removed?

Thank you
Rick
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Old 10-18-2018, 06:17 PM   #4
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It’s just a screw on plastic cap.
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Old 10-18-2018, 06:54 PM   #5
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Thank you will do that asap, I think winter has arrived.
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Old 10-18-2018, 06:56 PM   #6
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Your 2018 has a suction tube and valve for antifreeze where Tombsy accurately located the pump for you.
Yes open the water heater bypass. Yes drain the water heater (WH). No do not replace the plug. You can get a plug with a screen if you are concerned about insects etc. or just stuff a scotchbrite pad in the hole.
Yes there is a water filter. When you find the pump it will be obvious.
To the right of the filter there is a valve on a blue pex line lying on the surface. That is your Fresh Water (FW) tank drain. It is only cold water up north. Down here it is very warm water.
Under the compartment and next to the blue FW tank drain is a white drain with a cap. That is your low point drain. There is only one. When you open your WH bypass, your hot water lines will drain with the cold.
If you use compressed air to winterize you need to do it after you bypass the WH and open the low point drain. You also need to drain the filter, pump strainer, ice maker(if so equipped) and cycle ALL your faucets (outside shower included).
Now that you have all the water out of your plumbing, what about those holding tanks?
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Old 10-18-2018, 07:00 PM   #7
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Hey I just wanted to let you know Amazon has caps for water heater as an add on Camco 11634 Water Heater Drain Plug - 1/2-14 NPT, Pack of 2 (1 Vented /1 Standard)
by Camco $5.50
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Old 10-18-2018, 09:57 PM   #8
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At a loss

Followed advice from everyone, thank you.
It's late and cold, 32 and dropping.

The coach has the Lippert control panel for capacities, operating slides.
I opened the low point drain, (red hose with a plastic cap) yesterday and today also.

Just a few drops came out, pretty sure I drained it after our last use in May.

Crazy thing is the fresh water tank display is showing 3/4 full.

Ran the water pump, nothing came out at any faucets, water came out with compressed air, cleared lines etc.

Ran the water pump while looking into the filter canister, it filled it.
Removed the canister and continued, maybe a cup came out,
running it again, some water spurts out.

So,
Water does not come out of the low point drain
I opened the cold water drain on the Pex line, a cup of water came out.
Am I missing anything here?
Maybe the display panel is not working correctly.

This is the first time I've winterized a class C coach.
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Old 10-18-2018, 10:07 PM   #9
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Sounds like you found your pump, filter, FW drain and low point. Did you find your winterizing siphon hose & valve?

FW gauge reading 3/4 is problematic but a whole different topic.
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Old 10-19-2018, 10:44 AM   #10
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Found every

Found everything, assume panel reading for fresh water tank is not correct.

Thank you
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Old 10-19-2018, 10:48 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghhmtnboy View Post
Found everything, assume panel reading for fresh water tank is not correct.

Thank you
They rarely are.
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Old 10-19-2018, 01:32 PM   #12
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Usually the water pump is close to the water tank. Mine is accessed through a panel in the pass through storage. Some my be benieyh the sink cabinet floor and may be difficult to access. When you find it, it should have a pick up tube attached to the water pump via a diverter valve.
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Old 10-20-2018, 08:47 AM   #13
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Would not recommend just blowing out lines in NY . Would flush with anti freeze . Tried that one year ended up with a large repair bill on lines And fittings the next spring. Anit freese is cheap compared to the lines freezing.
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Old 10-28-2018, 07:12 PM   #14
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How much does vehicle leveling matter? I am about 1 degree nose down (front lower than back). Will this cause incomplete draining of fresh water tank, water heater, etc? I own a set of leveling blocks but get I seem to get better run off with a slight angle to the roof line.


I am too new to all this to have a valid position on anything. I am about to do my own "first winterization".
v/r rch
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Old 10-28-2018, 10:06 PM   #15
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I try to be level, not only for the tanks, but when you remove the house filter, you will spill water in the compartment. If level you minimize water flowing under the tank where you cannot reach it to clean it up.
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