Winterizing via city water connection

[DavidRue]

Hi, on my Coachmen Leprechaun, the water pump is installed in such a way it is almost impossible to install a tube to run into jugs of antifreeze. If I winterize by pumping antifreeze through the city water intake, through all faucets and toilet, etc., is that enough, or am I missing some important part of winterizing- like the water pump itself or the line from water to wherever it meets the rest of the plumbing? Thanks Dave

[TitanMike]

Here's the answer:

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Antifre...ag=googhydr-20

$20 on Amazon.

A hand pump that pushes antifreeze directly into the City Water connection.

Suggestions:

If possible blow system out with air first. Makes it easier to remove onboard filter (if equipped) without spilling.

Open low point drains to drain as much water as possible.

Drain water tank and when empty run water pump. Most water in tank to pump line will be exelled through low point drain. Then remove strainer bowl on pump and empty.

Bypass Water heater and drain it.



Close Low point drains and add antifreeze with a faucet as far as possible away from water source. When Antifreeze shows there, go back and open one faucet at a time, pumping until it shows antifreeze. Flush toilet while pumping. Don't forget outside shower and outside kitchen sink if you have one.

You will need a helper. Good news is that you should only need to pump two gallons or so. Removing water first makes sure the antifreeze is full strength and you don't have to pump extra to make sure water is flushed.

[5picker]

If you don't address the pump like TitanMike's suggestion, it will retain water when adding antifreeze via the city water connection.

Because of the pump's internal check valve, no antifreeze will get to the pump and the suction strainer pumping in antifreeze via the city water connection. Both the pump and the suction strainer will have water in them if you've used water from the fresh tank.

You could try running the pump dry, hoping it sucks the water from it and the suction strainer but that isn't surefire.

So... if you are going to have to get to the pump to address those things, you may as well install a winterization kit and be done and be happy!