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Topic ClosedFresh Water Tank Winterize
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ToolmanJohn View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Apr 2014
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Fresh Water Tank Winterize
    Posted: 01 Oct 2014 at 6:59pm
Don't put the anti-freeze through the water heater. Bypass the water heater before treating the lines.

Anti-Freeze can attack the heat element.
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Podster View Drop Down
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2014 at 11:31am
Originally posted by wildfire305

Gotcha. What about the little strainer on the pump?

Here is the winterizing procedure straight from the Pentair Shurflo pump manual. 
Cliff & Raelynn
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(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2014 at 11:57am

Again, if you use the winterization valve/pickup line (I'm not talking about the bypass valves on the water heater) the pump will be full of antifreeze, so there is no need to disassemble anything.

I've been doing winterizations for many years, with campers exposed to temps as low as -10 F, and I"ve never had a damaged water line, water heater, water pump, water tank, or valve.  The winterization instructions posted on this site are the culmination of many people's input, and they don't include disassembling the pump.

Trust me!  Cool
 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2014 at 12:27pm
Tech, I have no doubt that your procedures are sound and will prevent damage. The information posted is merely a factual alternative. 
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2014 at 1:42pm
I understand, just trying to keep people from doing a lot of extra work when it isn't necessary.  I recently skimmed through the "owners manual" that came with my FR Salem.  I just kept shaking my head at some of the stuff FR was officially telling you to do... like fill the fresh water tank with antifreeze.
Sorry if I was a bit forceful, just understand that every single year we get new owners here that literally spend hours arguing in circles about why they don't need to use antifreeze, or follow step X on the list, or do Y, when they could have just spent the 20 minutes following "the list"  and done it all in far less time.  I don't know why winterization is such a charged topic, lol.
 
One year there was someone who had circled around the issue, arguing he only blew out the lines for years because he was in a marginal-freeze area.  Came back eventually saying his sink valves froze and burst... he'll use antifreeze from now on.  I don't remember if that was here or on another board I frequent.  I'll see if I can find it.
 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2014 at 2:13pm
Understood, looking back over the post I can see how it could be construed as a challenge, but that's not the case at all. It's apparent by your creds and your postings that you know your stuff. Being a new podder, I'm reading all of the manuals cover to to cover and when I see something related to a topic, I'm overcome by a compelling desire to share it. Smile
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2014 at 2:45pm
I certainly don't know everything, please do challenge!  Smile
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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heyfly View Drop Down
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2014 at 12:43pm
In trying to follow instructions on winterization I only found a valve that allows antifreeze to be sucked in. There are no other bypass valves that I found. Two gallons of antifreeze went into the hot water tank and it's asking for more. Looks like more parts/valves are needed.
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2014 at 1:02pm
What Year & Model R Pod do you have? This will help us help you locate your Hot Water Heater bypass...
Cliff & Raelynn
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(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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wildfire305 View Drop Down
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Posts: 85 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2014 at 1:07pm
Gotta get that antifreeze out of the water heater before it destroys the anode. Or buy a new one anyway because it is probably already ruined.
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