R-pod Owners Forum : Winterizing using air compressor http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Winterizing using air compressor Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 18:25:13 +0000 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:24:33 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14198 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Winterizing using air compressor : Originally posted by StephenHHow... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138199#138199 Author: poston
Subject: 14198
Posted: 11 Nov 2020 at 7:24am

Originally posted by StephenH

How does everyone else get more of the water out of the tank?

A little water left in the tank isn't an issue.  The problem with water freezing is that it expands.  Freezing water in the tank has plenty of room to expand.

Freezing water in the toilet valve or faucets has no room to expand, so it breaks things to make room.

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:24:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138199#138199 Winterizing using air compressor : We all know that by simply draining... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138196#138196 Author: jato
Subject: 14198
Posted: 11 Nov 2020 at 5:11am

We all know that by simply draining the FW tank there is probably a gallon or three that don't make it out the exit hole.  What I have done beside the good ideas listed above is to take the pod for a ride around town with the drain hole left open.  Stopping, left and right hand turns, ect help immensely in ridding the residual water that likes to remain.  Fortunately there are some pretty good hills on our 20 acres so the best thing that works here is to park the pod on a hill with the drain on the low side.  This takes care of nearly all the water.
]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:11:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138196#138196 Winterizing using air compressor : A little water in the bottom of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138192#138192 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 6:34pm

A little water in the bottom of the tank will freeze but not be a problem. I just leave the tank drain open and look to see that the level is below the bottom of the pump suction line and if it is I call it good. ]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:34:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138192#138192 Winterizing using air compressor : The problems with the tank include:Drain... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138190#138190 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 6:14pm

The problems with the tank include:
Drain off center making not the lowest part of the tank due to the sagging of the tank from the weight of the water.
Pick up for the pump also not at the lowest part of the tank. It pulls air long before the tank is empty.

I have found that it helps to either:
Park the RPod so that the drain is lower than the other side of the tank.
Use a board and jack to push up on the bottom of the tank so that more of the water can reach the drain.

Anyway, there may be other creative solutions out there. How does everyone else get more of the water out of the tank? And no, saying that you never fill the tank is not a valid answer. Smile
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:14:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138190#138190 Winterizing using air compressor : To be honest I have had that happen.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138189#138189 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 5:49pm

To be honest I have had that happen. Normally the pump won't pick it up but it could. I noticed the other day, moving my Pod with drain open, water was still in tank. End of the day we have to know our own circumstances and there might not be a standard answer. Got to know your own stuff.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:49:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138189#138189 Winterizing using air compressor : As the amount of water that blew... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138188#138188 Author: vbdomenico
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 5:25pm

As the amount of water that blew out after I turned on the pump was fairly high, I am starting to think that maybe there was still some water in the fresh water tank even though the drain was open.  The pod was fairly level but not perfectly level.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:25:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138188#138188 Winterizing using air compressor : Jato, +1, I have not found a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138186#138186 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 4:53pm

Jato, +1, I have not found a lot of water in the pump either, the system is open, drained and pressurized with air. I drain my FW tank every year and the water heater is drained. I suppose water can be in the line from pump to tank, but not found that to be the case. Air pressure has been fine for me for 5 years.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:53:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138186#138186 Winterizing using air compressor : What do you mean by the "strainer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138185#138185 Author: vbdomenico
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 4:43pm

What do you mean by the "strainer bowl"?  Is this part of the pump?]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:43:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138185#138185 Winterizing using air compressor : Originally posted by vbdomenicoI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138184#138184 Author: jato
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 4:37pm

Originally posted by vbdomenico

I then did one thing that many of the directions I read online didn't mention - I turned on the water pump while the air was still hooked up.  I was surprised to see how much additional water came out, it appeared to be at least a half gallon.  Is this the water sitting in the pump and the line to the fresh water tank?  I assumed most of this water drained out when the system was depressurized.
[/QUOTE



That is very interesting as I have used air on our 177 for the 9th year.  Have never thought of turning the water pump on, yet have never suffered a leak or break the following year.  For a few years I never even checked the strainer bowl, then did for about 3 years and would observe 1 or 2 drops inside the bowl.  Have never checked the bowl since.  Seems to work here in northern Michigan where real cold winters


That is very interesting as I have used air on our 177 for the 9th year.  Have never thought of turning the water pump on, yet have never suffered a leak or break the following year.  For a few years I never even checked the strainer bowl, then did for about 3 years and would observe 1 or 2 drops inside the bowl.  Have never checked the bowl since.  Seems to work here in northern Michigan where real cold winters happen.
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:37:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138184#138184 Winterizing using air compressor : Originally posted by mcarterI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138171#138171 Author: Pod_Geek
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 12:00pm

Originally posted by mcarter

I have used air for 5 years, I never bypass my water heater, I do however, drain and clean. The only reason to bypass water heater is if injecting anti freeze, you don't want to fill water heater with 6 gals of anti freeze. The lines will blow fine with air.

Same here.  After blowing out all the lines (don't forget the outdoor shower if applicable!) I do remove the little plastic plug that I replace the anode rod with.  A bit more water typically drains out.  I replace it and open the low-point drains one more time.

I then pour pink stuff into all drains and this time I also poured a gallon into the black tank via the commode.  I think that last part is optional.
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:00:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138171#138171 Winterizing using air compressor : There can be water in FW line... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138170#138170 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 11:50am

There can be water in FW line and pump, best to run it dry.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 11:50:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138170#138170 Winterizing using air compressor : So here is what I did; I opened... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138168#138168 Author: vbdomenico
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 10:39am

So here is what I did; I opened up both low point drains and the fresh water tank, depressurized the HW tank and removed the anode, after all of the water was drained I hooked up air compressor to blow out plug at 30psi, then opened each valve one at a time until only air came out.

I then did one thing that many of the directions I read online didn't mention - I turned on the water pump while the air was still hooked up.  I was surprised to see how much additional water came out, it appeared to be at least a half gallon.  Is this the water sitting in the pump and the line to the fresh water tank?  I assumed most of this water drained out when the system was depressurized.
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 10:39:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138168#138168 Winterizing using air compressor : Don't forget to open the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138166#138166 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 14198
Posted: 10 Nov 2020 at 10:29am

Don't forget to open the "emergency" pressure relief valve to make sure the HWH tank is empty and not pressurized before taking the anode out.  The anode plus socket wrench will travel about 20 ft very rapidly and necessitate a trip to the house to change into dry clothing.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 10:29:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138166#138166 Winterizing using air compressor : Thanks Mcarter http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138134#138134 Author: vbdomenico
Subject: 14198
Posted: 09 Nov 2020 at 4:56pm

Thanks Mcarter]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:56:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138134#138134 Winterizing using air compressor : I have already drained everything,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138133#138133 Author: vbdomenico
Subject: 14198
Posted: 09 Nov 2020 at 4:56pm

I have already drained everything, including pulling the anode and opening all low points drains and opening all faucets.  I have read instructions advising of using the bypass valve when using air for winterization, but I could not figure out why. I would rather not.]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:56:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138133#138133 Winterizing using air compressor : I have used air for 5 years, I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138132#138132 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14198
Posted: 09 Nov 2020 at 4:53pm

I have used air for 5 years, I never bypass my water heater, I do however, drain and clean. The only reason to bypass water heater is if injecting anti freeze, you don't want to fill water heater with 6 gals of anti freeze. The lines will blow fine with air.]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:53:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138132#138132 Winterizing using air compressor : My feeling would be that you could... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138131#138131 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14198
Posted: 09 Nov 2020 at 4:47pm

My feeling would be that you could do it that way safely if you first drain all the lines by opening the faucets and the low point drains and the water heater by pulling the anode. Otherwise you are likely to just get air bubbling through the water in the water heater tank. As I haven't tried that myself I'm not sure and others might have a different opinion. ]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:47:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138131#138131 Winterizing using air compressor : I bought a small air compressor... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138129#138129 Author: vbdomenico
Subject: 14198
Posted: 09 Nov 2020 at 4:34pm

I bought a small air compressor for winterization as I plan on periodically using the water in my pod this winter when the weather permits.  Is it necessary to bypass the hot water heater when blowing out the water lines?  I have a 190 and the access to the pump and tank are not that easy.  I assume I can just force air (at 30psi) through both the hot and cold lines without bypassing, but maybe I am missing something.

Thanks.  
]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:34:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14198&PID=138129#138129