R-pod Owners Forum : Winterizing without anti-freeze http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Winterizing without anti-freeze Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:06:44 +0000 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:20:56 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3163 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Winterizing without anti-freeze : One more try... Below is a combination... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30197#30197 Author: ReddOrion
Subject: 3163
Posted: 11 Jan 2013 at 2:20pm

One more try... Below is a combination of the two previously shown blowout solutions. It is the Camping World blowout hose with $4 of parts from Home Depot's air tool department. My mini compressor has a reg on it, so that part is covered.

]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:20:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30197#30197 Winterizing without anti-freeze : I don't know if the picture... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30195#30195 Author: ReddOrion
Subject: 3163
Posted: 11 Jan 2013 at 2:01pm

I don't know if the picture will show up, but below is a combination of the two previously shown blowout solutions. It is the Camping World blowout hose with literally $4 of parts from Home Depot's air tool department. My mini compressor has a reg on it, so that part is covered.

uploads/1609/Blowout_Valve_-_reduced.JPG]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:01:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30195#30195 Winterizing without anti-freeze : After reading the comments following... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30099#30099 Author: Pod People
Subject: 3163
Posted: 05 Jan 2013 at 1:44pm

After reading the comments following my post, I added antifreeze to my system. That's the nice thing about forums like this-we all learn from each other.

Thanks

Vann Evans
]]> Sat, 05 Jan 2013 13:44:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30099#30099 Winterizing without anti-freeze : Originally posted by tsunami123The... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30093#30093 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 3163
Posted: 05 Jan 2013 at 8:41am

Originally posted by tsunami123

The first fall I had my Pod, I planned on using an air compressor to blow out my water lines, followed by pumping RV antifreeze through them.  After I blew out the lines...I had a family emergency, so I wasn't able to get back for a couple days to add the antifreeze.  When I did...the air compressor was still hooked up to the Pod.  For some reason...I ran the compressor again (even tho' I had blown out what I thought was all of the water...no liquid spraying out).  To my surprise several good blasts of water jetted out of the faucets.  I think that there was a sufficient coating of water on the inside of the pipes so that after a day or two liquid had accumulated at one or more low spots.  I don't know if this small volume of water would have been enough to crack a valve or not.  But from then on...I always add antifreeze after blowing out the pipes.
I really don't like the taste left in the pipes in the Spring so I blow out the antifreeze, followed by flushing with clean water and then I make up a couple of gallons of baking soda water and pump it into the pipes and then let it sit for a day or two. Then I flush the soda water...and the bad taste is gone.
 
 
... and that was with using a compressor.  The OP used a hand-pump, which would have push out and dried-up even less from the system.  I know some feel I'm being anal on this subject.  I just hate seeing someone incur an un-needed expense and inconvenience in repairs.
 
]]> Sat, 05 Jan 2013 08:41:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30093#30093 Winterizing without anti-freeze : The first fall I had my Pod, I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30086#30086 Author: tsunami123
Subject: 3163
Posted: 04 Jan 2013 at 10:35pm

The first fall I had my Pod, I planned on using an air compressor to blow out my water lines, followed by pumping RV antifreeze through them.  After I blew out the lines...I had a family emergency, so I wasn't able to get back for a couple days to add the antifreeze.  When I did...the air compressor was still hooked up to the Pod.  For some reason...I ran the compressor again (even tho' I had blown out what I thought was all of the water...no liquid spraying out).  To my surprise several good blasts of water jetted out of the faucets.  I think that there was a sufficient coating of water on the inside of the pipes so that after a day or two liquid had accumulated at one or more low spots.  I don't know if this small volume of water would have been enough to crack a valve or not.  But from then on...I always add antifreeze after blowing out the pipes.
I really don't like the taste left in the pipes in the Spring so I blow out the antifreeze, followed by flushing with clean water and then I make up a couple of gallons of baking soda water and pump it into the pipes and then let it sit for a day or two. Then I flush the soda water...and the bad taste is gone.
]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:35:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30086#30086 Winterizing without anti-freeze : I use antifreeze and don't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30084#30084 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3163
Posted: 04 Jan 2013 at 10:31pm

I use antifreeze and don't worry about freezing stuff.]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:31:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30084#30084 Winterizing without anti-freeze : I continue to back Nascar on this.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30082#30082 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3163
Posted: 04 Jan 2013 at 9:29pm

I continue to back Nascar on this.  One of the biggest problem areas are the valve seats, so just taking the pump out only protects the pump from damage.  You would have to remove all of the valves (all faucets and the entire toilet) to protect them.]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:29:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30082#30082 Winterizing without anti-freeze : A family member drains everything... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30070#30070 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3163
Posted: 04 Jan 2013 at 9:16am

A family member drains everything and removes the pump and takes it in the house rather than using anti-freeze.  To each their own.]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:16:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30070#30070 Winterizing without anti-freeze : Originally posted by Pod PeopleWe... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30069#30069 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 3163
Posted: 04 Jan 2013 at 8:41am

Originally posted by Pod People

We do a similar type of winterizing using air to remove the water in the lines.  We use a small hand operated bicycle pump to remove all water from the lines.  We first open all faucets and drain everything as much as possible. We  drain the water heater manually by removing the anode rod. Turn on the pump briefly to ensure there is no water left there.We bought a small plastic fitting that screws into the city water inlet.and has a nipple on the other end.   It allows you to hook  up  a small hand pump.   We then use the hand pump to empty all of the remaining water in the lines.  Seems to be easy and simple.

Vann Evans
 
 
I'll continue to harp on this method everytime I see it mentioned.  In your case, I'm even more concerned.  "Draining everything as much as possible" is not good enough.  I can guarantee you that, with using only a hand pump, you did not evacuate all the water from the system.  You are risking major damage and expense.  I continue to scratch my head trying to figure out the reluctance in using antifreeze to winterize.  It's inexpensive and guarantees you'll be good for the winter.  Someone once mentioned that they can still "taste" it after they sanitized, but I think that's a subconscious thing or they don't sanitize properly.
 
Anyway, good luck to you.
 
 
 
]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:41:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30069#30069 Winterizing without anti-freeze : We do a similar type of winterizing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30056#30056 Author: Pod People
Subject: 3163
Posted: 03 Jan 2013 at 6:07pm

We do a similar type of winterizing using air to remove the water in the lines.  We use a small hand operated bicycle pump to remove all water from the lines.  We first open all faucets and drain everything as much as possible. We  drain the water heater manually by removing the anode rod. Turn on the pump briefly to ensure there is no water left there.We bought a small plastic fitting that screws into the city water inlet.and has a nipple on the other end.   It allows you to hook  up  a small hand pump.   We then use the hand pump to empty all of the remaining water in the lines.  Seems to be easy and simple.

Vann Evans
]]> Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:07:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30056#30056 Winterizing without anti-freeze : Yes T_I_Nascar. I hadn't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30033#30033 Author: Raymondo
Subject: 3163
Posted: 01 Jan 2013 at 10:09pm

Yes T_I_Nascar. I hadn't thought of that! That would get some of the sediment out as well, if present.
]]> Tue, 01 Jan 2013 22:09:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=30033#30033 Winterizing without anti-freeze : Originally posted by RaymondoHere's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=29999#29999 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 3163
Posted: 29 Dec 2012 at 8:37am

Originally posted by Raymondo

Here's a little trick for voiding all the potable water out of the lines in preparation for winter without the use of anti-freeze. Air. I built a device made using standard air tool fittings and a small compressor to blow out the lines (slowly) without the fear of over pressurizing and blowing out a tap or seal. I first removed the threaded drain plug from the HWT and let drain out by gravity. Next open all water taps to vent. Attach blow-out device to R-Pod city pressure connection outside, with shutoff valve closed. Connect air line to compressor, set pressure to about 20 lbs, and turn it on. Slowly turn ball valve (yellow handle) until air flows into the water connection forcing water through the interior lines, and out through the HWT drain. Note: this does not drain your fresh water tank. You will have to pump that dry into your grey water tank, and then drain.



 
 
... or better yet, just unscrew the drain valve from the underside of your fresh water tank and let it drain onto the ground.
 
 
]]> Sat, 29 Dec 2012 08:37:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=29999#29999 Winterizing without anti-freeze : Camping World has a similar... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=29998#29998 Author: tsunami123
Subject: 3163
Posted: 28 Dec 2012 at 11:35pm

Blow Out Hose
Camping World has a similar air hose fitting (without the valve) (#38534) for $9.
Your air hose does have to have quick connect fitting on it.
I bought one...very convenient...I set my air compressor to 30psi...and the lines are cleared in
just a couple of minutes.
]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:35:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=29998#29998 Winterizing without anti-freeze : Here's a little trick for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=29994#29994 Author: Raymondo
Subject: 3163
Posted: 28 Dec 2012 at 12:05pm

Here's a little trick for voiding all the potable water out of the lines in preparation for winter without the use of anti-freeze. Air. I built a device made using standard air tool fittings and a small compressor to blow out the lines (slowly) without the fear of over pressurizing and blowing out a tap or seal. I first removed the threaded drain plug from the HWT and let drain out by gravity. Next open all water taps to vent. Attach blow-out device to R-Pod city pressure connection outside, with shutoff valve closed. Connect air line to compressor, set pressure to about 20 lbs, and turn it on. Slowly turn ball valve (yellow handle) until air flows into the water connection forcing water through the interior lines, and out through the HWT drain. Note: this does not drain your fresh water tank. You will have to pump that dry into your grey water tank, and then drain.



]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:05:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3163&PID=29994#29994