freeze proofing for a week, hot water heater?

[rvquest]

I will be away from my motorhome for a week and the temperatures will most likely dip in to the mid 20s a few nights and back in to the low 50s during the day. I currently have a heated hose and 450 w electric heater in the wet bay that comes on at 38 degrees and have had no problems.

My plan is to turn the water main off and drain the low point drains, but leave the heater on. I will also dump a little antifreeze in the drains and toilet. There will be no heat on inside during this time.

My question is should I bother draining the hot water tank or blowing out the lines with air?

[Lin S]

I sure would. Time used to drain and blow out pipes is far more worth no busted pipes or hot water heater.

[Campnjoe]

Originally Posted by Lin S

I sure would. Time used to drain and blow out pipes is far more worth no busted pipes or hot water heater.

Agreed. It doesn't take that long.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by rvquest

I will be away from my motorhome for a week and the temperatures will most likely dip in to the mid 20s a few nights and back in to the low 50s during the day. I currently have a heated hose and 450 w electric heater in the wet bay that comes on at 38 degrees and have had no problems.

My plan is to turn the water main off and drain the low point drains, but leave the heater on. I will also dump a little antifreeze in the drains and toilet. There will be no heat on inside during this time.

My question is should I bother draining the hot water tank or blowing out the lines with air?

To not fully winterize would be absurd. You are going to be away!!!

Yes drain all of the water and low points & holding tanks, blow with air and put the rv antifreeze in drain lines and you can relax.

You can easily de winterize when you get back.

[sportcoupe]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

To not fully winterize would be absurd. You are going to be away!!!

Yes drain all of the water and low points & holding tanks, blow with air and put the rv antifreeze in drain lines and you can relax.

You can easily de winterize when you get back.

If you remove all the water as you state, why even add antifreeze?

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

If you remove all the water as you state, why even add antifreeze?

The OP stated "I will also dump a little antifreeze in the drains and toilet."

I agree with OP. Not sure if your question is asking from perspective of only adding rv antifreeze to drains and toilet?

I ALWAYs add about a cup of RV antifreeze in all the drains for the P traps ( to block odors) and maybe a few cups in the toilet as a safety precaution for any moisture that may gather in the holding tank.

I NEVER add RV antifreeze in the the fresh water supply side. If this is what you were asking then I can say I agree with you. I don't care how cold it may be, there is never any reason for me to knowingly add RV antifreeze in fresh water supply side given that I can simply drain and blow out. I use 40 psi regulated; but most see to blow out at 50 psi.

[71_340]

Don't forget to blow out your tank flush.

[sportcoupe]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

The OP stated "I will also dump a little antifreeze in the drains and toilet."

I agree with OP. Not sure if your question is asking from perspective of only adding rv antifreeze to drains and toilet?

I ALWAYs add about a cup of RV antifreeze in all the drains for the P traps ( to block odors) and maybe a few cups in the toilet as a safety precaution for any moisture that may gather in the holding tank.

I NEVER add RV antifreeze in the the fresh water supply side. If this is what you were asking then I can say I agree with you. I don't care how cold it may be, there is never any reason for me to knowingly add RV antifreeze in fresh water supply side given that I can simply drain and blow out. I use 40 psi regulated; but most see to blow out at 50 psi.

Perfect. Thanks for the detailed response.

[rvquest]

I took everyones advice and did it right

[Cakeman]

I see your done…. Not sure what hot water heater you have, but I did this about a year ago. takes a few minutes to drain hot water heater. I never leave it full now.

[sportcoupe]

Cakeman, that's a good idea for hot water tank drain.

[Cakeman]

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

Cakeman, that's a good idea for hot water tank drain.

Yeah buddy… Cheapest model I’ve done on the RV… I think it was 9 dollars worth of parts from Home Depot. Take the nylon plug with you to match up the threads. It’s a brass fitting going into the tank with thread sealer tape… And then the braided toilet line. One of those aha moments… Why doesn’t the manufacturer do this…. That’s OK everyone likes $100,000 plus kits… A few more things and she’ll be perfect!

[rvquest]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing

Originally Posted by Cakeman

I see your done…. Not sure what hot water heater you have, but I did this about a year ago. takes a few minutes to drain hot water heater. I never leave it full now.Attachment 34961

[TripleGGG]

Originally Posted by Cakeman

I see your done…. Not sure what hot water heater you have, but I did this about a year ago. takes a few minutes to drain hot water heater. I never leave it full now.Attachment 34961

I just picked up these parts from Home Depot to put on my water heater. Thanks for sharing. Great idea.

[Pete'sMH]

An easier way to drain it is to simply open the hot water low point drain and the kitchen faucet. It’ll drain the lines and the tank quickly and efficiently.

[knucklehead]

Originally Posted by rvquest

I will be away from my motorhome for a week and the temperatures will most likely dip in to the mid 20s a few nights and back in to the low 50s during the day. I currently have a heated hose and 450 w electric heater in the wet bay that comes on at 38 degrees and have had no problems.

My plan is to turn the water main off and drain the low point drains, but leave the heater on. I will also dump a little antifreeze in the drains and toilet. There will be no heat on inside during this time.

My question is should I bother draining the hot water tank or blowing out the lines with air?

Definatley blow out the water lines. Antifreeze in the drains is a good idea too.

[Cakeman]

Originally Posted by knucklehead

Definatley blow out the water lines. Antifreeze in the drains is a good idea too.

Knucklehead…Please tell me your screen name is in reference to Harley Davidson…