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Old 10-05-2009, 12:25 PM   #1
Rondo
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OK-- here's another one!

I was reading somewhere about winterizing the H2O heater. I don't remember where I read it but it said to put some RV antifreeze into the water heater via the bypass valve when winterizing the rig. It stated that there is always about an inch of water left in the water heater and that needs to have some anti-freeze added to it. I have never heard of this and from what I've done from experience and picked up from the forum that is not needed. I frankly don't agree with this but what's your take on this? Inquiring minds need to know!!!
 
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Old 10-05-2009, 12:47 PM   #2
Exnavydiver
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Rondo, I agree with you, there is only a tiny bit of water in the bottom and that leaves plenty of room for expansion and I have had several RVs and done the same to winterize them. None had a "bypass" for the water heater. I just shut off the power to the water heater, drained it and blown out the lines. When I finally started to use RV antifreeze I filled the lines with it and disconnected the feed to the water heater. Never blew a tank doing it that way. and I doubt that the hot water heater bypass would allow any antifreeze into the tank...Dave
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Old 10-05-2009, 12:49 PM   #3
boje
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It got 30 below a few times last year where I live. I had no problems with the water heater, and I did not use any anti-freeze.
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Old 10-05-2009, 12:56 PM   #4
Emmel
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Ron, I believe as long as you drain the w/h, you don't need to add the anti-freeze stuff. At least, I haven't for the last 14 years! Maybe I've been lucky?
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Old 10-05-2009, 12:56 PM   #5
8.1al
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I have always read and been told do not put antifreeze in hot water tank
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Old 10-05-2009, 03:50 PM   #6
Mudchief
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Ron, if the line going to the water heater and the fresh water tank does not drain complete you could freeze and burst a line. i run the pink stuff until it runs out the hot water tank and the fresh water tank. I also hook up a drill pump and connect it to the black water flush and run some so there is no water caught in the check valve up behind the shower. I did a post a few years back titled "Are you really winterized" It shows many lines that do not get any pink stuff when you do the normal procedure.
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Old 10-06-2009, 01:06 AM   #7
Bill-N-Donna
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There is a bit of water left in the water heater or at least in the one I have. I don’t normally place anti-freeze in it but I hook up the shop-vac and with a small tube try and suck all of the remaining water out of it that I can. I haven’t had any problems.
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Old 10-06-2009, 01:07 AM   #8
Bill-N-Donna
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

I have always read and been told do not put antifreeze in hot water tank

Where have you guys been I haven’t seen that signature in a long time?
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Old 10-06-2009, 02:56 AM   #9
PatnRich
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Twenty two years ago when we purchased our first rv, I attended a winterizing class. The way they explained it was the design of the hot water tank is cylindrical. As such, the drain can't be on the very bottom and some water remains. Normally this isn't a problem, the residual water freezes, expands, and moves up the sides of the tank.

They said an older tank could have some pitting and could restrict the upward movement of that ice causing the tank to rupture.

For this reason, after I drain the tank,and blow out my lines, I add about 1/2 gal of antifreeze to the tank. I then switch the bypas lever and fill all water lines with antifreeze. (Don't forget to blow out the black water flush as it's not connected to the fresh water system)

I realize others will consider this not necessary, but to me, the cost involved is not worth replacing the hot water tank.

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Old 10-07-2009, 01:59 PM   #10
sreigle
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I haven't winterized in a few years but back when I did, I just drained the water heater and that's it. I always read that the remainder is not enough to cause a problem. Problems occur when water expands as it freezes. That little in the water heater has plenty of room into which to expand. Everyone should do what makes them comfortable but I see no reason to do anything with the water heater other than to remove the plug, drain it. I always left it open for the winter, storing the plug/anode rod in a locker.
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Old 10-07-2009, 02:25 PM   #11
thor
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i donot put the antifreeze in because if you drink the water you can still taste the antifreeze even after rinseing with vinegars two or three times
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Old 10-07-2009, 03:58 PM   #12
mtpocket2
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I drain mine and its done. Last winter we had a week below freezing no problems. We have been below zero. No problems in all my 5 years of owning a rv
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