leave water valves open slightly?

[Billhorn]

My first winterization is coming up and I just realized my water pump doesn't seem to work. We are hooked up to the parks water system so I never even tried the water pump.The park says they will be turning off the water sometime in October. I understand I can hand pump antifreeze in to the system without the use of the water pump. Two questions, will it be ok to have a non-working water pump that will probably have some water in it. Should I leave some of the water valves open slightly after I get it all full of antifreeze to relieve the pressure if the antifreeze expands from some bitterly cold Wisconsin temps?

[DQDick]

If it was me, I wouldn't take any chances and find out why the pump isn't working and fix it. It's easy to get at. Just take the wall that runs next to the convienence center off and it's right there. It's just a few screws.

[rmthelen]

X2 what Dick said.....does the pump run or runs but doesn't pump water?

[BB_TX]

Did you turn on the water pump while connected to city water? The pump works to build a certain water pressure and then turn off. If the lines are already pressurized at or above that pressure, then the pump is not going to start. Try turning off the city water, relieve the pressure by opening a faucet, then turn on the pump.

If the pump truly does not run, now would be a good time to try to replace it. But if not good timing for you, they do sell external pumps specifically for winterizing although it would not push antifreeze back thru the pump. But if the pump is gone anyway, not a real issue. Or many people blow out their water lines for winterizing rather than use antifreeze.

[Billhorn]

Wow I never thought about the city water pressure not letting the pump run. I did have the park water turned on when I turned on the switch to see if I could hear anything. I even held my hand on the pump while my wife switched it on and nothing. I will take a ride tomorrow and see if it will run without the park water being on.

[phillyg]

A, the pump will hold some residual water, it will freeze, and ruin your pump. B, your supply tank should be vented so there's no build-up of pressure. The pink stuff, supposedly, will not expand even though it can get very slushy. In WI, I recommend you use more than the recommended dosage LOL.

[Billhorn]

For antifreeze would this be ok



Camco Mfg. 30757 RV And Marine Antifreeze (Pack of 6)
Price: $59.97 & FREE Shipping

[1retired06]

Yes that will work. Any RV antifreeze. Just do not use automotive.

[CarWin]

You can also buy it at Wal-Mart cheaper. Also if you have residential fridge with an ice maker,dont forget to winterize it too.

[Rondo]

Bill, there is no reason to pay the $60 for a case of RV antifreeze when you can go to Menards and buy it for $1.95 a gallon this week. I use the blow out method and make sure I also blow out the line to the fresh water tank, the lines to the water heater, and the washer lines even though we do not have one. There is always some water in there. Hope to be putting a shutoff valve on both these lines while spending the winter in warmer climate. I only use the pink stuff in the sinks and shower drains and also put some in the toilet to keep the rubber gasket lubed and moist until I hit warm weather in January. I do run the water pump just to get the water out of it and put some of the pink stuff in that line and in the pump also.

[Billhorn]

Thanks to some greatly apreciated advice I went and tried my "dead" water pump with the park water turned off and the pressure relieved and sure enough the water pump works. Sure glad I didn't tear into it.

[RVDH]

I've been winterizing boats and RV's for years, set yourself up with a hose and fitting the matches the intake side of the water pump, after you blow everything out, dump the water heater and bypass it, hook the hose up to your intake side of the water pump stick the other end in the antifreeze bottle and pump it through your system hot and cold, all faucets, toilets and don't forget the washer fittings in the closet, Make sure your water tank drain fitting is open.

[scattershot]

For the record, I use the pink stuff, and two gallons is sufficient in my 2955.

[RVDH]

it doesn't take much!

[pyoung47]

Many folks just blow the water out. It’s really hard to re-plumb your RV. Pump in the pink stuff.

[browens62]

don't forget about the P-traps

[RVDH]

run the faucets till pink and P traps are taken care of.

[dfb]

If you have not used the holding tank water and have it go thru the pump, then just blow out the lines, anti freeze in drains and blow out otside shower. Leave all faucets open.. If you are not sure about water going thru the pump, then the anti feeze is best.. who in the world is selling anti freeze for 10.00 per gallon?

[Mark7]

... and don't forget to bypass the water heater or you will need 6-10 gallons of RV anti-freeze to get water through the hot water lines. There should be a bypass valve on the back of the water heater. If not, install one!

I blow mine down first, but then pump in the pink stuff to be sure to take care of anything that might settle in low spots, and keep everything (washers and such) wet an lubricated for our long winters here. I can do my 3295RK with 2 gallons easily, including the Splendide washer which ends up using most of a gallon before I get it done.

Oh... and don't forget to blow down the black tank flush system if you have one!

[SallyLeeBell]

So, we are leaving next week from Montana and heading to southern Utah/northern Arizona. We may hit a little snow and some temps in the mid-20's on the way. Should we winterize before we go and then undo it when we get further south? Wondering!


TIA


Danny and Sally
2010 Montana in Montana