Winterizing Air vs Anti-freeze

[cmanger319]

First time winterizing a 5'er. Some say to blow the lines with air. Some say use anti-freeze. What are the pro's and con's of each? I have been told that the anti-freeze leaves a taste in the lines. I have a 2013 3900FB. This unit has been almost trouble free and I would hate to create trouble by not winterizing properly.

[Johnnyg]

I use both methods. Antifreeze first and then purge all the lines with air. It's worked well for me.

[BB_TX]

I have never tried the air method. Have always used antifreeze. And flush it well in the spring. Never any taste or odor that I could ever detect.

[Denfinger]

We live in Nashville where the Winters are a little more moderate and only used the air method. We did run and oil based small radiator heater thermostat controlled in the storage area all Winter long and had very good success. One thing is for sure, when Spring came and we were ready for our first trip, the prep was much faster than having to flush the anti freeze out. I think a big part of this decision is where you are located and if you have any basic supplemental heating you will be using during the Winter months or will it sit at the mercy of nature.

[racerjoe]

we blow out the excess water first,pull bottom drains to empty them,replace caps, then pump antifreeze into the lines. without the water you know for sure it is not diluted to much. Then I put a cup of antifreeze into each drain. done...

[bncinwv]

We have always used the liquid method, primarily since that is the only reliable way to winterize the washer. Both methods work, but the washer dictates ours.
Bingo

[NCFischers]

If you blow out the lines, turn the pressure down to 10 pounds on the compressor or you might blow some connections loose.

[kdeiss]

One time years ago I did not use the pink stuff and just blew out the line a little water remained in the Tub faucet and cracked the plastic faucet. I now always use the pink stuff takes 2 Gal and 10 Min

[DQDick]

We always used the air method, but we still put the pink stuff down any drains with P traps.

[Jay Bird]

We always use liquid. Like Bingo says the washer dictates the method.

[CORattler]

We do the same. We're in Colorado and store it all winter. Never a problem.

quote:Originally posted by DQDick

We always used the air method, but we still put the pink stuff down any drains with P traps.

[The Weekenders]

I just use the pink. When it gets down to 35 below with a 60 below windchill in the middle of January, the pink gives me piece of mind in case I didn't get all the water out.

[Flymutt]

quote:Originally posted by DQDick

We always used the air method, but we still put the pink stuff down any drains with P traps.

We also do this...BTW, don't forget the outside shower!

[1retired06]

We have found air purge works fine in moderate temperatures, with a little antifreeze in the toilet, but for cold winters, ie hard freezes, antifreeze is the best option.

[WaltandLynne]

I like the pink method but, remember to set the washer to hot AND cold so you get antifreeze through both water vales. I missed one last year and had to replace a valve on the washer. Be sure to run plenty of antifreeze through the black tank flush also. Water freezing in the anti-siphon valve will break that also. Don't ask me how I know these things.

Walt

[grampachet]

I use air and liquid both. But in the drains i use winter windshield washer fluid. Costs much less and always works for me.

[Captain Joe]

I have always used both. Blow it out with regulated air (45psi) and then add the pink stuff to all lines and traps.

[Ozz]

The reason you need the anti-freeze is that there are low points in the lines, you can blow all the water out that you think there is in the lines, but water will 'sheet' on the lines then run down to the low points, also the valve may contain some water, it all settles to the low point, where it may freeze. Bingo and Jay Bird brought up the washer for those who have them. I run a bit through the washer pump-to-drain also. Jim and Captain Joe brought up good points on air pressure, it is a balance between too little and too much, can be tricky. I use lots of 'Pink' when I do mine. We buy it to winterize the Pool, so I buy it in a case or two. It is a job that has to be done right.
We hit unexpected cold weather going across to Albuquerque, could not find even a gallon of it in the city, all sold out.. SO, we bought 3 gallons of cheap Vodka, a couple containers of Cranberry juice and winterized with that. True story.. It did not get real real cold, it just made me feel better, especially when I showered when we got to warmer weather also True :0

[woodtic]

Just did mine yesterday. Took 3 gallons of the pink stuff.

[maximo]

I like the California valley method, I do nothing. On a pull RV we had back in the early 80's we had a hard freeze for over a week and a iron pipe in the RV broke. If we were to have that kind of freeze now there is advance warning and we would have time to prep the Big Sky.

Frank