Water Heater Plumbing

[harpoon-KEY]

I've got the plumbing winterized, but am curious what to do about the line that runs from the water heater bypass valve to the water heater. My previous campers had the valve right at the heater itself, but on this camper it is in the convenience center so there is a good 12 feet between it and the tank. I researched it on this site, but didn't come up with any definitive answers. My idea is to take the anode rod out of the tank (which is already drained), open the valve and pump antifreeze until some runs out of the drain in the tank. Also, I'm guessing the line that runs from the hw tank has a check valve to prevent backflow, so would that have gotten winterized while pumping antifreeze through the hot water lines? Thanks for any advice.

 

[hookman]

It is recommended not to put antifreeze in the hot water tank. You drained all the water out of the complete system and put antifreeze the rest of the system that will protect it. The water up the to the tank will be gone if you blew out the system first. Any way the after the bypass is on bypass any water should drain out the tank.

 

[steves-MOC]

Water heater concern - Take the anode rod out to drain the water heater, put the anode back in and you should be OK. I've done it this way for over 10 years and never had a problem.

 

[DQDick]

That's also what we did before we went full-time. Blew it out, opened the low point drains, pumped pink stuff everywhere else including the washer and didn't worry about it any further.

 

[harpoon-KEY]

That's a good idea. Go full time and forget all this stuff. Thanks for the replies. I didn't blow the system out beforehand, therefore there was standing water in the line to the wh. I pressurized the pump, then opened the bypass and let some antifreeze drain into the hw tank with the anode rod out. At first came the clear water, then the pink stuff. I switched the bypass back on and let the remaining antifreeze run out, then put the anode rod back in. All done! Next year I'll blow the system out, then do the antifreeze.

 

[Ozz]

I think it is a good idea to change the element if you haven't in a couple of years, you are working on it, you have the tools out, it's empty, the element does not cost much.. why not?

 

[mhs4771]

Another solution to the problem, is to just take the Monty somewhere warm for the winter!! Then you eliminate any winterizing issues.

 

[harpoon-KEY]

quote:Originally posted by Ozz

I think it is a good idea to change the element if you haven't in a couple of years, you are working on it, you have the tools out, it's empty, the element does not cost much.. why not?

By element, I'm guessing you mean anode rod? If so, this one is new this year and has lots of life left. But, I know where to go when I need one.