Winterizing and Waterheater Bypass Mod

[papa-t]

Since I finished installing a second fresh water tank under the seat storage, I decided to install a winterizing hose and hotwater tank bypass; so it will be easier when it comes time to winterize the Scamp with RV Antifreeze. The hot water tank already had one shut off valve on the lower 1/2" pex pipe. So, I added a second shut off valve on the upper 1/2" pex pipe, then installed a bypass between the two pipes using two brass tee's with another shut off valve in the middle. When time to winterize I can close the upper and lower vlaves and open the center valve; keeping the RV Antifreeze from going into the water heater, allowing it to bypass the water heater and still access all other hot water water lines.


This is the way most bigger rv's set up the water heater bypass for winterizing. Then next to the fresh water tank I installed a 1/2" plastic Spiral Tee fitting in the hose between the fresh water tank and the water pump. I installed a shut off valve on the water tank side of the plastic T -valve; to close off the fresh water tank side when adding RV Antifreeze.


Then I added a 5' clear hose with a shut off valve on the Spiral Tee fitting to draw the RV Antifreeze into the pipes with the water pump.




So, when it's time for winter and I want to winterize. I (1) close upper and lower water tank valves. (2) Open middle water tank bypass valve. (3) Close valve between Spiral Tee and fresh water tank. (4) Open valve to Antifreeze clear hose; put clear hose into a gallon jug of RV Antifreeze. (5) Turn on water pump. (6) Open kitchen and shower hot and cold falcets until pink antifreeze comes out. Flush toliet until pink antifreeze comes out. Always allowing pink anitifreeze to drain into sink and shower drains. (7) Last of all drain water heater.
Winterizing the unit will take approximately one gallon of RV Antifreeze and take less then ten minutes to do.

[cpaharley2008]

Leave it hooked up and you can then use your toilet while winter camping.

[papa-t]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Leave it hooked up and you can then use your toilet while winter camping.

This doesn't put hot water to the toilet. Sorry I don't understand.

[cpaharley2008]

leave the tube in a gallon container and each flush you will pull more antifreeze thru your system to flush with.

[papa-t]

That would make for an expensive camping trip.

[Carol H]

Ted you will be happy you did the by pass system. My hot water tank has a by pass and I use it not only in the winter for winterizing. I will use it if dry camping and I need to prefill by tanks but I dont want to pull with the extra weight of both tanks being filled.

Or if I am on the road and have water hook ups and only staying a night I also use the bypass as I cant be bothered to fill up and start up the hot water tank for just a few dishes (use the kettle instead for hot water) and then have to drain out the tank in the morning so as to not be hauling around water.

[papa-t]

I had this on my larger 5er's in the past. Somethings you just can't do without. Or don't want to. LOL

[jazzjunkysue]

I hear ya. I ordered the Camco winterizing input valve. It comes thursday. I already have hot water bypass so, I'll slip this in ahead of that and leave it there.

I really don't like the idea of the pink stuff in my water tank, or draining 2 more gallons of it the hard way.

Fingers crossed. Thanks for the great pics and explanations.