draining water lines for winter

[glarue]

hello all, with a '78 minuet im wondering how to ensure that all water is drained out of water lines, both from water tank and past the water pump.
any suggestions will be helpful.
thanks, gr

[Bex]

Not the easiest thing to do. I used an airline but then found out its (quite) likely that damage can be caused to the pressure reducer at the town supply end of the plumbing. I didnt cause damage to mine but I guess i was lucky.
I think the better option is to pump food grade (is that what its called?) antifreeze through the system. Cheap, and available from RV parts suppliers.

Bex

[TG Twinkie]

If you use air, keep the pressure below 50psi.
Then pump RV anti freeze in until it comes out ALL faucets, hot and cold. Don't forget to flush the toilet until you see pink.
Bypass the water heater, be sure to drain the water heater. The RV antifreeze reacts with the aluminum. It may cause a rotten egg smell the next time you use it.
Be sure to empty all holding tanks. Pour a small (1 quart) amount of RV antifreeze into the toilet then flush. This will keep the seal wet on the dump valve. Leave a little in the toilet above the seal.
Pour RV anti freeze in all sink traps and in the shower drain. Enough to where the excess will go into the GW tank and keep the seal on the dump valve wet.

[glarue]

thanks tg for this detailed information. when i picked up this trailer there were several leaks in the water lines, from freezing i suspect.

[glarue]

thanks bex for this caution and suggestion. i will use the antifreeze now that i know it is safe in the water system.