Winterized toilet

[73shark]

The good thing about RV antifreeze is that it doesn't evaporate so a small amount in the black tank keeps it from drying out.

[KYAirstream]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

An Airstream Interstate has no traps; in place of drain traps there are one-way HepvO valves (HepvO Waterless P-Trap, How big is it?) so you don't need to add antifreeze to displace the water in the traps; there is no water in the traps. Nevertheless it's still a good idea to add at least some antifreeze to the black and gray tanks to cover the waste dump valves with antifreeze and keep the seals moist.

How long do those traps last? Have you experienced any problems with them?

[BillyBoy]

Originally Posted by Gene

How about the toilet valve and sink sprayer?Gene

I just learned my lesson the hard way. I assumed that the toilet valve was high up enough that simply opening the low-point drain would empty it when winterizing. Nice idea, but bad decision. When I went to "summerize" the Grand Tour last week, prior to a short run to Florida (to escape the cold, no less), I found out that the sound of running water when I connected the shore water line was caused by a huge leak around the back of the toilet. $280.00 later (freezing not covered by warranty), I had a chance to look at the old valve. Turns out that there are a load of channels and ports in the valve that trap water and freeze even after a standard winterizing. Lesson learned, I will now pump antifreeze until it comes out in the bowl. I did that the first time I winterized, but got lazy the second time. BTW, the part is not expensive, it's the labor. Can anyone help me as to how to remove the toilet? I have a feeling this will happen to me again, and I want to do the labor myself. At least it's MY toilet, so it won't be THAT bad a job.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by KYAirstream

How long do those traps last? Have you experienced any problems with them?

Longer than I've owned my Interstate at least, and no problems at all.

[Gene]

Billy, when I was summerizing and the toilet valve had frozen, I had a fountain in the bathroom when the water was on. While it may have been pretty, I mostly only cared about running back to the faucet and turning off the water. Since then—6 or so years—I've always remembered to pump antifreeze through the valve and had no problems since.

I was going to JC for some other things and they fixed it no charge. But I was there and getting other things done. You have to pull the toilet to get to the valve. I talked to an RV mechanic in Grand Junction before I went to JC and he quoted me a price of $150. Maybe the Interstate has complications, or maybe because this guy wasn't at an Airstream dealer it cost less.

Gene

[kstewart23]

How long does it take to flush out the antifreeze once winter is done? Thanks

[73shark]

Takes me about a half hour.

[Gene]

Depends how much antifreeze is in the system and whether the taste remains of either antifreeze or chlorine. Some people report the antifreeze taste lives on and on—I don't know whether they are hypersensitive or it is the brand of antifreeze. I flush the system 3 times after using Clorox and that's gets all bad tastes out. Since we have a 39 gallon tank and longer water lines that an Interstate, all of this takes longer—several hours. Draining the system between flushes goes faster if you run the water pump when draining.

Gene