De-winterizing

[Len n Jeanne]

To be on the safe side, we've had the pipes blown out and added anti-freeze to the lines every year. Then once the weather warms up, let city water run through the system for a long time at a sani-dump or sewer hook-up, where it can all flush out. Then usually we carry an alternative drinking water source for the first few trips, but after sufficient use the anti-freeze taste is no longer in evidence. Our hot water tank has some valves to open and a stopper to insert outside under the grill.

[baldwin6601]

Once you are hooked up to water, turn on the hot water taps and your hot water tank will fill right up. When water starts flowing out of the faucet you know that your hot water tank is full.

[Steamy1]

And don't forget to sanitize the fresh water tank along with the entire system!

[Ronman]

Is there a specific fresh water tank sanitizer?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Ronman

Is there a specific fresh water tank sanitizer?

Ordinary (unscented) Chlorox bleach works just fine. In fact, that's what is recommended in every Airstream owner's manual I've seen. Check your manual to find out how much to add; it isn't much.

My manual says 0.13 ounces of bleach per gallon of water, or 1 milliliter per liter, and let it stand for at least 4 hours. Or you can double the amount of Chlorox and let it stand for just one hour. Then drain the tank and refill with plain water.

If water is in short supply and you don't want to drain out a full tank of water, then if you let it the treated water stand for over 24 hours the chlorine will evaporate out and you should be able to drink the water without tasting chlorine. If you still taste chlorine after 24 hours, filter the water through an activated charcoal filter before drinking.

[Steamy1]

There is a lot of information on sanitizing if you use the search function on the forum. I have used unscented bleach. I have also used white vinegar.

The Airstream manual has the procedure.

I am interested in trying Purogene. Maybe this spring.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by baldwin6601

Once you are hooked up to water, turn on the hot water taps and your hot water tank will fill right up. When water starts flowing out of the faucet you know that your hot water tank is full.

Not if the water heater is bypassed. You can have water running from the faucet for months and the tank will still be empty.

[Ronman]

Thanks, Protagonist & Steamy. I'll check the manual and make it so!

thanks again,

Ronman

[Lily&Me]

We were told early on to add bleach to the fresh water tank and then drive around awhile to slosh the bleach/disinfectant throughout the tank, so this is what we do. Seems to make sense,

We used these little guys this year, bleach tablets, available at Walmart in unscented. Since we always dewinterize on the road, this is super-simple.

Maggie

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by doug&maggie

We were told early on to add bleach to the fresh water tank and then drive around awhile to slosh the bleach/disinfectant throughout the tank, so this is what we do. Seems to make sense,

We used these little guys this year, bleach tablets, available at Walmart in unscented. Since we always dewinterize on the road, this is super-simple.

Maggie

Timely reminder, thank you. I'll be headed to my local Walmart later today to pick up a prescription, so I'll have to look for those tablets.

[Ronman]

Thanks, Maggie! Great information. I too am headed for Wal Mart!

[NevadaGeo]

Originally Posted by Sbb

How does water get in hot water tank? Does it have its own water fill place? I have to de-winterize myself, is there a checklist on the forum? Thanks.sbb

SBB, they didn't explain very well. There usually is extra valves on or near the hot water heater with confusing piping around it. These valves close off the water from getting into the hot water heater if you don't want it in there. Confusing to find them, and to figure out which is open position or closed. Don't lite the water heater until you know there is water in it.