Winterizing nightmare

[Spartanguy]

After much reluctance, I did winterize my unit last year, following the manual for my unit in combination with information from this forum. As of today, multiple PEX clamps have come unloose and leaks everywhere (when the pump is running), pink stuff nightmare. My unit is now at the dealership $175 an hour resolving all plumbing issues.

Will never Winterize again and will keep my unit warm all winter from now on. Totally disgusted. Just glad I noticed this quickly and no permanent damage was done, but appears all PEX connections needs replacing. Will know more tomorrow.

[Daquenzer]

Not sure what could have gone wrong. Winterizing is something that thousands upon thousands of RV owners do without any issues. I doubt it is the Pex fittings, because they would have leaked before winterizing. But to not winterize is going to be problematic.

[waninae39]

the only way the pex fittings could have leaked is if there was high pressure left in the water lines as the temp went down

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by waninae39

the only way the pex fittings could have leaked is if there was high pressure left in the water lines as the temp went down

That would have to mean an awful lot of pressure. I can’t imagine a hand pump doing that. And the water pump (if used) wouldn’t create that kind of pressure unless it was defective. But that would show up under other conditions as well (you would think).

[Spartanguy]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

That would have to mean an awful lot of pressure. I can’t imagine a hand pump doing that. And the water pump (if used) wouldn’t create that kind of pressure unless it was defective. But that would show up under other conditions as well (you would think).

Pump worked fine prior to Winter. Can’t figure out what caused this pressure.

[Ted S.]

Don’t be so hard on yourself. I have found lousy mechanical and electrical work on my trailer that was done on the build.

[Spartanguy]

Originally Posted by waninae39

the only way the pex fittings could have leaked is if there was high pressure left in the water lines as the temp went down

This is the best photo I have right now. The line has popped off under the sink (fixed) and now a line is popped off near the pump. I just wonder what other areas need to be looked at? Where else might this have happened/be hiding?

[Fungus]

I winterized with an air compressor at 40 PSI. Blew out all the water lines until not even a mist came out. No pink stuff in the water lines. I opened the line at the pump but nothing came out. I emptied the three tanks and put pink stuff in the black tank and each trap. I’m in central Texas where we experienced near zero degrees. So far, no issues while on city water. I have loaded not up the fresh water tank or grey and black so there could still be issues.

[Spartanguy]

Originally Posted by waninae39

the only way the pex fittings could have leaked is if there was high pressure left in the water lines as the temp went down

Opened all faucets after winterizing. Wouldn’t that have removed the pressure?

[GetawA-S]

My sympathies. As the pilot plant operators used to say, “There are successes and there are lessons.” Maybe the shop guys can offer some ideas as to what happened?