Forum Discussion

Redterpos3's avatar
Redterpos3
Explorer
Sep 29, 2013

Winterizing for 1st Time

Just returned from a solo trip (my first without DW, as she is away). No troubles, had a pull thru site so that part was easy without a second hand. This trip was also to get the rig winterized, and try my hand at that since I haven't done it yet. It went beautifully well, and i was surprised how easy it was. Hopefully I'm not missing something, but I checked the lines and they are pink!! ;) The only things I didn't do at the campsite was drain fresh water tank, and drain the Water Heater. These I felt better doing at my house.

After obtaining the correct size socket 1 1/16" I just pulled the anode rod. This rod is all pitted and strange looking. the side closest to the threads looked much more worn and thinner than the rest. Is this normal??

Also, why is doing maintenance at the campground so much more enjoyable than at the house? hmmm...maybe its just me....need more relaxation!!

Thanks!

10 Replies

  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2013
    After pumping in the pink stuff, I always open the low point drains and the all the faucets and let it drain. I then close the low point drains but leave the faucets open.

    Don't forget to put some pink stuff in the drains for the traps. Leave some in the toilet so the seals don't dry out.
  • Redterpos3's avatar
    Redterpos3
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    2oldman wrote:
    Redterpos3 wrote:
    Where do I find such a "clean out"?
    RV store.


    Thanks! Found it! Boy my list at camping world sure is growing after my first season, and realizing the things that would be helpful to have!
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2013
    Redterpos3 wrote:
    Where do I find such a "clean out"?
    RV store.
  • Redterpos3's avatar
    Redterpos3
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    old guy wrote:
    since the anode rod did it's job and most of it is gone, the part that is gone is more than likely sitting on the bottom of the water tank. get your self a clean out to stick into the tank and flush all that junk out of the tank, otherwise it will harden and that is not good for the tank. they cost about $6 each and well worth the investment.


    This is one of the things I was wondering about. I stuck my finger in and noticed the remnants of the rod sitting in the tank, like sand. Where do I find such a "clean out"?
  • Redterpos3's avatar
    Redterpos3
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    craig7h wrote:
    Sounds great!!! You did open the ALL the facusets and run the pink through them. The reason I ask is you had not drained the hot water heater. You want to make sure you flush the toilet until pink flows.


    Thanks for that thought! I think I did that, but You might be right about the toilet, will go get another gallon of pink and make sure!! I did get all the faucets, shower, and even outside shower (many posts to not forget this one!). But of course the toilet isn't a faucet, but needs pink stuff there too. :S
  • craig7h's avatar
    craig7h
    Nomad II
    Sep 29, 2013
    Sounds great!!! You did open the ALL the facusets and run the pink through them. The reason I ask is you had not drained the hot water heater. You want to make sure you flush the toilet until pink flows.
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    since the anode rod did it's job and most of it is gone, the part that is gone is more than likely sitting on the bottom of the water tank. get your self a clean out to stick into the tank and flush all that junk out of the tank, otherwise it will harden and that is not good for the tank. they cost about $6 each and well worth the investment.
  • oldtrojan66's avatar
    oldtrojan66
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    I don't want to hijack a thread, but this is pretty straightforward and I'm glad the OP's first winterize was a good experience. I would just like to say I HATE THE IDEA THAT WE HAVE TO WINTERIZE AT ALL! Whew! Glad to get that off my chest! Hopefully in a year or two we will be looking forward to warmer climes at this time of your. Just eager to get started. I hate to put the cover on! JMHO no flames, please!
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2013
    For previous discussion search this Forum for `anode rod' then search the results for `replace' and read on. Lots of good advice.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2013
    Redterpos3 wrote:
    This rod is all pitted and strange looking. the side closest to the threads looked much more worn and thinner than the rest. Is this normal??
    Yes. Sounds like it's doing its job.

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