1st time winterizing
I didnt want to hi-jack the other 2 treads so I started another winterizing thread.....sorry fellas. I've read through the other treads plus my owners manuel but I'm still not comprehending it!! ...
Forum Discussion
Without a bypass you will have to put in enough antifreeze to fill the hot water heater. Probably 6 gallons. Your choice as to if it's worth the savings to install a bypass on the HWH.
I don't trust compressed air as there are always low spots in the plumbing where water will collect and could freeze. Water can even condense in totally dry pipes if the temp/humidity gets just right. If it freezes in a dip in the PEX it probably won't be an issue but if it's near or in a fitting it will likely break something if it freezes. Others swear by using compressed air. Kind of a what's better, Ford or GM thing I guess.
Valves to make a bypass can be had from Lowes and they're not expensive and if you get the "Shark Bite" type you don't even need any special tools to install them. Just takes 3 valves, a couple of T's and some PEX tube in most cases.
6 gallons of antifreeze at $4 is $25. Parts will probably run $50 or so if you decide to install a bypass.
I don't trust compressed air as there are always low spots in the plumbing where water will collect and could freeze. Water can even condense in totally dry pipes if the temp/humidity gets just right. If it freezes in a dip in the PEX it probably won't be an issue but if it's near or in a fitting it will likely break something if it freezes. Others swear by using compressed air. Kind of a what's better, Ford or GM thing I guess.
Valves to make a bypass can be had from Lowes and they're not expensive and if you get the "Shark Bite" type you don't even need any special tools to install them. Just takes 3 valves, a couple of T's and some PEX tube in most cases.
6 gallons of antifreeze at $4 is $25. Parts will probably run $50 or so if you decide to install a bypass.
