Getting all the water out winterizing the water heater

I roll up a rag to make a wick. Stick about 2-3" into the heater drain hole, then let about 4-5" hang out the outside. It wicks the water out of the heater over a couple of days.

I guess the trick there is to NOT use the bypass valve on the back of the water heater.

Leave the by-pass valves closed (allowing water into and out of the water heater) when using the faucets as a pressure relief. Be sure to open them (shutting off the water heater) when winterizing.

realter wrote:
... Also the water flowing out the front of the truck bed-- what a poor design. Good spot for mold in the summertime.

I did not like that either... I changed my drain to poke out to the side of the camper by adding an extension of clear hose and then drilled a hole in the bottom of my bed and push this hose down so the water flows under the truck if draining the tank while mounted.

This is where the drain valve went down through the floor, all I had to do was rotate the valve 90 degrees. It is in the factory location still, but you can see the new side hole:


I bought plenty of hose to make sure I was able to see where best to divert it when I put it back on the truck... the hole in the bed was more on the inside vertical part so the hose would line up directly and efficiently with a slight slope:


(edited by d3500ram to add photos)

I wish the valves on the Northstar were labeled, and the manual a little more detailed. Lots of unnecessary stuff in the manual like what to bring when camping. Also the water flowing out the front of the truck bed-- what a poor design. Good spot for mold in the summertime.

JoeChiOhki wrote:

DWeikert wrote:
Like others, I just drain the water heater. The little water left behind won't cause a problem. There's plenty of room left for it to expand while freezing. One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is to use the pressure relief valve to release the pressure in the water heater before you loosen the drain plug. You'll only do it in the wrong order once.

I usually use the faucets for that, as I open them to allow air to be drawn in as the water heater empties.

I used to pull the relief valve handle, but after having had to replace one because it started to leak (worse than the normal expansion), I don't pop the relief valve anymore than necessary.

I guess the trick there is to NOT use the bypass valve on the back of the water heater.

DWeikert wrote:
Like others, I just drain the water heater. The little water left behind won't cause a problem. There's plenty of room left for it to expand while freezing. One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is to use the pressure relief valve to release the pressure in the water heater before you loosen the drain plug. You'll only do it in the wrong order once.

I usually use the faucets for that, as I open them to allow air to be drawn in as the water heater empties.

I used to pull the relief valve handle, but after having had to replace one because it started to leak (worse than the normal expansion), I don't pop the relief valve anymore than necessary.

Like others, I just drain the water heater. The little water left behind won't cause a problem. There's plenty of room left for it to expand while freezing. One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is to use the pressure relief valve to release the pressure in the water heater before you loosen the drain plug. You'll only do it in the wrong order once.

I'm sure it doesn't hurt anything to siphon some out, but I can't say I've ever thought it was necessary either.

JoeChiOhki wrote:

realter wrote:
How do you get all the water out of the water heater when winterizing. I know you shouldn't put anti-freeze in there, or maybe you can. Otherwise do you just let what remains in the tank freeze? Thanks.

I unbolt the drain plug and let it drain till no more comes out.

At that point, what tiny bit that's left is too small to expand and do any damage.

This

JoeChiOhki wrote:
I unbolt the drain plug and let it drain till no more comes out.

At that point, what tiny bit that's left is too small to expand and do any damage.

Same. Never had a problem doing this and we have COLD winters here.