Forum Discussion

Explorer

Nov 21, 2017

Trouble Winterizing

Having trouble winterizing our 2017 Outback 325BH. I’ve done my own winterizing for years on several camper with little to no problems. Here the problem, I got the HWH bypass figured out and drained. I used my small compressor (with the pressure reducer) to blow out all the water lines and low point drains. Located the antifreeze pickup tube and valve to change from fresh water to the antifreeze tube. That’s where my troubles are. The antifreeze will not pickup from the jug. So I tried several things to see if I could troubleshoot the problem. The pickup tube has no suction no matter what position the valve is placed in. I unscrewed the hose on the intake side of the pump and turned the pump on and felt suction on my finger tip. When the tube with the valve is connected to the pump nothing. I blew into the pickup tube and with the valve in the freshwater position nothing blow through. I put the valve in the antifreeze pickup tube position and I can blow air into the tube but it does not come out at the fitting that connected to the pump.
I know a long post thanks for bearing with me.
Could the winterizing pickup tube valve be installed incorrectly? Could the valve be bad ? That valve has Pex connections and I don’t want to mess with that unless I have to.
Thanks for any input

13 Replies

Mikesr
Explorer
Nov 21, 2017
SoundGuy wrote:
Since you're in the middle of this winterizing process I wouldn't bother trying to figure it out, just unscrew the winterizing valve and screw on a Shurflo Fitting with a short length of soft hose connected to it that you can then stick into a jug of antifreeze. K.I.S.S. :)

Thanks that is exactly what I was planning for my next move.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Nov 21, 2017
Since you're in the middle of this winterizing process I wouldn't bother trying to figure it out, just unscrew the winterizing valve and screw on a Shurflo Fitting with a short length of soft hose connected to it that you can then stick into a jug of antifreeze. K.I.S.S. :)
spoon059
Explorer II
Nov 21, 2017
Sounds like something is wrong with that valve. Do you have the Pex crimp connections? You can buy a crimping tool for $50, some crimps and a new valve for a couple dollars more... or you can buy some Sharkbite 3 way valve with shutoff for about $20 and replace the valve yourself.

Pex is actually very easy to work with. I have used the Sharkbite style fittings on several applications and they have been problem free and super easy to use. A little pricey, but cheaper than a plumber or RV repairman!

Good luck!