Anti freeze in water heater

[anon125]

When the tech winterized our MH, the anti freeze went through the water heater ( check valve failed).
Is it OK to wait until we dewinterize in the spring to flush out the water heater? (our MH is in storage).
Thanks

[enblethen]

Aluminum is porous and can trap chemicals with in them.
I do not know much of the anti-freeze "leaked" into the tank. It would not take much effort to remove the drain plug and remove what ever amount is in there. I would even suggest using some thing like a turkey baster to squirt some fresh water into drain hole.
Some people do believe the RV anti-freeze is completely toxic free. I do not!
I do not put anti-freeze into the fresh water system. I blow out the lines. I put the RV anti-freeze in the drains and toilet only.

[anon125]

UH OH thanks
why not?
it will only be a tiny bit

[enblethen]

I would not leave anti-freeze in the aluminum tank of the Atwood water heater if that is what you have.
Different if it is a glass lined Suburban water heater.

[anon125]

I assume they did!
It was a part from winnebago and I hope they put it in the right way round the first time!

[2edgesword]

Did you replace the check valve?

[anon125]

thanks very much

[azrving]

As drewE said, as long as it's just antifreeze. If it's a mixture of water and anti freeze it becomes a question of what is the mixture strength. If in doubt drain it out and properly winterize it.

[DrewE]

No problem, assuming it's just antifreeze and not filled with water and a touch of antifreeze. The main reason to bypass the water heater is to avoid having to buy and pump in six extra gallons of antifreeze; it's not harmful to the plumbing system, including the water heater.

[2oldman]

yes