Winterizing

robsouth and jhilley, thanks for the links. Yup, these look like just what I need.

1. Valve

2. Valve

Well, live and learn. I got a bit impatient and tried to install two one-way 1/2" ball PEX-type valves about 4 or 5 feet upstream from the freshwater tank instead of ordering one of the above valves. One valve would turn-off flow from the freshwater tank, and the other valve would open up the hose to allow flow from the anti-freeze jug to the pump. The hose running from the freshwater tank to the pump on my TT is clear, flexible, reinforced hose with a 1/2" inside diameter. I used all 1/2" PEX valves and adapters, so there shouldn't have been any restrictions to flow. Once I got everything connected, I turned on the pump and noticed that pressure at the faucets was only good for about 4 or 5 seconds before the pressure would drop about 50%. Bypassed my PEX installation (with a 1/2" inline coupler) and everything went back to normal. For some crazy reason having a "T" connection extending 4-5 inches off the main hose caused some kind of turbulence which reduced flow to the pump.

Well, all was not lost. After I pulled out my failed 1/2" PEX valve installation, a flash came to me. All I had to do to winterize was drop the pump side of the 1/2" hose I had just cut into a gallon jug of RV antifreeze. Once I had good antifreeze flow throughout my TT, simply "plug" both the hose end that goes to the pump, and the hose end that goes to the freshwater tank. When spring rolls around all I gotta do is remove the plugs and reconnect the hose to/from the pump and freshwater tank with the 1/2" inline coupler.

I still may install one of the above 2-way valves, but for now this seems like an easy enough solution for getting antifreeze directly into my pump as close to the freshwater tank as possible.

Dave H M wrote:
have you looked closely at the line between the pump and the fresh water tank to see if per chance it came with the valve for winterizing?

Yes, I have, thanks. Nothing but hose all the way back to the tank.

have you looked closely at the line between the pump and the fresh water tank to see if per chance it came with the valve for winterizing?

I guess they refer to it as a three way valve

Three way 1/2" PEX RV water valve

Any RV parts store should have it and probably also Lowes

You certainly can put it any place ahead of the pump

Wow, thanks for everybody's input! Good to know this will work!

"You Can't Take the Fisherman . . ." , thanks for the links. The first one appears to be a bypass for the hot water heater. My toy hauler already has this bypass installed from the factory. The 2nd link appears to be the 2-way valve that I need. However, I get the impression this one needs to be installed next to the water pump (near the inlet) for some reason.

Any reason why a 2-way valve can't be installed inline with the hose right where it exits the freshwater tank? That way you protect the entire hose assembly (from freezing), from the freshwater tank all the way to the water pump.

Can anyone recommend a good 2-way valve? Is there a generic version available at the big box stores?

Thanks!

You don't even need to replace or install a valve. All that you need is a hose that will connect to the inlet on your pump. That is exactly what Tiffin supplies on many if not all of their coaches.

otrfun wrote:

jhilley wrote:
That is common on many RVs. Do you have a water heater by pass for winterizing?

Yup, have a water heater by-pass. Easy access. No problem there.

Are you saying the two-valve idea I mentioned is commonly used on RV's? for winterizing purposes?

If you have a shut off valve between the water tank and pump, just replace it with a two way valve with one input from water tank and one input from a length of hose to go to a gallon bottle of antifreeze. If you don't have a valve, just install the two way valve.

The winterizing bypass kit installed at water pump is the way to go. I can fill my lines and fixtures with about 2 gallons.

Mine has a T with valves so I can draw from the freshwater tank or from a 3 foot hose that is rolled up in the compartment. I unroll the hose and stick it in the antifreeze and pump it through the system. Then I don't have to worry about antifreeze in the freshwater tank. Works great!
Brian