Winterization

[Ol-Forester]

I just finished winterizing the Winslow for the first time. I followed the manual and blew out the waterlines, then pumped anti-freeze through all the faucets until pink ran out.

What I am unsure about is the water heater. First of all the owners manual for the WH says to replace the drain plug after draining. The Excel owners manual says to leave it out. The WH manual says a quart or so of water would remain below the drain but freezing would not hurt. After checking on other forums I decided to leave it out.

Also the Excel owners manual shows the back of the WH with 3 waterline valves, mine only has 1. Mine has a label that shows 2 settings, open in use, and winterized. After draining I closed this valve so that the air pressure when blowing the lines out would not go out the water heater(and anti-freeze). This valve looks a little lower that the drain level. I did open then close this valve in the hope that some anti-freeze would go into this valve. I did not pump anti-freeze into the WH because of taste/smell.

Also I poured 2 cups of ant-freeze down each drain per the owners manual and I left the holding tanks closed to hold this small amount of Anti-freeze instead of completley draining them(did drain and left empty the freshwater tank).

Does the above seem proper, any advice?

Thanks

Terry

[DBeauchamp]

You must not forget the icemaker line, the water filters, and the clothes washer (if applicable). I also pour 2 cups of red stuff in the toilet to keep the rubber seal wet all winter.

[Ol-Forester]

Yeah, my fridge doesn't have an icemaker.

I did remember the washer lines at the last minute. Mine are in the bedroom closet, I opened the valves where a washer would go and opened the drains for them which is in my basement. Looked like it was down hill for these lines all the way to the low-point drains at the manifold, so I hope I am ok.

Also blew out the blackwater tank cleaner, don't know how you would get anti-freeze into that.