Washer hookup winterization

[beachvic]

Planning early for the winterization process and I have a question about the hot and cold lines that are run for a washing machine. How do you make sure that the lines are winterized properly? I do not have a washing machine just the lines and valves sticking out in a linen closest.

[trx430ex]

Nooo, to even thinking about that, go south. I Just blow the entire rig out with air (bout 50 psi) put a wide mouth bottle over the valve (Tropicana orange juice) and just crack the valve a smidgen not to blow the bottle across the room.

[Gigattime]

I hook up a small old garden hose to each line and push antifreeze through like all of the other fixtures. The garden hose allows me to flush the line and let the water run out on the ground until I see pink. Our hook ups are in the garage of our toy hauler so the hose is pretty short to reach the door. You could also use a five gallon bucket to catch the water in so you're not wasting a bunch of antifreeze.

[beachvic]

Thanks for the ideas, lots to remember when it comes to winterization. Add in the fact that it will be my first time winterizing this motorhome.

[Alan Wilson]

Originally Posted by beachvic

Planning early for the winterization process and I have a question about the hot and cold lines that are run for a washing machine. How do you make sure that the lines are winterized properly? I do not have a washing machine just the lines and valves sticking out in a linen closest.

When I had a washer in our MH I would bypass the hot water heater and pump antifreeze through out INCLUDING the washer and dryer so that it had antifreeze in the washer. I’d run it on the drain cycle to remove residual water in the bottom of the machine. I wanted to be sure I didn’t ruin the plumbing of the washing machine.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by beachvic

Planning early for the winterization process and I have a question about the hot and cold lines that are run for a washing machine. How do you make sure that the lines are winterized properly? I do not have a washing machine just the lines and valves sticking out in a linen closest.

The supply pipes are vertical right? Drain the plumbing via the low-point drain and opening ALL faucets and shower valves. This will drain all vertical lines, including the unused washer supply lines. Close those washer supply lines, this insures only air can be in those vertical lines.
Then go ahead and follow winterizing instructions for your particular MH without re-opening the unused washer vertical valves.

[Gigattime]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

The supply pipes are vertical right? Drain the plumbing via the low-point drain and opening ALL faucets and shower valves. This will drain all vertical lines, including the unused washer supply lines. Close those washer supply lines, this insures only air can be in those vertical lines.
Then go ahead and follow winterizing instructions for your particular MH without re-opening the unused washer vertical valves.

You would think...right? However, even after pulling our low point drains, the antifreeze still pushes a fair amount of water out of our washer hook ups before the pin stuff comes through.

To me, not worth taking any chances. A little extra time and a couple ounces of antifreeze equals piece of mind mid-January. [emoji2]

[Alan Wilson]

Originally Posted by Gigattime

You would think...right? However, even after pulling our low point drains, the antifreeze still pushes a fair amount of water out of our washer hook ups before the pin stuff comes through.

To me, not worth taking any chances. A little extra time and a couple ounces of antifreeze equals piece of mind mid-January. [emoji2]

I agree and my concern was with what water is still in the lines in the washing machine. Be sure that the drain in the washer also has the pink stuff as well along with all your traps. Ask me how I know...

Alan

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Alan Wilson

I agree and my concern was with what water is still in the lines in the washing machine. Be sure that the drain in the washer also has the pink stuff as well along with all your traps. Ask me how I know...

Alan

He said there is no washing machine, only hook-ups.
For Gigatime, yes if you open those hose bibs you will get water out because the Rv antifreeze pushed it up through the pipes instead of through to the drain, then when you release pressure in the line pink is the only thing remaining. I did our last 5er that way for 3 years until DW bought a Splendide combo unit.

[Gigattime]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

He said there is no washing machine, only hook-ups.
For Gigatime, yes if you open those hose bibs you will get water out because the Rv antifreeze pushed it up through the pipes instead of through to the drain, then when you release pressure in the line pink is the only thing remaining. I did our last 5er that way for 3 years until DW bought a Splendide combo unit.

I definitely hear what you are saying, but there is still some water in those lines once you drain. I always winterize the faucet farthest from the pump. We have a half bath near the washer hook ups. I pull the low point drains and let it completely drain before running pink through the lines. I run pink through the sink (hot & cold) and the toilet prior to the washer lines. Always have additional water in those lines. Doesn't take much in zero degree temps to crack a fitting.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Gigattime

I definitely hear what you are saying, but there is still some water in those lines once you drain. I always winterize the faucet farthest from the pump. We have a half bath near the washer hook ups. I pull the low point drains and let it completely drain before running pink through the lines. I run pink through the sink (hot & cold) and the toilet prior to the washer lines. Always have additional water in those lines. Doesn't take much in zero degree temps to crack a fitting.

We'll simply agree, My MH is different than yours, what works for each of works.

[Gigattime]

Yep. Just sharing my experience with our unit in hopes of helping someone else not have a headache come spring. All rigs are plumbed differently as you shared.

Hate talking about winterizing anyway as it means the end of the camping season is near. All of us who live in the mid-west and still working don't have the luxury of the "head south and forget winterizing" method.

Happy trails.