Winterize coach time ????

[195pilot]

I'm a newbie and winterized mine for the first time about a month ago. I generally followed the procedures described in my Damon owner's manual (air pressure to purge the water lines, drain low points for supply and waste water tanks and water heater). I then used the RV's water pump to fill the lines with the pink RV antifreeze. Next time I think I'll skip this step and simply pour some antifreeze into the drains.

I made a mistake, though, in setting the water heater bypass valves and pumped probably 1-2 quarts of antifreeze into the previously drained water heater. Can someone suggest the easiest way to drain the pink stuff from the water heater?

My thought was to open the WH's drain plug and simply flush it with city water until it ran clear, then close the drain and continue to flush the hot water lines thorough open taps.

A related question ... the handbook suggested that the WH's anode be checked for erosion. No picture was provided. I wasn't successful in locating it. I think it's an Atwood unit, LP and AC electricity. Any hints for me?

[Martind4]

Our coach has an Atwood water heater without an anode and our owners manual doesn't show an anode rod in the parts list. Maybe your Damon owner's manual was referring to a Suburban WH?

Your idea of leaving the WH plug out and flushing with lots of fresh water should do the trick to get the pink out. I also made a flushing attachment that fits on the end of a garden hose that I use a couple of time a year. It's basically a 1/4" soft copper line about 18" long with the end bent 90 degrees and pinched a little to make it spray. Just turn it on and shove it in the drain hole. A similar device is available from CW, but mine costs more. (Why buy it for $5 when I can make it for $8?)

[195pilot]

I appreciate your reply, Denny. I'll proceed with more confidence!

You may be right about the owner's manual reference to the water heater and its anode .... I haven't found the Damon manual to be particularly instructive. It covers lots of models without giving solid guidance how to figure out which unit has what equipment. I'm embassed to admit that I didn't even think of researching the sheets that came with the water heater. I still have all the papers that I got from the dealer, so I probably still have them. I'll look into it next time I'm at the motor home.

Aside from that, my wife & I have really enjoyed the RV. It's still a new toy for us but we made several trips over the summer and had a great time. I've a friend who's a more experienced RVer than I and he's been a great resource. So is this website. Thanks for sharing your experience with me.