How do I drain fresh water tank?

[bud01234]

My RV dealer is closed until next Monday and it's supposed to get below freezing starting day after tomorrow. He usually does my winterizing, but I'm going to at least have to drain my lines, hot water heater, and fresh water tank.

I have a 1998 National Dolphin gasser, and I know how to drain the hot water heater and how to shut the valve to bypass it from the system, but not sure how to gravity drain the fresh water tank and lines. (the water pump quit working on my return trip to Cincinnati from florida, so can't pump water out.)

Any help appreciated.
Bud

[JJH3rd]

Here is the situation in our '05 Dolphin. In our rear, drivers' side compartment, next to the rear wall is a plastic valve (white with red handle - on the right edge of the "mystery switch" picture) that, when opened (red valve parallel with the white tubing) drains the drinking water tank.

You could hand-pump about 3 gals of drinking water system antifreeze into the system (ours takes 3 gals). The alternative is to put an air nipple on the system and blow the water out. Believe me, it is very much worth driving to the nearest open RV or Marine store to get one or the other of these items, rather than replacing the cold or hot water system because of burst pipes (in the floor, between the frame and the carpet, under the cabnets) (I speak from sad experience).

Hope this helps.

[Theberrys]

My 1999 Tradewinds looks like these pictures.
Dick

https://onedrive.live.com/?id=AE67FF...67FFF392766057

[bud01234]

Originally Posted by Theberrys

My 1999 Tradewinds looks like these pictures.
Dick

https://onedrive.live.com/?id=AE67FF...67FFF392766057

Thanks guys, but still can't find the drain. I have a 'quick start' guide but it simply tells me to "drain hot water heater" (I Did), then "open low-point drain to drain lines and fresh water tank"...but doesn't tell me where the drain is!!! aaagh!

It's going to get down to about 25 tonight and my RV place doesn't open up until tomorrow, so really need to get the lines and tank drained today. If anybody else has a location for the drain on a 98 National Dolphin GM gasser, I would be forever grateful.

Bud

[wwron]

Greetings,Don't know were your low point drain is. Have you looked under the coach? Should be either caps on water lines or some sort of valve. Would think has to be under fresh water tank area?

Hope you can find it.

[Dmorgan6375]

Sir, it should be a rather large Red Switch with a clear see through line attached to it. At least this is how it appears on my Dolphin. Good Luck and you might want to check fuses on that pump. You'll need it to pump anti-freeze throughout the rig!

[Theberrys]

In desperation you can lay the outside shower on the ground and open both bibs. This won't winterize but will allow a good bit of the water to flow out.
Good Luck
Dick

[bud01234]

Originally Posted by Theberrys

In desperation you can lay the outside shower on the ground and open both bibs. This won't winterize but will allow a good bit of the water to flow out.
Good Luck
Dick

I tried that, but pump is not working. :(

im too old to be crawling around on the ground but may be my only choice.

[mrk]

Originally Posted by bud01234

I tried that, but pump is not working. :(

im too old to be crawling around on the ground but may be my only choice.

On the 1999 Tradewinds, there is a valve to drain the water tanks behind a panel in the front passenger side compartment, but I doubt that yours would be in the same location.

Also, as noted earlier, the outside shower is the low-point drain for the TW. But you'll have to open the hot and cold faucets throughout the motorhome as well as the outside shower in order for the waterlines to drain. They won't drain if the inside faucets aren't opened.

I wouldn't panic, as I really don't think that a couple of nights of mid-20's will freeze your plumbing so long as it warms up somewhat during the day.

[demoon]

My fresh water tank is visible in the first storage cabinet from the front on the driver's side. That red valve on the drain tube is there as well. Our rig is a 34' Surf Side -perhaps tank locations vary with length/chassis, etc.. But, that valve should be visible and accessible without crawling under the rig.

[chboone]

The tank drain on my 99 Dolphin is in the wet bay. It is a small white plastic valve below the water inlet fitting is. Just turn the lever 1/4 turn, it will slowly drain your tank. The low point drain for the lines is the outside shower. Open all the valves inside and open both valves for the outside shower.

[tnvolrvr]

My 97 Dolphin has a draincock located next to fresh water tank under the bed. It drains out thru the floor. Look at the line located at bottom of tank going to the water pump . Turn draincock 1/4 turn and you should hear water draining to ground..

[bud01234]

Originally Posted by tnvolrvr

My 97 Dolphin has a draincock located next to fresh water tank under the bed. It drains out thru the floor. Look at the line located at bottom of tank going to the water pump . Turn draincock 1/4 turn and you should hear water draining to ground..

Bingo!
I would never have looked there-THANKS!


Drained fresh water tank, hot water tank (and turned on bypass for HW), and blew out the lines with my new pancake air compressor. all set for the *17 degree temp tomorrow night. Would still like to find the low point drain, but will let my RV place show me where it's at. also, if they can get the water pump working, have them suck antifreeze into the lines as added insurance.

Quick question, I notice their price for a new water pump is $100 plus installation. Is that a about right?

Thanks all!
I feel much better now.

Bud

[wwron]

Glad you found it.

As far as the H2o pump,need make and part # to check out price.

Might check Amazon for price of pump.