Community Forums

CountryB · 12-24-2017, 12:13 PM

I was reading the winterizing instructions for my Beaver.

They recommending draining the tanks then using an air fitting (with a max air pressure of 40 psi) connected to the freshwater inlet hose to blow the water out of the plumbing system (and then add some RV Antifreeze just to the drains to protect the P-traps and black/grey tank drain valves).

I like this method. it's easy and I don't have to flush antifreeze out of the lines in the spring. And its cheaper too.

However regarding winterizing the Aqua-Hot, the Beaver manual says follow manufacturer's recommendations. My Aqua-Hot manual does not cover the procedure for blowing out the lines. It only describes the procedure to use the RV Antifreeze in the entire system.

So can I blow the water out of the Aqua-Hot?

If I'm blowing air through the entire plumbing system (air coming out the faucets, low-point drains, etc.) and I also clearing the water from the Aqua-Hot at the same time?

irishguy · 12-24-2017, 12:27 PM

It is HIGHLY recommended that you run rv antifreeze through the domestic water loop of an aquahot. Blowing air through may not get all the water out of the copper coils that your domestic water runs through to heat up.

If you break those coils from freezing or too much air pressure it will be a very expensive fix if not a total loss of your aquahot unit.

Spk64 · 12-24-2017, 12:33 PM

It is not recommended blowing out lines as only method for aqua hot or Hydrohot systems. Almost impossible to get Water out of the coils. If it freezes replacement is very expensive. There is no repairing if damaged.
I blow out all lines and then add the pink. Not worth the risk for $10 and 10 minutes of work.

patmsp · 12-24-2017, 12:37 PM

I did the air blow out then put the pink stuff in and got another 2 gallons of water pushed out that was in Aqua Hot....

Cheap solution to an expensive repair cost.

Topman · 12-24-2017, 01:03 PM

I usually blow all the water lines out with air. Then I do it again the next day as well.

But for the Aqua Hot I remove the 2 water filters and attach a fitting where I can use an air fitting on the water line which goes directly to the Aqua Hot.
I open the HOT water drain on the AH continue blowing air until no water drains out. BUT then I pump the pink antifreeze into that same water line until nothing but pink comes out the hot AH drain. (make sure all other faucets are closed).
This way I have antifreeze in the Aqua Hot system but not through the entire coach. In the spring I just use air to blow out the antifreeze from the AH loop and flush it with clean water.
This has worked for me for last eight years.
Iver.

96 Wideglide · 12-24-2017, 08:11 PM

I'm surprised your manual doesn't have a warning in the winterizing section, stating that if your coach has the optional AH/ HH, that it 'MUST' be winterized with non toxic antifreeze!

My manual does.

clyon51 · 12-24-2017, 09:21 PM

This hasn’t been mentioned, perhaps because it’s just a no-brainer. Anyway, your domestic hot water runs through the AH in a separate system than the coach heating system. As others have said, it’s best to use anti freeze in that portion of the system for the reasons well stated.

However, the portion of the AH that is used for coach heating and engine pre-heating uses boiler fluid which is also anti-freeze. So that portion of the AH is not need to have any special service for winter. As long as your mix takes care of the temps in your area.

CountryB · 12-25-2017, 04:48 AM

My question was based on the Beaver manual's recommendation to use Air. But I was confused because it also says to use RV Antifreeze on the Aqua-Hot.

I don't think you can use Antifreeze on the Aqua-Hot and also use Air on the rest of the system as they are connected together.

Why "recommend" a procedure that the Owner can't use?

smlranger · 12-25-2017, 04:57 AM

Country Coach recommended blowing out the water lines with air first, then pump the pink RV antifreeze thru the lines. Both the Aqua Hot manual and the CC owner's manual were very specific to say that it is essential to use the RV antifreeze for the Aqua Hot.

CountryB · 12-25-2017, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger

Country Coach recommended blowing out the water lines with air first, then pump the pink RV antifreeze thru the lines. Both the Aqua Hot manual and the CC owner's manual were very specific to say that it is essential to use the RV antifreeze for the Aqua Hot.

Thanks. I think I am misinterpreting the Beaver instructions.

Now that you mention it and I reread the manual - I think they are recommending blowing out the lines and then/also adding the antifreeze.