Sharon_is_SAM

Activity

• 
  LBHM → Sharon_is_SAM

  hi Sharon, thank you for authoring the winterization guide, I've used it for 2 yrs now and have found it super helpful.  Living in central Canada we have some extremely cold temps so I like to pump some antifreeze into my lines while bypassing the alde hot water tank on my 2017 TAB320S.  When draining the alde tank and the hot and cold drains in the rear I found it necessary to vent the lines by opening faucets to fully drain.  My only concern is that my Alde tank is completely empty because the drain pail only had about 6 litres (little more than one gallon) so I'm hoping there wasn't an air lock or something...any advice on this point?  Again thanks for preparing a very useful document.

  0 · Share on Google+

  November 3
  • 
    Sharon_is_SAM

    Several members have found it beneficial to 1. Drain the Alde tank before any of the other plumbing (except for the fresh water tank and shower hose) and 2. Pressurize the plumbing system via the water pump before opening the Alde drain. My experience with doing this is that you get a rapid emptying and then it will trickle off. For the sake of measurement and peace of mind, it is probably better to fill up the Alde water tank before winterizing😀. Then you know if only 1 gallon comes out, there is more in there. I can tell you that there are numerous owners who do run antifreeze into the Alde (they don’t bypass) because they live in areas of extreme cold. Alde says using antifreeze is not necessary, but it will NOT hurt as long as you do not use the Alde while antifreeze is in the Alde water tank. So, you may be one of those folks who will feel better by adding antifreeze. On the other hand, Alde says, a little left over water will not hurt. One question, are you turning the bypass valve and closing the hot and cold water Alde supply before you drain the Alde? That’s the only thing I can think of that may set up a vacuum- like effect. I am not sure you can get an air lock in the Alde tank. Here is the plumbing diagram from Scottg that I refer to often. Also, I wrote up a “How to...” on dewinterizing and sanitizing if you feel the need. Glad my winterization guide was helpful. Let me know how your effort turns out!
    
    https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/dl/qfgpl3lmyfbz.pdf

    November 3
  • 
    LBHM

    hi Sharon, no I did not activate bypass before draining the Alde tank but I was camping last weekend and pulling hot water from the Alde so wondered if it didn't fully replenish itself from the fresh water tank? I did drain the fresh water tank at the camping site so perhaps some of the Alde tank volume drained back through the fresh water tank?...not sure. Anyway, your idea of refilling it and then draining again makes sense to ensure I get 2.5 gallons out when draining. Last 2 years I have bypassed and had no problems so think I'll stick with the same plan rather than running antifreeze through the hot water tank.

    November 3
  • 
    Sharon_is_SAM

    There is a check valve in the pump, so water can not move back into the fresh water tank. Try filling the tank and pressurizing and see if you get the full amount. Good luck!

    November 3
  • 
    LBHM

    thanks...I'll give it a go

    November 4
  • 
    LBHM

    Just thought of one other possibility...at the campsite which was about 3+ hours from home I drained the fresh water tank but the Alde tank would have been full...with 3+ hours of driving I'm thinking the pressure release valve would have engaged with all the "sloshing around" and dumped some of the Alde tank water as we travelled...possibility?

    November 4
  • 
    Sharon_is_SAM

    Unless you had a faulty valve, I don’t think it will trigger release from sloshing. More likely to spontaneously release when hooked to city water without a pressure regulator. By chance, did you open the hot water faucet during or after you emptied the fresh tank? The system retains enough pressure to allow some flow even after the pump is turned off.

    November 4
  • 
    LBHM

    good chance we might have when camping but think I had the pump running which should have replenished the Alde tank...If I have my compressor connected and I'm blowing air out of the drain tube for the Alde (under the trailer), I'm assuming there can't be any water left in the tank...make sense to you?

    November 4
  • 
    Sharon_is_SAM

    If all you are getting is air, then it should be empty. Are you waiting and opening only one outlet at a time when using the compressor?

    November 4
  • 
    LBHM

    yes I was...I'm going to re-connect the compressor with all valves shut and then I'll over the Alde tank drain valve and make sure I'm getting nothing but air coming out the drain tube...thanks again for all your great advice!

    November 4
  • 
    Sharon_is_SAM

    Welcome!

    November 4
• 
  wernicke → Sharon_is_SAM

  thank you sharon, I am selling for healthcare reasons.  tech is obviously not my strong suit....hopefully it is more clear now...

  0 · Share on Google+

  October 31
  • 
    Sharon_is_SAM

    No worries! You will find many typos and edits here😏. You are in good company. Good luck with your sale.

    October 31