Winterizing Water Systems For RVs And Seasonal Equipment by Nicole Gorsuch (NAPSA)—Takinga few steps now could save you big bucks next spring formulation could save nearly 250,000 gallonsof oil each year. Flush your system thoroughly in the spring When winteris over, drain and then flush all the antifreeze from your water system, using plenty of clean water. Capture the antifreeze and any contaminated water used to flush the system and dispose of the waste liquid properly. For RVs on yourRV, boat, pool, vacation home or any other seasonal equipment or dwelling s—especially when it comes to water system maintenance and avoiding burst or damaged pipes. Here’s how to prepare your potable water system for freezing temperatures safely, effectively and with the lowest environmental impact: Thoroughly flush and drain pipes andfixtures Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so leave as little in your system as possible. Blow compressed air through the pipes, keeping the pressure at less than 20 pounds per square inch to prevent system damage. A wet/dry vacuum on blower setting will work for smaller systems. Install a water-heater bypass You may need to install a water-heater bypass line to reduce the amount of antifreeze required and to protect only the parts of the system vulnerable to freeze damage. By installing a bypass loop with valves at each end, you will isolate the water system from the heater tank. This allows antifreeze to be pumped into the system without first filling the tank with antifreeze. This can save you several gallons of antifreeze. And make sure your system is capable of accommodating the normal expansion of antifreeze that occurs during periods of winter storage. Consulting a qualified plumberfor assistance isn’t a bad idea either. and traveltrailers, check with a local campground or RVservice center to There are ways to winterize the water system in an RV without damaging the environment. Use specially formulated propylene glycol antifreeze Choosing the right antifreeze product is important to ensure the safety of people or pets that might come in contact with and swallow spilled or stored liquid. The right type of antifreeze can also prevent harmful pollution of ground- and surface water in the eventof a spill. Choose a propylene glycol mixture. These products can provide freeze and burst protection at temperatures as low as -50 F, and are generally safe for people and the environment. DOWFROST RVR, available at Wal-Mart stores, is specially formulated for use in RVs and other seasonal equipment, and is biodegradable to help protect the environment.It is safe for inciden- tal contact by people or animals. It also has the added benefit of reducing our dependence on petroleumbased chemicals because it supplements the propylene glycol with renewable plant-based ingredients. Its manufacturer estimates that this see if it will allow you to use its wastewater disposal system to discharge the waste. Once the system is thoroughly flushed, close the drains and recharge with drinking water. You're ready for another season of fun! Don’t use automotive antifreeze for water system winterization Most auto antifreeze is made from ethylene glycol, which is more toxic than propyleneglycol and can be more harmful to the environment. And don’t use windshield washerfluid either, as it can freeze solid at subzero temperatures. These tips provide a general guide to successful winterization. But to ensure the most effective protection, be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer. Visit www.dowfrost.com for more information and video instruction on how to winterize seasonal equipment. e Ms. Gorsuch is a marketing manager for The Dow Chemical Company, a diversified chemical company that delivers a broad range ofproducts and services ranging from water and food to paint and packaging.
