Damon Astoria 2006, Owner'S Manual

Page: 72 / 112

Chapter 10 - Winter Use and Storage
aged by ice expansion. This is especially true of the water lines, water pumps, water
heaters, washer/dryer, ice makers, holding tanks, and faucets, which are at risk for
damage if not properly drained during the winter. All water must be drained from the
motorhome. The procedure to do so is as follows:
Drain the fresh water tank by opening the low point drain valve. Let the water
drain out until the tank is empty.
Drain both the black (waste) water tank and the gray (sink) water tanks and fl ush
out completely. (See complete instructions located in Chapter 5 - “Plumbing Sys-
tems”). Drain the black tank fi rst and allow the gray water tank to rinse out the
fl exible hose drain line. You may now add a commercial holding tank chemical
cleaner. Driving the unit around for a few miles will allow the cleanser to circulate
within the tanks and drains. Drain and fl ush once more with fresh water.
After all the tanks have been drained, make sure that any water remaining in the
lines is either blown out, or replaced with a nontoxic RV antifreeze solution which
will prevent any water that remains from freezing. To blow out the water lines,
proceed as follows:
•
Open all faucets including the toilet fl ushing device and the shower head
sprayer. Open any other water lines that are closed. You will need access
to an air compressor along with an adapter that will connect the air to your
unit. These adapters can be purchased at an RV supply store. Do not
exceed 55 psi when hooked up to the water lines to avoid damage. If your
vehicle is equipped with a water fi lter, remove and drain it before
proceeding. Replace it with a diverter tube, which will come with the unit.
This will create a bypass in the water line so that the antifreeze will not go
into the fi lter assembly.
•
Turn on the water pump and allow it to run to clear all water from lines. Turn
off the water pump.
•
Open all low point and water tank drains.
•
Open the water heater cover and remove the water heater drain plug
located on the lower front side of the water heater (see photo).
•
Hook an air hose to the city water connection located in the termination
compartment. Blow out the water lines (do not exceed 55 P.S.I.) until no
more water can be seen coming out of the lines. Pause for several
seconds and repeat until clear.
Put nontoxic RV antifreeze in the drains, p-traps, and water tanks.
If you do not have access to an air compressor, you may use the “wet” method
of winterization.
•
After you have completely drained all the tanks, water heater and lines by
opening the low point drains and switching the water heater bypass valves
to the bypass position (if equipped-see page 67), close the low point,
water tank and the water heater drains.
WINTERIZATION
PROCEDURES
Water Heater Drain Plug