Winterizing 2019 Micro Minnie 1700BH without WH Bypass?

[rantcliff]

My (new to me) 2019, 1700BH does not have heater bypass valves. Do I run the antifreeze through the heater?

Thanks

[be happy]

I would have never thought there was a heater without bypass until I looked the towabales up. Heres the pasted copy from owners manual

Systems Without Water Heater Bypass
1. Pour antifreeze approved for RV freshwater
systems in the gravity fill to freshwater
holding tank. Depending on the capacity of
the water heater in the trailer, the amount of
antifreeze used should be 7-12 gallons.
2. Turn the water pump to “ON” and pump fluid
through the entire freshwater system.
3. Low point petcock drains may be opened
briefly to ensure that the entire system
contains antifreeze.
4. Open all faucets and remove drain stops.
5. Be certain to complete the freshwater
sanitizing procedures before using the
freshwater system for cooking, drinking,


Just in case you do not have the manual, which is really generic
https://winnebago.com/owners/owner-r...r-manuals/2019

[rantcliff]

Should I think about installing a HW bypass system? Or should this process work just fine>

[reeman]

Don't forget to flush the toilet until the antifreeze comes out! I paid the price for missing this step and it is not pleasant. The valve is the first thing to crack. Also the shower both indoor and out. In your case I would first put in the antifreeze so that all the cold water valves are charged with antifreeze, then close the cold water valves which will hold the antifreeze in the pipes. Then drain only the hot water system by opening all hot valves and draining the heater.
Most likely there is low point drains somewhere. Mine are accessed under the bed beside the wet bath. Both these valves should be opened and the cold should have antifreeze come out in a charging process the same as all the other cold water lines. The hot should then be opened and allowed to drain.
Essentially because you do not have a hot tank bypass, which is a little strange, the only way to be safe for cold storage is to completely drain the hot water lines and leave them dry. Using RV anti freeze in the hot would require a huge amount and then one would absolutely need to purge the system big time in the spring because one certainly does not want to heat up RV antifreeze in a hot water tank! A recipe for disaster to say the very least.

[be happy]

The process will work fine. The only reason for a bypass is the cost of antifreeze to fill the heater. My coach takes between 3-4 gal. to winterize. By the time I open and close all the values making sure there is antifreeze in every little nook and cranny.

If I did not have a bypass I would be filling the water heater up with 10 gal of antifreeze, thats just going to sit there. Granted the cost of antifreeze is way cheaper than fixing a frozen pipe or value. One money saving tip maybe when draining the wh in spring try saving the 6+ gals of antifreeze.

Putting in a bypass would require being able to access the back of the heater. If thats possible then bypass maybe doable. Look at some plumbing diagrams to see how it could be accomplished before hand.

Good Luck

[Grapehound]

As Be Happy says, you need to be able to access the hot water heater's plumbing. If you can, they sell bypass kits to use to plumb in valves to isolate the hot water heater from the rest of the system so that you can drain the heater, then close the valves to keep it empty while you pump pink antifreeze through the rest of the lines.

If I had this situation (no bypass), and I could not access the hot water heater's plumbing, I would be tempted to empty the hot water heater then replace the anode rod and blow air through each faucet until no more water comes out, inluding kitchen sink (both hot and cold) bathroom sink (h & c), shower (h & C), and outdoor shower (h & c).

Many people winterize with an air compressor and use no antifreeze. They swear by it. Just be sure not to use air pressure over 40-45 PSI.

Pour pink antifreeze in the drain traps and you should be good.

[RonW58]

That’s the way I do it, much easier!

[rantcliff]

Do you know where to get such a bypass kit?

[RonW58]

Any good rv supply store should have bypass valves. Does your WH not have valve? Your fresh water pump should have a 3 way valve and a hose to stick in the antifreeze bottle, much easier and less antifreeze than dumping it in your fresh water tank. I did the antifreeze the 1st year (2021) we bought our trailer, but have blown the lines out withy air compressor every since, much easier. Ron

[rantcliff]

Yes, the pump has a three way valve. However, there is no bypass valves on the water heater. The instructions say to use 7 gallons of antifreeze if you do not have a bypass (i.e. fill up the water heater with antifreeze). Well, I found a heater bypass kit on Amazon and it will be here tomorrow.