Last month when we put the TT in storage, I must have hit the bypass valve to divert water from entering the Hot water tank..
So last night, I went to winterize it.. I flipped up the bed and (What I thought was ) hitting the bypass.. ( I actually opened it) not thinking I already closed it when I put it away..
So to make a long story short, there probably is about .5 gallons of antifreeze in it.. ( Along with the rest of the water system). Should I just leave it or drain it? I figured no harm can be done, I have to flush the system in the spring anyways? Right?
2005 Ford Expedition XLT (The Gas Guzzler)
2011 Nissan Sentra SR (The Gas Saver)
1999 Sunline Saturn T24
1 Wife
3 Kids
1 Dog!
It has been my experience that getting the anti-freeze out of the hot water tank can be somewhat of a challenge. It seems to soak into lime coating the inside of the tank, and stays there. When you sanitize with bleach, it will help get it out. You might try vinegar in the water heater to help dissolve the lime, and remove the anti-freeze. I had RVs long ago that did not have the bypass valve(s), and I had this problem every year of ownership. That was one reason I quit using the anti-freeze and started just draining and blowing out the lines.
Now that the stuff is in there, it doesn't seem to me it will make much difference if you leave it or drain it now, the tank is contaminated, and flushing it will be a chore. But, it CAN be done.
Good luck.
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
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Totally disagree that there will be any problem. I had a TT for several years with no WH bypass so just filled the entire system including WH with pink antifreeze. In spring just drained and flushed a couple of times and no worries or residue.
lime coating in the water heater tank?? never heard of it. I don't think the manufacturers put lime in the tank so it must come from the local water source. when you dewinterize just use a strong mixture of bleach and water and let it set for few hours and rinse the heck out of it. you should be OK.
I always put a little antifreeze in my water heater tank so I am sure the valves and stubs are protected. Never hurt anything yet.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
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