Sanitizing 2022 Solitude

[KChalfant]

Just purchased a 2022 Solitude 310 GK and will be taking it out for the first time in a few weeks. I’ve read the manual and Nautilus P4 manual regarding sanitizing the plumbing system, but am a bit confused. Hoping someone can clarify a few points:

1. Every video I’ve watched re: sanitizing states the water heater should be bypassed. However, the Nautilus manual has the red handle in non-bypass mode for sanitizing. I assume this is because the 2022 Solitudes have the on demand water heater, so there is no need to bypass? However, I also assume the Nautilus P4 system could be installed on an RV with a tank water heater vs a tankless, so why would the sanitizing mode just show not to bypass the water heater?

2. The Nautilus manual does, however, show to bypass the water heater for winterization. Seems odd to me you wouldn’t bypass the water heater for sanitizing, but would bypass for winterization, unless by blowing out the tankless water heater with air, there simply is no need to run antifreeze through it.

If anyone can add any insight or clarification, it would be greatly appreciated.

[FT4NOW]

Welcome to the forum. The main difference is sanitize is meant to sanitize the fresh water tank and winterize is meant to winterize the entire system (water lines and fixtures).

On sanitize mode the blue valve is vertical which directs water to the fresh water tank.

On winterize mode the blue valve is horizontal and directs water to the system.

Bypassing the water heater prevents antifreeze from entering the water heater, but because of the flow path, the water heater won't receive flow when on sanitize mode.

If you look at the P4 manual, there is a description of what each valve does.

[KChalfant]

Sanitizing 2022 Solitude
Just purchased a 2022 Solitude 310 GK and will be taking it out for the first time in a few weeks. I’ve read the manual and Nautilus P4 manual regarding sanitizing the plumbing system, but am a bit confused. Hoping someone can clarify a few points:

1. Every video I’ve watched re: sanitizing states the water heater should be bypassed. However, the Nautilus manual has the red handle in non-bypass mode for sanitizing. I assume this is because the 2022 Solitudes have the on demand water heater, so there is no need to bypass? However, I also assume the Nautilus P4 system could be installed on an RV with a tank water heater vs a tankless, so why would the sanitizing mode just show not to bypass the water heater?

2. The Nautilus manual does, however, show to bypass the water heater for winterization. Seems odd to me you wouldn’t bypass the water heater for sanitizing, but would bypass for winterization, unless by blowing out the tankless water heater with air, there simply is no need to run antifreeze through it.

If anyone can add any insight or clarification, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Second Chance]

In the case of an on-demand water heater, I don't think it would make much difference one way or the other. The heater exchanger in the on-demand WH doesn't have nearly the volume of a tank style WH. On the other hand, water heaters are basically self-sanitizing since they get hot.

Rob

[FT4NOW]

I think this is a duplicate post, I answered this same post this morning.

[KChalfant]

Thanks, but the last part of your answer isn’t correct. The P4 manual states when the red hand is UP, water goes TO the water heater. The instructions for Sanitizing state the red handle should be facing UP and therefore sending the bleach solution through the water heater. Everything I’ve seen and read says not to put a bleach solution through a water heater.

[FT4NOW]

Thanks, but the last part of your answer isn’t correct. The P4 manual states when the red hand is UP, water goes TO the water heater. The instructions for Sanitizing state the red handle should be facing UP and therefore sending the bleach solution through the water heater. Everything I’ve seen and read says not to put a bleach solution through a water heater.

I don't think I am incorrect. If all the water is diverted to the tank (blue valve) and not the fixtures, you wouldn't be sanitizing the water heater which is why the water heater doesn't need to be bypassed.

We can always agree to disagree if you still think I'm incorrect.

I'm sure you could give GD a call and see what they say, or call the Nautilus manufacturer. I would trust what the manual of the product says.

[Second Chance]

I think this is a duplicate post, I answered this same post this morning.

Duplicate threads merged in the proper sub-forum.

Rob

[KChalfant]

@FT4NOW
I see what you’re saying now. Apologies for my misunderstanding. However, there is a second step to sanitizing that involves operating all faucets in dry camp mode to get the bleach solution through all hoses and fixtures using the water pump. I think this is where the instructions may be missing a step to turn the water heater to bypass when in dry camp mode so you can sanitize all lines without the solution going through the water heater. Does that make sense?

[KChalfant]

Thank you. Just learning how to use this forum