Winterizing and Water Check Valve

[Keebler]

I've seen this posted here before, but wanted to discuss this again, as this is the time of year many are winterizing.

After draining all of the water from my low point drains and hot water heater, I proceeded to winterize my RV.

I set all of the levers on my Nautilus panel to WINTERIZE mode, connected my short hose to the fill port, with the other end into my antifreeze container.

I turned on the outdoor spray nozzle handle, could hear the pump working, but no spray from the hose. For some reason, the siphon would not start. Fortunately, a fellow camper suggested checking the water check valve. So I removed the short hose, pulled the screen, and simply pushed the valve to feel it opening and closing.

Reconnected the hose and tried again; the pink stuff immediately started spraying.

Super easy fix... if you know about it.

Just posting this as a reminder for anyone that has the same frustration.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Per Grand Design, you don't want to push that valve if there is pressure in the system. Just a FWIW.

 

[Keebler]

Per Grand Design, you don't want to push that valve if there is pressure in the system. Just a FWIW.

Thanks for the precaution. Is it safe to say that with no city water connected, pump off, and the outdoor spray nozzle open (or what ever faucet you are using); the system would be safely depressurized?

 

[Ynot4me2]

Thanks for the precaution. Is it safe to say that with no city water connected, pump off, and the outdoor spray nozzle open (or what ever faucet you are using); the system would be safely depressurized?

That's correct.

 

[Soundsailor]

I've seen this posted here before, but wanted to discuss this again, as this is the time of year many are winterizing.

After draining all of the water from my low point drains and hot water heater, I proceeded to winterize my RV.

I set all of the levers on my Nautilus panel to WINTERIZE mode, connected my short hose to the fill port, with the other end into my antifreeze container.

I turned on the outdoor spray nozzle handle, could hear the pump working, but no spray from the hose. For some reason, the siphon would not start.

Interesting, I just finished my winterizing and had no trouble getting the pink stuff to pump. Maybe it was because I'd just blown out the lines using the city water inlet. That may have had a similar effect to manually manipulating the check valve.

 

[Keebler]

Interesting, I just finished my winterizing and had no trouble getting the pink stuff to pump. Maybe it was because I'd just blown out the lines using the city water inlet. That may have had a similar effect to manually manipulating the check valve.

I've never had an issue in the past. May be a coincidence, but I did notice that my replaceable cartridge water filter (this is after the fill connection and check valve) was quite dirty; as was the screen in front of the check valve. So, I suspect this may have been part of my issue. I thought I didn't need those water filters that sit outside, because I have this really nice cartridge filter built in. Yes, I will start using the out side filter that will be in front of the camper's water connection and the check valve.

 

[Wileykid]

Per Grand Design, you don't want to push that valve if there is pressure in the system. Just a FWIW.

BTDT. You don't get that wet..lol

 

[Hoopy Frood]

BTDT. You don't get that wet..lol

It's not the wet they're concerned with, supposedly, and I have read agreement, it can cause damage to the system. I don't know what, but that's what I've read.

 

[CoChris-MGRV]

It's not the wet they're concerned with, supposedly, and I have read agreement, it can cause damage to the system. I don't know what, but that's what I've read.

It can blow out an O ring/seal. Very easy to lose it/not notice it missing. Then it will not seal.

Chris

 

[Keebler]

Has me thinking that this may be an item worth adding to the spare parts bin. For $18, i'd be really glad to have it on hand. https://www.amazon.com/RecPro-Camper-Motorhome-Trailer-Marine/dp/B017MONLP2/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlYDjlYGz-wIV1t7ICh0RZwvKEAAYASAAEgKpvfD_BwE&hvadid=409908755511&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9009979&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4710796104263822790&hvtargid=kwd-350432749118&hydadcr=7526_11322550&keywords=rv%2Bcity%2Bwater%2Binlet%2Bcheck%2Bvalve&qid=1668612295&sr=8-4&th=1

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Best to check first and make sure that the threaded end is compatible with the Nautilus system.

 

[Rob+Kath]

Per Grand Design, you don't want to push that valve if there is pressure in the system. Just a FWIW.

I happen to know someone that did that. As Wileykid said, it's not much water (maybe a cup or less). The force is what will get you, especially if your face is in there trying to look.
It was quite a surprise, so I've heard.
Rob

 

[timlisajax]

So, a question for the experts out there.

Am in the process of winterizing and following the Nautilus instructions. Have the settings for "winterize." The pump is pulling the anti-freeze and the toilet and shower all run pink when the valves are open. Both hot and cold run pink in the shower. Also, the washer hot and cold run pink in the closet.

I go to open the bathroom sink hot and cold faucet - nothing. Same thing for the kitchen sink. Nothing. There is no air pressure sound, drips or anything.

I don't believe any of the lines are ruptured anywhere cause it seems to me that the pump would run non stop if there was a break in the line.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[timlisajax]

Found out my issue. The aerator in both faucets was clogged with sediment. Easy fix. Something to be aware of if there is no water or limited flow out of the faucets.

 

[IBEW Sparky]

Found out my issue. The aerator in both faucets was clogged with sediment. Easy fix. Something to be aware of if there is no water or limited flow out of the faucets.View attachment 43859

That's a lot of crud in those aerators! Are you not using a filter on your water supply line? If you are using a filter right at the campground water source and still get this amount of crud then I would be cleaning or replacing the water hose!

 

[Malco1]

Interesting, I just finished my winterizing and had no trouble getting the pink stuff to pump. Maybe it was because I'd just blown out the lines using the city water inlet. That may have had a similar effect to manually manipulating the check valve.

I did the same thing, except I couldn't get the antifreeze to pump in. I am standing wonder why, then if hits me I had to open up al int to let the air pressure out.

 

[Gronk1]

Opening the low point drains releases the pressure in the system. I do this every time I start to winterize & when breaking camp to switch over to tank water.
Also when winterizing I turn the screen around on the fill port before pumping antifreeze...just remember to turn the screen back to its regular position.

 

[timlisajax]

That's a lot of crud in those aerators! Are you not using a filter on your water supply line? If you are using a filter right at the campground water source and still get this amount of crud then I would be cleaning or replacing the water hose!

I use a filter at the water source and change it out twice a year. We just returned from a 2.5 month trip and stayed in 30 campgrounds so that may have something to do with it also. And my guess is when I put air to the lines to winterize, it blew the sediment to the aerators and jammed them up. Lesson learned - will check the aerators more often.

 

[Ed Cisek]

This same thing happened to me in winterizing my 5th Wheel. But, please tell me, where is the Water Check Valve located?

 

[Hoopy Frood]

This same thing happened to me in winterizing my 5th Wheel. But, please tell me, where is the Water Check Valve located?

Directly behind the inlet water screen. Be sure to relieve all pressure from the system before you press the check valve.