I been doing this for more than 20 years with a bunch of different campers and RV's and up until last year I never had a problem doing this. You would think after doing something that many times one would know just how to do it and not mess it up.
Last year, we hosted at a campground right up until the snow plows started running so to say I was rushed to winterize the RV was an understatement. So I was not sure just what I did but It took almost 8 gals. of anti-freeze to get the job done. I didn't know why it keep coming out the HWT (hot water tank) drain but did so I caught what a could and saved maybe 4 of the 8 gals. Like I said time was against me I just had to get-er- done!
This year. We ended early. So I had lots of time. So I got my normal 2 gals and started the chore. I put the HWT in by-pass but the anti-freeze just came out again like last time. Now I thinking, " How does a By-Pass Valve Go Bad?"
So before I start pulling out the tools... I pull out the book(s). Thinking maybe I burned out a brain cell and not a the valve. I check the books. I look here on the forum, I look on You-tube, No my cells are fine, must be the valve ... I guess I got a project for the morning....
I am sure by now the most of you know what is going on here. But the answer was nowhere to be found and that is the reason I am writing this out, My Daddy always said if you got a problem and if you have the time, Sleep on it, It may solve itself.
It was about 4-AM when I woke you and had my answer. The by-Pass Valve was fine. It was indeed stopping the water (ant-freeze) from going into the HWT's inlet side of the tank. it was sending the anti-freeze to all the hot water lines BUT also through line connected to the OUT-let side of the HWT and therefore letting the ant-freeze come in the "backdoor" of the tank.
The fix was simple. The same thing I did for years in the past (everyone should do) .... DRAIN THE HOT WATER TANK LAST, BUT not where does anyone say that. The do it. But they never say " Do Not Drain the Tank Until the Last Step!? and here is...
why.... With the HWT full of water, There is no room for anti-freeze to enter the tank so it just go through the hot water lines.
So my Rant is over... I hope you all had a good laugh. My hope is that a "New B" or 20 year rookie will see/read this and save she/him self some grief .
Stay Safe !
Cburg
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