Contents:
• Excerpts of Manual: Plumbing System
• Storage and Winterization Checklist (link to PDF)
• General Maintenance Guideline Checklist (link to PDF)

Plumbing System

Water Heater

The water heater installed is typically a 10- or 25-gallon unit. Dependant upon the model installed, the water heater can be gas, gas/electric or electric. For specific water heater instructions, please consult the Owner's Manual provided by the manufacturer. Ensure the water heater is filled prior to turning on the power and/or operating, since this will result in the burnout of the element.

Care & Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the water heater relies on inspection and awareness. (Full maintenance requirements are listed within the manufacturer's user manual.) A qualified technician should do any repairs that are required. On gas heaters, if soot is present anywhere, immediately shut down the unit and contact a qualified service technician. Soot is a sign of incomplete combustion and must be corrected before operating the water heater.

Pressure Relief Valve – Weeping or Dripping

The water heater is equipped with a relief valve designed to open when the water temperature is too high or excessive pressure has built up. In these circumstances, the relief valve will open and water will drip from the valve. The valve will close automatically once the situation corrects itself. If dripping is continuous, it would indicate a malfunctioning or defective valve.

Draining for Non-Use or Winterization

When not using for long periods or storing for the winter months, the water heater must be drained to avoid damage by freezing during the winter months and/or deterioration from mineral content in the water supply.

To drain the tank:

• Turn off power to the water heater at the switch or main breaker, on electric or gas/electric units.
• Shut off the gas supply.
• Open all fixtures, both hot and cold, throughout the unit.
• Place the by-pass valve (if equipped) in the "by-pass" position.
• Remove/open the exterior access door to the water heater.
• On 10 gallon RV models, remove the anode rod from the tank. Water will drain out of the tank.
• On 25 gallon water heaters without an outside door and anode tube, a garden hose must be attached to the shut-off valve, located at the bottom of the water heater, to drain the water from the tank.

By-Pass Kit (optional)

The by-pass allows easier winterization of the unit and drainage of the hot water heater. The by-pass is installed between the cold water inlet and the hot water outlet. It allows for the blockage of water into the water heater, saving time and the amount of antifreeze needed during winterization (see diagram below).

Diagram 1: Normal Operation
(Also for blowing out lines with compressed air for preparation to winterize.)

Valve No. 1 (hot water outlet) to be fully open
Valve No. 3 (cold water inlet) to be fully open
Valve No. 2 (bypass link) closed to restrict flow.
Arrows indicate direction of water flow.
Shaded areas indicate pipes not in use.

Diagram 2: Addition of Antifreeze to Winterize

Valve No. 1 (hot water outlet) to be closed
Valve No. 3 (cold water inlet) to be closed
Valve No. 2 (bypass link) fully opened
When lines are filled with antifreeze, slightly open valve no. 1 to allow some antifreeze into the water heater, then close valve no. 1 fully.
Arrows indicate direction of water flow.
Shaded areas indicate pipes not in use.

Winterization

If uncertain or unfamiliar with the winterization process as outlined in this manual, please consult your dealer. Information is provided for winterization, however we still strongly recommend the utilization of an experienced dealer.

Protection of the plumbing system and related components from the effects of freezing is crucial. Damages due to weather are not covered under warranty at any time. Many owners choose to have their unit winterized by the dealer, while others choose to do it themselves.
The following is a description of the procedures for winterizing your unit using compressed air:

1. Purchase 1-2 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze. (Without a by-pass kit, an additional 6-10 gallons of antifreeze will be required.)
2. Turn off water supply.
3. Turn off fuel supply (hydro and/or gas) to the water heater.
4. Turn water heater by-pass valve to "by-pass" position. (The by-pass valve is located near the water heater's incoming lines.)
5. Drain water heater.
6. If installed, remove water filter from assembly and discard. Install diverter if included.
7. Open all faucets including showerhead sprayer, toilet flushing device and any other closed water lines. Remove water from toilet tank and bowl.
8. Connect an air hose with an adapter to the water fill connection.
9. Set the pressure at no greater than 30 pounds and blow out the water lines until no water is coming out of the fixtures and lines.
10. Pour RV antifreeze fluid into drains, p-traps and toilets.
11. Prop up the toilet valve or floater so that the water supply to the tank is closed.
12. With all the faucets still open, pour antifreeze using a funnel and hose with an adapter, into the kitchen tap.
13. Use the air hose, at no greater than 30 pounds pressure, to circulate the antifreeze through the lines.
14. Have a second person close the tap as the antifreeze starts to come out of the tap.
15. Once antifreeze has reached all water outlets, turn off the air pressure and re-open all taps.

De-Winterizing

If the unit has been winterized, the plumbing system must be flushed and sanitized prior to use. Do not attempt to turn on the water heater if the system is winterized.

Perform the following procedures prior to operating the water heater or use the plumbing system:

1. Turn off all taps (left open during winterization).
2. Turn on water supply.
   
3. Prepare a chlorine bleach solution of 1/4 cup of bleach for one gallon of water and pour it into all drains and toilet bowl.
4. Turn on one tap at a time until water comes out steady without any air.
5. Fill water heater before turning on fuel supply.
6. If unit has a water filter, install a new filter at this time.

Waste Water System

Waste water is divided into two categories: black water and grey water. The term black water refers to waste flushed down a toilet and stored in a separate tank, referred to as a black water tank. Grey water is waste water from the sinks, tub and shower drains, and is stored in a grey water tank. Waste tanks empty through a single outlet, but a separate valve controls each tank.

The dump valve should remain closed even if connected to an exterior sewer hook up. For proper dumping, empty tanks only when they are near full. The idea is to send a large volume of water through the tanks and hose at the same time to assist the solid waste in the flushing system.

Perform the following procedures when dumping a waste tank system:

1. Remove the termination outlet cap.
2. Connect the sewer hose by turning clockwise, locking the end levers over the termination end.
3. Place the other end of the sewer hose into an approved dump station inlet.
4. Open the black tank terminator and drain.
5. Open the grey tank terminator and drain.
6. Close termination valves.
7. Disconnect sewer hose and store.
8. Replace termination outlet cap.
9. Add chemical deodorant/breakdown agent approved for RV use.

After the sewage tank has been emptied, close the gate valves and put approximately 5 gallons of water into the sewage holding tank. This will help prevent solids from building up. The addition of a deodorizing agent will prevent odours.