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Topic: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines? (Read 967 times) previous topic - next topic
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How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
I just recently purchased a 2005 26.5 mid bathroom LD’s. I’d like to winterize the water lines, when our winter temps get into the teens. The seller furnished no manuals or service records. So, i’ll Admit I hear the pump but haven’t been able to find it. Any help would be appreciated. Blessings Macmarty
2005 MB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #1 –
Hi Macmarty.  We have a 2011 mid-bath and I will tell you the location of our water pump.  It may, or may not, be in the same location for your LD.  Look under the cabinet of the kitchen sink to a plastic ? piece that is abutted to the floor.  This piece is just velcroed in place.  Remove this piece and you may find the water pump and lots of wires.  Good luck with winterizing your LD.

BTW, you can try calling the LD factory to see if they have any LD manuals for your year. 
2011 MB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #3 –
Joan,
Thank you, the article you submitted on winterizing the LD days was great. I've used both the blow out and RV antifreeze method on other RV's I’ve owned.  And the select pointers about leaving your fresh water drain partial open were great. I’m still attempting to locate the water pump access on my 2005 26.5 mid bathroom LD.
Thank you again for you for the article and safe travels. Blessings Macmarty

2005 MB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #4 –
"I'm still attempting to locate the water pump access on my 2005 26.5 mid bathroom LD."

On Lazy Daze Mid-bath floor plans, the water pump is in a panel below the cupboard which is beneath the kitchen sink. The electrical center is near the floor beneath the countertop extension. Next to the electric panel is a section of wood grain paneling with a plastic edge; that panel is held in place with velcro. Pull it away from the cabinet and you should see the water pump mounted to the floor.

If it is not there, a previous owner may have relocated it beneath the bathroom sink cabinet. I have read that some owners have moved it there for easier access.

You should be able to verify its location by listening for it when you turn it on. None of them are really silent.

I prefer to not mess around with removing the water pump strainer. I am FAR more confident using the pink RV antifreeze in my winter climate.

Good luck,
Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #5 –
"I  prefer to not mess around with removing the water pump strainer. I am FAR more confident using the pink RV antifreeze in my winter climate."

How you winterize is sort of like "You like tomato and I like tomahto." Both work. I've used compressed air for 17 years and never had a problem. If you don't want to invest in a compressor, then RV antifreeze is a good bet.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #6 –
While we're on the subject....   I have hooked up my LD supplied connecter to the waterline south of my pump (MB) and found the connection is not air tight.   It leaks.   I can fabricate a washer similar to a what is used on a water hose to make a seal, but that is a pain.   What am I missing here?     Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #7 –
Thanks for all the help, I located the water pump.
Macmarty
2005 MB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #8 –
Frank,
What style is the connection and are you using plumbers tape or not?  Pictures can help us see what connection you are referring to and the type of your pipe.

Compression fittings - do not use plumbers tape.

Threaded fittings - use plumbers tape.  Ask 5 experienced plumbers and you will get different answers for the number of times to put the tape around the pipe.  I have heard answers from 1 to 3 or 4 from most long time plumbers.  It depends a little on type of pipe and the specific situation - but in general I do 2-3 depending on the situation, 2 often is a good place to start.  You can try a little more or a little less if you leak - you don't want to bury the threads (the shape of the threads should come thru the threads), but you don't want it so thin that it doesn't fill the space well (I have rarely used only 1 time around the pipe and only in situations when I had a very tight fit).

Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #9 –
Hey Chris,

"I've used compressed air for 17 years and never had a problem. If you don't want to invest in a compressor, then RV antifreeze is a good bet."

Correct me if I am wrong my good friend, but aren't you they guy who ended up with a cracked toilet? O:)

I realize installing a water heater bypass (recommended when using RV antifreeze) in Lazy Dazes is a pain in the posterior. But from reading nearly every post on the LD message boards, the folks who have had damaged plumbing, be it toilet water valves, faucets, water pumps etc., winterized using a blow out method. Maybe they didn't do a thorough enough job? Who knows? I don't think I have heard of anyone who used RV antifreeze have damaged fixtures.

Steve K (I hate plumbing repairs!!)
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #10 –
"Correct me if I am wrong my good friend, but aren't you they guy who ended up with a cracked toilet?"

Yep, but not from blow-out winterizing because there was never any water in the bowl to freeze, just anti-freeze to protect the seal. It was defective from the outset with an invisible hairline crack which over time began to grow, but it didn't leak so I ignored it when I first saw it. Three weeks before the 10 year Dometic warranty was due to expire, I decided to look at the warranty and called Dometic when I saw the expiration date. The rep requested a photo of the crack and they honored the warranty and sent me a new bowl.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #11 –
I usually follow the manual for blowing out the lines, using the factory adaptor. But because I do not have the most level place to work or store the rv I pump some antifreeze (a gal or so) through the filter and pump. Then run the filter canister and pump dry.  This step has the additional advantage of exposing a leak if I didn’t tighten the line to the pump enough after doing the blow out.  The idea is to make the nest get away easier.  We sometimes take a trip south in mid winter and do not use the freshwater system until we are safe from very cold temps. (Think flushing with antifreeze and drinking from bottled water).   
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #12 –
"Then run the filter canister and pump dry."

John, i just blew my lines an hour ago and also ran the pump with a cloth under the spout to pick up last vestiges of water. I noticed today that the filter housing still is about half full despite my efforts. I've done nothing different this 19th time and I've never had a problem in the spring, assuming the filter housing was always left with water in it. I just happened to have direct sunlight on the assembly and noticed it today. Any thoughts? I should probably take the housing apart and drain it.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #13 –
I have never had any luck taking the housing apart.  I remove it and just shake out the water. One year I had a hair line crack in the filter housing.  I don’t know if it was caused by me trying to take it apart or not draining it. So now I don’t mess with plastic that can brake and just fill it with antifreeze to get any water out, then get the sucker as empty as possible on the off chance I have a bad batch of antifreeze.  It sound more difficult than it is. My o7 has the compression fittings and this is real easy to do while I’m lying on the floor. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #14 –
Sorry for the late reply. Watching the Nationals. Hopefully they can sneer away with the series from what is on paper the better team. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #15 –

I take apart all the connections and water pump filter.  I'm a bit surprised at the 'stuff' that gets pass my 'outside' water filter program.  <smile> makes me wonder why I put all the money is that 'high' class water purification.    I do dump all the water including the water heater.    I leave the water values and plug open in the main water tank and hot water heater.  As luck would have it I had to move the LD after this winterized process.  I found there was still water in the tanks as it come out during the move.    I think I'll add moving the LD after winterizing to my process. 

BTW I'm a great believer in using a Water Leak Detector.   

glen

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personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
"Then run the filter canister and pump dry."

John, i just blew my lines an hour ago and also ran the pump with a cloth under the spout to pick up last vestiges of water. I noticed today that the filter housing still is about half full despite my efforts. I've done nothing different this 19th time and I've never had a problem in the spring, assuming the filter housing was always left with water in it. I just happened to have direct sunlight on the assembly and noticed it today. Any thoughts? I should probably take the housing apart and drain it.

Chris
Why the resistance to pink stuff? Blowing out is like driving drunk, you can get away with it a hundred times but eventually things will go bad. The only sure fire way to not get a DUI is dont drive drunk and the only sure fire way not to have a freeze issue is pink stuff.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
Why the resistance to pink stuff? Blowing out is like driving drunk, you can get away with it a hundred times but eventually things will go bad. The only sure fire way to not get a DUI is dont drive drunk and the only sure fire way not to have a freeze issue is pink stuff.

Cost...... 

IMHO if you are going to use the 'pink' stuff it would be cheaper to use a gallon of generic wine. 
1. it probably has a higher alcohol content.
2. can drink what you don't use
3. use it for cooking

glen

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
Cost...... 

IMHO if you are going to use the 'pink' stuff it would be cheaper to use a gallon of generic wine. 
1. it probably has a higher alcohol content.
2. can drink what you don't use
3. use it for cooking

glen


Cost is a legitimate concern for pink stuff but if you install a hot water heater bypass valve  you only need two gallons tops to winterize which is eight bucks. Cheap peace of mind IMO. Nothing like a good nights sleep on those sub zero nights with no time spent laying awake staring into the darkness wondering if you blew out every drop of water.

You may have a good point on gallon jug wine though. LOL
The more i think about it i wonder if its not a viable alternative


Edit: Dont think  it would work.

"Let’s Talk About Storing Alcohol in the Freezer
You can use the freezer to chill bottles of alcohol quickly, but for unopened bottles of wine and beer, be careful: if they freeze, unopened wine and beer bottles may burst from a combination of pressure and expansion of the liquid as it freezes, so limit their time in the freezer. "

The Freezing Points of Wine, Beer & Liquor | Kitchn
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
 
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #19 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
Why the resistance to pink stuff? Blowing out is like driving drunk, you can get away with it a hundred times but eventually things will go bad. The only sure fire way to not get a DUI is dont drive drunk and the only sure fire way not to have a freeze issue is pink stuff.
It's my choice, thank you,

Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
It's my choice, thank you,


No offense meant. Just wondering what your reasons were. Some people think it makes the water taste bad after you get it in your pipes. Maybe they have more sensitive taste buds than I do. Others say its the cost of pink stuff. Friend of mine says the smell makes him nauseous. Some just think blowing is easier.
 I am once again a strict adherent to Murphys law which at times like this stands in stark juxtaposition to my other strict adherence to the KISS principle in which case Murphy trumps KISS.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #21 –
For what’s worth, we use compressed air to winterize.  If we have a brief warm spell, we easily and quickly take off.   Then we’ll winterize again.  During one winter we winterized 3 times.  When Margee helps, we’re done rather quickly.  A larger compressor significantly speeds up the operation.  That’s our story.
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
For what’s worth, we use compressed air to winterize.  If we have a brief warm spell, we easily and quickly take off.   Then we’ll winterize again.  During one winter we winterized 3 times.  When Margee helps, we’re done rather quickly.  A larger compressor significantly speeds up the operation.  That’s our story.
Good point. If you are doing brief intermittent winterizing i can definitely see the draw to blowing.
Another thing comes to mind which would be the hassle of installing a bypass kit which for some reason doesn't come standard on the LD.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
No offense meant. Just wondering what your reasons were. Some people think it makes the water taste bad after you get it in your pipes. Maybe they have more sensitive taste buds than I do. Others say its the cost of pink stuff. Friend of mine says the smell makes him nauseous. Some just think blowing is easier.

Chris lives at altitude in Colorado where the winters can be very cold.
If blowing the lines out with compressed air has worked for 17 years to clear the water lines successfully, I tend to think that he has found a good way to winterize without the pink stuff.  Without antifreeze, there is little to do to reactivate the fresh water system other than filling with fresh water, no need to flush the pink out of the system.
Obviously, there is more than one good way to winterize, pick the methods that works for you.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How do you winterize the LD’s water lines?
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Chris lives at altitude in Colorado where the winters can be very cold.
Obviously, there is more than one good way to winterize, pick the methods that works for you.

Larry

Couldn't agree more. My query was only meant to further the conversation for those in the process of making a decision in which course to choose. IMO blowing is playing with fire but you know what they say about opinions.  I won't repeat it here. LOL

Didn't mean to step on any toes or bruise any egos.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.