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washing machine

Yahoo Message Number: 77702
am new to c.c. have a 2000 intriuge, and was wondering how to prepare washing mach. for storage in freezing weather? thanks in advance...chuck from s.d.

Re: washing machine

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77704
When you are running the pink stuff through the faucets just start the washing machine to run long enough to get the pink stuff into the Washer. If you have a dishwasher you should do the same for it also. Before using either appliance you will need to run them for 1-2 cycles to clean out the pink stuff.

Drew 2006 Intrigue 12066

Re: washing machine

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77706
Chuck, I know it's a hassle but I followed my hoses to the bathroom and disconnected them (down wind from the washing machine) from the value.
It takes me less than 3 mins to do this and I have no worry about the water freezing that is in them.

Dave
07 Country Coach Allure 430 #31495 12 Jeep GC Toad Mountains of So Cal


Dave & Jodi
2007 CC Allure 40’ Tag #31495
2012 Jeep GC
Big Bear Lake, Ca & Henderson, Nev
 

Re: washing machine

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77708
Chuck - The recommended procedure is to pump propylene glycol (non-toxic w/GRAS rating) through the plumbing systems. It's known as "RV" anti-freeze and available in gallons from many purveyors. This product will actually freeze when it gets very cold. But, unlike pure water, it will freeze to a slurry and won't exert any bursting forces. Because the plumbing system's volume may have "traps", the idea is to purge all the water with anti-freeze. Anti-freeze will flow into every part of the volume just like the water it's replacing. That's the theory anyway. It's important to cycle the washer to make sure that the anti-freeze does, in fact, enter all the cavities and push out the pure water. Anti-freeze is colored so you'll know when it's flowing pure at 100% strength.
If you used compressed air, there is a chance small amounts of water will puddle somewhere in the machine when you think you've blown out all the water. If that puddling is in the solenoid valve bodies, fittings or other rigid plumbing connections they may freeze and break. It only takes a couple of teaspoons of water in the wrong place to bust something. Busting something would at least reveal itself with a leak. Consider other parts that might have just been weakened. They could break later on and create a HUGE mess.
You'll need a pump capable of 40-50 PSI and some sort of feed reservoir to get the anti-freeze into the plumbing. The most obvious place to inject is right through your city water connection. I'd add that the issues you face with your washer are the same ones you'll likely face with the plumbing in your bus at large. Anywhere there is water becomes a potential for bursting damage. You want to ensure you replace any (and all) water with anti-freeze. That to include small items like the ice maker, if you have one.
If you are unsure about the anti-freeze, it's a good idea to pour some in a cup and put it in your freezer with a thermometer. Anything that has the letters "RV" on the label is suspicious for poor quality. Be careful!! See what happens and make sure the product behaves as expected. Others may have differing advice on this subject and/or be able to provide more specific details. Don't forget about your tanks either. The drain valve on your water tank and Santi-Flush plumbing (if you are so equipped) contain water (for example) but aren't connected to the main plumbing system. Good luck and I hope this helps you avoid problems, failures and expensive repairs. It's good to invest the time up front and do the job thoroughly.

At 07:01 AM 2/29/2012, you wrote: