winterizing

[jontom]

I've seen it said not to allow antifreeze in water heater. why specifically? is there some potential damage that would occur if some antifreeze did enter heater and then was cleaned and disinfected in the spring with bleach?
thanks for anybody's help

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by jontom

I've seen it said not to allow antifreeze in water heater. why specifically? is there some potential damage that would occur if some antifreeze did enter heater and then was cleaned and disinfected in the spring with bleach?
thanks for anybody's help

It has to do with corroding the anode. You can put antifreeze in the hot water heater if you desire but you need a 3/4" plug in lieu of anode. Bear in mind that if you fill the hot water heater it would be 6 gallons of antifreeze. To save the antifreeze and hassle of flushing it out in the spring most users bypass the hot water heater with the valves that Escape includes in the piping design. My note on the annotated diagram about bypass valves being "opposite" was when I was helping an owner troubleshoot a valve installed incorrectly.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post360678

[jadams]

Thanks for the detailed pics! Really helpful

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by jadams

Thanks for the detailed pics! Really helpful

No problem. I wanted an excuse to post that HWH flow graphic again.

[jontom]

Thanks, it's potential anode damage. I don't allow much into tank before I put in bypass, but I do allow a little- just to make sure I get antifreeze everywhere, then let it drain out and loosely reinstall anode, rinse out well in spring then include hw tank in the bleach disinfect process. the 3/4" plug is a good idea. My real concern is there possible damage to tank itself with a little laying in the bottom thru winter, and also with bleach in there for up to a day?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by jontom

Thanks, it's potential anode damage. I don't allow much into tank before I put in bypass, but I do allow a little- just to make sure I get antifreeze everywhere, then let it drain out and loosely reinstall anode, rinse out well in spring then include hw tank in the bleach disinfect process. the 3/4" plug is a good idea. My real concern is there possible damage to tank itself with a little laying in the bottom thru winter, and also with bleach in there for up to a day?

There will be hardly any water left in the tank after draining and what is in there has plenty of room for expansion if it freezes but if you are more comfortable with a little bit of antifreeze in there I respect that. Just flush real good in the spring.

[jadams]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

No problem. I wanted an excuse to post that HWH flow graphic again.

As a newer forum member I've noticed there's a certain seasonality to some specific topics. This is good for this sweet graphic and your desire to post it. I look forward to seeing it from time to time.

[HABBERDABBER]

I drain my water heater after every outing. I leave the anode out and with a bent coat hanger or dowel, I insert a strip of old bath towel into it, leaving 4"-6" outside the opening. Capillary action will wick out any remaining water, and I usually also pick up any deposits from the tank.


No issues of things getting into the water heater while I do this, and I've left the towel strip in place for long periods.