[C320-list] By passing the water heater

[Rick Sulewski]

John,

I have had no problems removing the antifreeze from the hot water tank by
simply flushing the tank a couple of times each spring using the hot water
drain valve connected to a hose to carry the water to the bilge rather than
flushing the tank through the water tap side which takes a long time to
dilute and remove the antifreeze. I have also sucked out the remaining
antifreeze at the drain side using a shop vac, but really did not notice
much if any difference. I have preferred to spend a couple of dollars each
season using antifreeze rather than to take a chance on having residual
water left in the system given the hard freezes we experience on the Great
Lakes. The problem with the water tank is that even after it is drained,
some 1/2 gallon or more may be left in the tank that may contribute to
freeze stress over time and tank leakage in the spring and then there is the
chance that a line could burst if all of the water is not removed. For my
time and money, antifreeze remains cheap assurance that I am going to
continue to avoid a water system freeze problem (So far so good, after 16
winter layups!) 

Rick
My-Ria #277 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of John Meyers
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 3:42 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] By passing the water heater

I am interested in this too. Last winterization I ran antifreeze into the
hot water tank and and in the spring ran a couple water tanks out the hot
water faucet. We still have antifreeze smell in the hot water out of the
faucet.

So, my question is this. If I drain the hot water tank using the spigit by
the drawers will that drain the tank enough so that I don't need to put in
antifreeze?  Or is there still water in the tank that will freeze and cause
problems?

By the way, I am going to use my air compressor to blow out all the water
lines and pump out any remaining water in the very bottom of the water
tanks. I may even take out the pump to make sure it is waterless.

I still plan to put antifreez in the holding tank and cooling system.

John
Wind Chime
406

On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 3:21 PM, Richard A. Walsh
<walshrichard at msn.com>wrote:

> I know it is only Aug. but I do like to prepare.  Several of my dock mates
> with Catalina 36's by pass their water heater when decommissioning their
> boats for the winter.  I have always just added about 8 gallons of
> anti-freeze and ran it through the system, and the water heater.  Has
anyone
> by passed the water heater?  If so how?  Thanks Rick #709.
>