another winterizing question

[mira1]

This my first experience with a macerator pump, after I pump antifreeze through the system should I remove pump as it is mounted under back end of the van exposed to the element even though I got pink antifreeze coming out of pump.
Tks Joe

[Doneworking]

Joe, all I can tell you is that I don't remove mine. I just make sure there is plenty of pink in it. After I empty the tanks, I pour a gallon or more of antifreeze down in the toilet and dry flush it into the black tank. Then, I pump it out through the macerator until it is really pink coming out. I shut down the pump, close all the valves and then pour some more antifreeze into the black tank....half gallon or so.

It seldom gets below the low teens Fahrenheit where I live but it does occasionally get down into single digits. I have never had a problem doing it this way.

I believe this: antifreeze is cheap. The more the better. Some say they can winterize with a couple of gallons and I use four or five. At about $4.00 a gallon at Walmart I figure I am over protecting for less than ten bucks. I consider that cheap insurance.

Others who live in areas with more brutal winters may have a very different answer and I will look forward to reading this thread to learn.

Paul

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Doneworking

Others who live in areas with more brutal winters may have a very different answer and I will look forward to reading this thread to learn.

Note that "more brutal winters" are beside the point. The danger point for freeze damage is just below freezing--that is where the volume of ice is greatest. It is the number of freeze cycles, not the frigidness that is most important (although frigid temps DO make some plastics more brittle).

[rowiebowie]

No need to remove the macerator. The antifreeze is supposed to protect by only freezing to a slush, not hard ice. Just make sure you use enough that it is not diluted significantly with the residual water in your black system.

[Luv2Go]

I'll be the contrarian, if it is easy to get to I'd remove it. Of course I also remove the fresh water pump and use air to winterize as I don't want pink stuff in my fresh water system at all.

[RVokey]

Originally Posted by mira1

This my first experience with a macerator pump, after I pump antifreeze through the system should I remove pump as it is mounted under back end of the van exposed to the element even though I got pink antifreeze coming out of pump.
Tks Joe

I just make sure it pumps pink and the hose is well drained. This for the macerator that is standard with Roadtrek Zion

[Frankshay]

You can sometimes find A/F good to -100* instead of -50.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Luv2Go

I'll be the contrarian, if it is easy to get to I'd remove it. Of course I also remove the fresh water pump and use air to winterize as I don't want pink stuff in my fresh water system at all.

I agree on all counts. I take inside anything that can be removed in less than a minute or two. Far better use of time that mucking up your fresh system with that...stuff.