Replies

1. 
   Steve_Hansen | Feb 10, 2000 08:53am | #1

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   Thomas,

   I drain the hot water tank in my cabin during the winter months. I don't see rust as a problem but I am concerned that water may syphon out of the tank and into the lines and freeze. I have replaced the plastic drain valve with a full flow ball valve. I turn the pump off and open the kitchen sink valve which is at the end of my lines. Then I open the ball valve on the tank and it sucks allmost all the water out of the lines. With the ball valve in place it only takes a couple of minutes.

   Take care to refill the tank completely before you fire up the burner or turn on the juce.

1. 
   Thomas_K | Feb 10, 2000 11:42pm | #2

   *Steve,Thanks for the tip on the ball valve.Thomas

1. 
   Robert_J_Cotter | Feb 24, 2000 10:00pm | #3

   *Thomas, I have a summer home I close for the winter and I've learned to drain everything. The water-heater may have a glass lining which will not be very forgiving if the water freezes and expands (read: new water-heater). Don't forget the water storage tank and well pump too. I found it easier to take the time to install valves at the key locations..i.e. at the water heater, storage tank and lowest point in the plumbimg. Ball valves are best, but I had some compression valves I used also. Something else you may want to consider is pouring non-toxic antifreeze in all the drains to avoid having the traps freeze and crack the pipes. I've raised my storage tank and well pump on blocks so I can get a 5-gallon bucket underneath the valves for easy draining. I've gotten to the point where it takes about 15 minutes to close the house. Some other tips.. (1) if you have a diverter valve for the shower, open it half-way to drain the existing water from the pipe and leave it that way and (2) flush the toilet to remove the water from the reservoir. Steve's tip on letting the water-heater fill before turning on the juice is an important one not to forget. Good luck.Bob Cotter

2. 
   Thomas_K | Feb 24, 2000 10:00pm | #4

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   When shutting down a house for six to eight months a year, should I drain the water-heater tank or leave the water in the tank to avoid rust?