310rl hot water, is there a bypass to winterize the unit

[rodgers48]

Last year I winter my 310rl and took 13 gal, it filled the 12 gal hot water heater. I’ve been winterizing for 40 years and this is stupid. Why didn’t the manufacturer explain this in the manual.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Do you not have the "Winterize" label on your panel? This video from Alliance will also help.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Last year I winter my 310rl and took 13 gal, it filled the 12 gal hot water heater. I’ve been winterizing for 40 years and this is stupid. Why didn’t the manufacturer explain this in the manual.

Once you drain your water heater turn the bypass valve in the rats nest behind the Nautilus board and then you wont have to worry about it waisting antifreeze.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Once you drain your water heater turn the bypass valve in the rats nest behind the Nautilus board and then you wont have to worry about it waisting antifreeze.

Eh? The "Winterize" setting will bypass water heater tank. No reason to get behind the Nautilus panel to do that. The red handle is the water heater bypass.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Eh? The "Winterize" setting will bypass water heater tank. No reason to get behind the Nautilus panel to do that. The red handle is the water heater bypass.

Did not know that? Do you blow out your system with air first or do you just run the lines until anti freeze comes out?

Thanks.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Did not know that? Do you blow out your system with air first or do you just run the lines until anti freeze comes out?

Thanks.

Yes...step one...drain water heater. Step 2...open low points and open valves (hot and cold). Step 3...close valves and blow out each valve, one at a time. Step 4...pump in antifreeze. Now, I hold off on antifreeze for the most part, as the blown out lines do the job. I do put antifreeze in all the p-traps. Now, when it was -5 degrees 2 years ago, I did put in antifreeze. Honestly, here in Central Oregon it doesn't stay under freezing for over 24hrs for many days straight. I do have a heater in my battery bay that runs on timer when temps are low.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Yes...step one...drain water heater. Step 2...open low points and open valves (hot and cold). Step 3...close valves and blow out each valve, one at a time. Step 4...pump in antifreeze. Now, I hold off on antifreeze for the most part, as the blown out lines do the job. I do put antifreeze in all the p-traps. Now, when it was -5 degrees 2 years ago, I did put in antifreeze. Honestly, here in Central Oregon it doesn't stay under freezing for over 24hrs for many days straight. I do have a heater in my battery bay that runs on timer when temps are low.

How long does it take to pressurize the system with your air compressor? the empty 100 gallon water tank takes a while to pressurize?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

How long does it take to pressurize the system with your air compressor? the empty 100 gallon water tank takes a while to pressurize?

run your compressor at 35-40 PSI...no more!! There is no pressurization time...once you hit it with air it flows to an open faucet. The water heater is only 12 gallons, so it will pressurize quickly (put drain plug back in from step #1).

In the "Winterize" mode, you will not be filling the fresh tank with air, that was drained earlier. The "Winterize" mode will only send air through the lines, bypassing the tanks. If you decide to skip using antifreeze, you will need to remove the filter basket from water pump to allow water in pump to drain. Using the antifreeze method, used the water pump, so that is protected when using antifreeze.

 

[George]

I would encourage you to look up the Nautilus User Instructions for your panel. It's probably the P4 flavor like in my 310RL.
The first attachment here describes the knob functions.
The 2nd one looks overwhelming but just concentrate on one function at a time. The upper right is the "Winterize"function.
Update: I just added the User manual here. https://alliancervowners.com/forum/resources/nautilus-p4-panel.60/

 

[rodgers48]

I would encourage you to look up the Nautilus User Instructions for your panel. It's probably the P4 flavor like in my 310RL.
The first attachment here describes the knob functions.
The 2nd one looks overwhelming but just concentrate on one function at a time. The upper right is the "Winterize"function.
Update: I just added the User manual here. https://alliancervowners.com/forum/resources/nautilus-p4-panel.60/

The valve on the nautilus is broken for the winterizing, put in a bypass valve to solve the problem.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Yes...step one...drain water heater. Step 2...open low points and open valves (hot and cold). Step 3...close valves and blow out each valve, one at a time. Step 4...pump in antifreeze. Now, I hold off on antifreeze for the most part, as the blown out lines do the job. I do put antifreeze in all the p-traps. Now, when it was -5 degrees 2 years ago, I did put in antifreeze. Honestly, here in Central Oregon it doesn't stay under freezing for over 24hrs for many days straight. I do have a heater in my battery bay that runs on timer when temps are low.

Thanks
will the low point drains need to be blown out with air as well?

 

[BryanValRox]

Thanks
will the low point drains need to be blown out with air as well?

Rider, personally I open the low point drains first and then start the blow down process through the city water connection on the panel. (Water Heater all ready drained via the anode rod and panel set to bypass)

I will close them after water stops, and then go around to each faucet and spray point and toilet, one at a time to ensure water is expelled.

Also like OC said, don’t forget to drain that water pump strainer basket and housing, if you don’t plan on adding antifreeze. Also, don’t forget the washer if you have one.