Winterizing my water systems

[TwoBallScrewBall]

I have the following systems on my boat:<br /><br />1. Raw water washdown / baitwell (same pump with a diverter valve for one or the other)<br /><br />2. Fresh water washdown with water pressure pump, transom shower, and sink in cabin. <br /><br />3. Marine vaccu-flush head head with holding tank and raw water intake for flushing mechanism.<br /><br />I know what to do with my engine and water pressure/speedo tubes for the winter, but can anyone give some guidance on the best way to drain and protect these other systems?<br /><br />Thanks!!!

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Winterizing my water systems

What I do is remove the water intake hoses from the thru hull and turn on the "unit" whether it is the head, reverse cycle heat/ac...whatever, so that the antifreeze is drawn through the pump and driven through the lines, winterizing the entire system. On my boat, I can get the intake hose into the jug of antifreeze after removing it from the thru hull. I have had others where I had to use a funnel stuffed into the hose and pour antifreeze into the funnel while the unit ran.<br /><br />Be sure and pour a couple of cups down any sink drains to protect the p-traps. I also throw a gallon in the bilge and run the bilge pump to protect it.