R21-EC Best way to drain fresh water holding tank?

[sheral]

In prep for the upcoming winterization process, I would prefer to not use the electric water pump to pump the fresh water holding tank dry (in prep for adding plumbing antifreeze).

Last year I tried to insert a hose into the tank from the fill spout, but could only get about a gallon out.

Is there a trick to drain it manually? Or is using the electric pump the only way?

 

[Two killicks]

Using the pump is for sure the best way that I can think of, it will not fully empty the tank, because they lean towards the center of the boat enough to hold back about a gallon. (The drain is on the port side) but when adding the antifreeze, it will resolve this issue for the pump internals and pipe anyway. I installed a band strap to hold the tank higher on the starboard side, this way pretty much all of the water but especially the pink stuff will be completely removed in the spring.

Just curious to know why you do not want to use the pump?

 

[S. Todd]

I have heard of others concerned about using the pump too much but I think continuous running of the pump is not that hard on it. It is my understanding that cycling on and off is harder than continuous operation. I always drain my tank with the electric pump and one boat we had for 17 years with the original pump still going strong. Even if you could wear it out the pumps are usually relatively easy to access and are not that expensive.

 

[sheral]

Thanks. Guess my thought about not using the pump to drain is both wear and tear on the pump and on the house battery. I suppose the amount of ‘draw down’ on the battery is negligible. There’s no way to run shore power to the boat at the location I do my winterizing.

Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing some easier way to drain the fresh water tank. If not, I will carry on with the electric pump method. 🙂

 

[Pilotnavigator]

In Canada we get real cold and I don't put anti freeze in the fresh water tank. I remove the pump strainer and clean it out. Leave it off and replace it in the spring. I leave the suction line to the tank off all winter. I previously drained the tank as much as possible with the water pump. This may leave a bit in the tank, but it will freeze just like a ice cube in the freezer. It will expand in the tank but will not harm anything. I have a length of hose with same type of quick connector in the end that I attach to the pump and put the end into a jug of anti freeze. I run the pump for a few seconds until I get clear anti freeze from the tap. Them remove hose and leave the tap open. I don't like anti freeze in the strainer or the tank! In the spring I add two ounces of chlorine bleach to the tank and fill with water. Let it sit for a day. Then pump it out. Refill with water and pump it out. The system is ready for another season.