Winterization

mine is a inch and a 16th... just took it out to drain hot water heater...

Don't forget to winterize the outdoor shower!

With that small an amount of water, expansion while freezing should not be an issue. If the tank were full, then expansion would potentially burst the tank. It is like an ice cube tray. It works because the water can expand upward while it freezes. Likewise with the tank.

For the anode rod, look for Suburban part number 232767, which is the Suburban Magnesium Anode Rod. The magnesium is good for most purposes. With excessively corrosive water where the magnesium rod is consumed too quickly, the aluminum one can be used. Suburban's instructions on the package say that if the magnesium one lasts less than a year, use the aluminum one (part number 232768).

I did put antifreeze in my fresh water tank last year. I did a couple of flushes along with sanitizing with chlorine and then a flush with baking soda. I did not notice any residual taste when I got done. However, I have since made a hatch for easier access to the winterization valve/hose and will not repeat the antifreeze in the fresh water tank. I will drain the tank and then run the pump until all water is purged from the intake line. Then I will change it over and pump antifreeze through the pipes. It should simplify the sanitizing and flushing in the spring.

However, we do have one winter trip planned. I won't use antifreeze in the fresh water pipes until after that trip. I'll use air to blow out the lines since we will add water as we get to the southern portion of our trip.

I don't know. I'd have to do some research on that.