Alde heating question - Swift Bessacarr

[rnb100]

Hi folks,

Quick question if you don't mind? I've got a 2018 Swift Bessacarr e599 and I've fully drained the water, taps open, etc. There's a wee bit of frost on the windscreen tonight, so I've decided to put the heating on to 10 degrees Centigrade in the motorhome, as someone has planted a seed in my mind about the residual water in the water pump potentially freezing and cracking the pump. Having fell foul of pipework freezing in the campervan last year and having to replace the kitchen tap and water pump, I'm a bit paranoid of it happening in the motorhome.

My question I've got is; Will I damage my heating system by not having any water in the tanks? I've turned the water heat function off and got it on 2kw at 10 degrees running off gas. I'm sure I read on here recently that even with the water heat function turned off, it'll still warm the water. It was just a passing thought and I thought I'd run it by those more experienced than myself.

Thanks in advance.

Arron.

 

[JockandRita]

Will I damage my heating system by not having any water in the tanks?

No, both the Alde and Truma heating systems are designed to provide heat, with or without water in the system.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[rnb100]

Thanks for that JockandRita

Much obliged to you sir.

Cheers,

Arron.

 

[rnb100]

Do you know if the residual water in the water pump is something I should be concerned about?

Cheers,

Arron.

 

[Robert Clark]

When you drain the water from the Alde hot water tank the water in the pump and heating pipes remains.
Furthermore the water in the heating system (and pump) has anti freeze in it, so freezing should not be an issue.

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[Googlebot]

Do you know if the residual water in the water pump is something I should be concerned about?

Cheers,

Arron.

The Alde pump no, it has antifreeze in.

The normal pump, yes, if any water remains it can freeze and crack the pump.

 

[JockandRita]

Do you know if the residual water in the water pump is something I should be concerned about?

If you are referring to the fresh water pump, ie, the Shurflo pump, then yes. With the system drained down, and the pump off, close all the taps except the shower tap, then you can remove the showerhead, and blow out any excess water.

The heating pump is as Robert describes, and is immersed in a header tank with antifreeze mix.

HTH,

Jock.

Edit................... Googlebot beat me to it.

 

[rnb100]

Every day is a school day!!

I'll try that idea with the shower head when I go outside.

Thanks for the information and tips Robert Clark Googlebot JockandRita

It looks like I made the right shout putting the heating on last night, as it was a cold one up my way.

 

[walburga]

If you are referring to the fresh water pump, ie, the Shurflo pump, then yes. With the system drained down, and the pump off, close all the taps except the shower tap, then you can remove the showerhead, and blow out any excess water.

The heating pump is as Robert describes, and is immersed in a header tank with antifreeze mix.

HTH,

Jock.

Hi, are you trying to force the residual water back into the water tank, if so, then surely the non-return valve on the tank side of the pump will stop this? Or am I overthinking this?

regards
Allen

 

[JockandRita]

Hi, are you trying to force the residual water back into the water tank, if so, then surely the non-return valve on the tank side of the pump will stop this? Or am I overthinking this?

regards
Allen

No Allen, just using the shower hose, to expell whatever water is left in the lines.
There is a kit you can buy which connects to a tyre inflator or airline to do the job.
I just use lung pressure, which works everytime for me.

Cheers

Jock.