Atwood Water Heater Winterizing — RV, Cabin & Seasonal Properties

Atwood winterization is slightly simpler than Suburban because there\'s no anode rod to remove.

Procedure

1. Turn off heat (gas and electric off)
2. Wait 1-2 hours for tank to cool
3. Close inlet shutoff (or close cold supply to RV)
4. Open hot tap inside RV to relieve vacuum
5. Remove the plastic drain plug — Atwood\'s drain port (NOT an anode port)
6. Tank drains (catch with bucket)
7. Optional: flush with garden hose through the drain port
8. Set bypass valves to "winterize" position
9. Re-install drain plug with new Teflon tape
10. Pump RV antifreeze through plumbing
11. Verify pink antifreeze at all faucets

Spring de-winterize

1. Set bypass valves to "operate" position
2. Open cold supply; verify tank fills (open hot tap until steady flow)
3. Verify no leaks at drain plug
4. Restore power

Bottom line

Atwood\'s plastic drain plug + no anode rod simplifies winterization. 20-minute job vs Suburban\'s 30-minute (Suburban requires anode rod inspection/replacement during winterization).