winterizing between water heater and bypass valves

[bcmorr]

I have a couple short water lines between the water heater bypass valves and water heater. The cold water line is about two inches long with a ninety degree fitting. The hot water line is about six inches long with ninety degree fitting. My question is is if there is a little water in these lines, will it have room to expand being its open right to water heater? What does everyone do if anything to these short two lines and fittings? I'm comfortable winterizing everything else, just don't want these little lines cracked.

[nwminnesota]

I noticed this as well when I did mine last year. I just unscrewed the fitting that entered the water heater and let it drain into a cup. I also noticed there was water left in the water heater after having drained it from the outside. Later I read in the water heater manual that it's normal to have water left inside the water heater after draining that here is enough room for expansion.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by bcmorr

snip.....My question is is if there is a little water in these lines, will it have room to expand being its open right to water heater?....snip

I wouldn't count on it.

An RV's plumbing system when properly winterized by blowing the plumbing system lines out with air will insure no water remains in the plumbing around the HWH. You will have to open/close the bypass valves, and have your HWH tank drain plug removed during this process.

Bob