Surflow Pump Winterisation

[JohnM20]

Hopefully hard frosts are still a long way off but for anyone with a Surflow water pump in the caravan don't forget to empty the water out of the clear plastic filter bowl at the side of the pump. Draining down does not remove this water and a year ago mine cracked in the cold weather as I'd forgotten to empty it.
It's a simple job, just put a towel or similar under the filter to catch the slight, inevitable, dribble and then unscrew the filter bowl by hand only. Empty the water out of the bowl and then refit, hand tight only. Job done and expense for a new filter bowl next year saved.
As a belt and braces job I cover the pump with an old duvet jacket just in case there is any other residual water lurking in the system.

 

[JohnM20]

I should, of course have spelt it Shurflo not Surflow

 

[Graham4]

I have this week used for the first time my "Floe" drainage kit (I built the pressure up with my bicycle pump rather than my car tyre compressor). I was a little apprehensive with the amount of lying water this kit is reputed to drain from the caravan.
Well , to say the least, I was amazed at the ease of use and the 2pts of water that was drained.
Would certainly recommend the product

 

[JohnM20]

Hi Graham
If you have a Shurflo pump I don't think the 'Floe' device will push the water out of the filter as the housing is, in effect, a sump and the water can't rise up to the outlet pipe. Might be worth checking if you have this type of onboard pump regardless of how much water has apparently been forced out of the system. If water is left in the housing it will crack if the water in it is allowed to freeze.

 

[bertieboy1]

Graham,
Rather than use a bicycle pump or compressor have you considered using the pressurised air from a spare tyre to evacuate water from your system.