5 replies to this topic

[Jack Russell Terrier]

Here is an interesting question: How can you easily freeze-proof a front loading washer? I have a friend with a cabin high (10,000+ feet above seal level), and sometimes it is vacant in the wintertime with no heat and the temperature inside drops below freezing. The house is designed to be easily freeze-proof (mostly by draining water), but how do you do this with a washer?

Of course washers (front loaders) all have a drain tube by the pump and that is easy to empty. But is this enough? LG and other companies don't want to say more, and sometimes will recommend running a cycle with an anti-freeze product, but this is not acceptable.

Open ended question here: What ideas might you have to deal with this problem?

Thanks

Jack Russell Terrier

ps Please don't say heat the cabin, because that is not an option!

[Scottthewolf]

Use RV anti freeze. It is perfectly acceptable for use in major appliances, toilets, drain pipes, etc. and it is non toxic. It is pink in color.

[Jack Russell Terrier]

Thanks Wolf! I guess we are aware of this option, but hoping for another. One obvious question --- how susceptible to freezing is a washer if the pump drain hose is emptied? Second question: Is there a model that is designed well for this issue (easy and thorough draining)?

-JRT

[Scottthewolf]

It is not susceptible to freezing in all water has been emptied from the drain hose and the drain pump.

None of the washers are better or worse for draining all the water out.

[RegUS_PatOff]

yes, RV anti-freeze .. pink
although the other antifreeze (green or yellow ethylene glycol) is also orange now.
The RV antifreeze usually comes in clear round jugs that look like windshield washer fluid..

$ 1.00
old picture ...

[kdog]

You should also disconnect the fill hoses and drain any water from the water valve to prevent any surprises upon startup