Winterizing A Fogatti Tankless Water Heater

Updated 04/14/2025 | Published 04/22/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Flow Max RV Fresh Water Pump - 12 Volt - 3.0 Gallons Per Minute - 50 PSI

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Question:

I am replacing my second Atwood propane / Electric water heater. The metal fittings in the back of the unit, every couple years always rust through and leaks onto the wood floor. We drain the system every winter but if the is even alittle water left in the tank its always a problem after a couple years Really ready to move onto something that is less maintance. Question: what prep work do I need to do with this unit for Winter storage we live in Minesota and its pretty cold. How hard is it to drain it? We also have an older small little pump will need that also I assume? or what would you recommend for a new replacement.

asked by: Nancy G

Helpful Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear that you have not had a good experience with your Atwood water heater. Most customers enjoy a long service life with those units.

Regarding weatherization of your Fogatti # LSB64FR, your tankless water heater does not require a bypass to be installed, therefore when you treat your water lines (by compressed air or non-toxic anti-freeze) your water heater will be treated at the same time.

Regarding the potential replacement of your water pump, it depends on your current satisfaction. Your current water pump will work with your replacement water heater providing water (cold and hot) at the same rate you have been experiencing. If your current pump is smaller, it probably provides a little over one gallon a minute. If that has not been satisfactory then you could upgrade to the Flow Max # LC689052 pump which runs on 12-volt and delivers up to 3 gallons per minute.

expert reply by: Les D

4/14/2025

HI Les, I have a follow up question regarding the dewinterization of a Fogatti Instashower 7; I am new to doing this myself. In order to do this after it has been pressurized with nontoxic antifreeze, what is are the steps in the process? Do I need only to turn the unit on (both the external and internal power switches) then flush the system? Or do I need to look for gas and water valves to activate? Thanks RL

Jameson C.

4/14/2025

@Rl You do need to basically just flush it with clean water. Some run bleach water through the systems too to kill any bacteria that might have developed in storage.