Our HW tank has a check valve on the cold-water inlet. Part of the winterization process involves draining the HW tank by disconnecting the hoses and actuating the check valve with a coat hanger bent double. I also put a temporary hose on the exit valve and blow through the tank to get the water out and actuate the pressure valve at the same time. I have been warned to not put non-toxic antifreeze into the HW tank because if it mistakenly gets turned on, the resulting smell may never come out. I haven't tried vodka though... what does cooked vodka smell like? Rotten potatoes? Regards, Ed Bottrell DF41 SAPHAEDRA (ready to bubble away the winter in the briny) Halifax, NS

Bottrell@ns.sympatico.ca writes: > what does cooked vodka smell like? Rotten >potatoes? Definitely not of rotten potatoes (Most vodka is actually made from grain, not potatoes! Depends what brand you use or if your "vodka" comes from a backwoods moonshiner. If you do use vodka, try not to cook it (it boils off at a much lower temperature than water). Instead, invite some neighbours over in the spring for a de-winterizing party and mix with spicy Clamato juice. Enjoy! Happy wintering George in Lake Ontario