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Hello Dougie and welcome, look forward to hearing more from you and where you got that rare ‘Vario’ version from. You are nearly on the right track with your actions.
The standard set up in the boot next to the boiler is a flip up lever which drains down the boiler (hot water) which without looking I think is yellow on mine.
Next to that is a black screw top air valve which allows water to drain out of the fresh water pipes – don’t lift it all the way out or water could flow into the boot.
Further back into the boot an arms reach is the larger lever that operates the waste valve (Aus means out) and this is mounted immediately in front of the inboard waste tank.
The valve on top of the fresh water tank in the bottom of the wardrobe only drains the water in that tank. The pump in the bottom is fitted with a non return valve. I have fitted a set up that drains to the side of the van – I think all documented in the little Exsis Book …..an essential long read for which we are so grateful to Tom for, especially with the demise of the old and original website – such foresight.
Standard procedure for winter draining is to set taps halfway between hot & cold and open taps before opening the valves aforementioned… make sure 12 volt switch just inside door is off or the pump will run and remember that if you go in or out of the van and use lights.
I always pull out and extend the shower head tap from the wash basin so that it is not curled up in its cavity and then after draining I always unscrew the shower head and blow into the hose to force out water droplets.
Luckily with all the inboard equipment the Exsis is quite winter resistant and I only drain down if it is really cold and I am definitely not using the van, otherwise if I anticipate a frost I put a small heater in the van on a very low setting and open up the cupboard a little to allow air to circulate. We often use the van in winter, even in freezing conditions at this time of year.
Regards,
Fred