Countertop dishwasher winterizing: drain before freezing
Extended storage requires more than emptying the visible tub. Follow the exact model’s instructions for the tank, hoses and sump, and keep it protected from freezing. COMFEE CDC17P2AWW has a specific powered tank-drain step before electrical power is disconnected.
Ordinary storage and freeze protection are different jobs
For a period of non-use in a nonfreezing room, manuals describe cleaning, an empty cycle and allowing the interior to dry. Freezing introduces another problem: water can remain in hoses and internal passages even when the rack area looks empty.
| Situation | What to plan |
|---|---|
| A few weeks unused indoors | Use the model’s cleaning and drying routine; shut off the supply and disconnect as directed. |
| Moving to another room or home | Drain as instructed before moving; protect the connections and use the permitted transport orientation. |
| An unheated RV, garage or storage area | Follow the full freeze-protection procedure and resolve residual-water uncertainty with the manufacturer. |
The CDC17 step that is easy to miss
COMFEE’s CDC17P2AWW manual says to hold Delay + Auto Open for three seconds in standby to drain the internal tank. This occurs before cutting off electrical power in its freeze-protection sequence. It then covers shutting off and draining the inlet, disconnecting and draining the drain hose, and removing accessible sump water as instructed.
This button combination belongs to that exact model. Do not try it on a different control panel or repeatedly press combinations from another dishwasher’s guide. Keep the illustrated manual open while following the complete sequence.
Do not invent an antifreeze recipe
Generic RV winterizing advice can involve plumbing systems with different materials and procedures. The cited countertop manuals do not supply a universal instruction to pour RV antifreeze into these machines. Ask the manufacturer if complete drainage or a freezing location cannot be avoided; do not assume a product labeled for an RV is approved inside your dishwasher.
Moving and restarting
The CDC17 manual directs upright movement and drainage for longer relocation. Keep that separate from a cart’s ability to roll. Do not move a machine with attached hoses stretched to the sink.
Before returning it to use, inspect the permitted external parts, restore the approved installation and consult the manual if freezing may have occurred. BCD6W’s support manual says to contact service if ice forms. Do not force a frozen component or treat a leak after storage as normal.
Questions that come up next
Is the visible tub being empty enough?
No. A tank model, inlet and drain hoses, and sump can retain water outside the visible washing area.
Can every model be stored on its side?
No. Use its transport instructions; CDC17 specifies upright movement.
Your next useful step
Use the complete exact-model storage procedure before the appliance enters an unheated space.
Sources and scope
This is research-based guidance, not a hands-on test or an individual repair diagnosis. Match the exact model and current manual; where instructions conflict, ask the manufacturer.
- COMFEE CDC17P2AWW manual — pages 22–23.
- BLACK+DECKER BCD6W support manual — pages 24–25.
- Danby DDW631SDB manual — printed page 12.