Winterize Your RV’s Plumbing
By Darcy Nybo
Summer is over and it’s time to do one of two things: head south, or stay in the cooler climates and winterize your RV.
Winterizing your RV’s plumbing system will save you from having to replace your water system if freezing temperatures wreak havoc on it. It also saves you a lot of headache when you’re ready to go RVing next year. The last thing you want is to discover frozen or damaged water lines when you’re set to hit the road, or worse, when you’re miles away from home.
Your RV’s waterlines are quite small and probably still have water in them. When the temperatures drop and those lines freeze, chances are they are going to burst open and get water everywhere. To avoid a sopping mess, you need a few supplies from your local RV parts store. The list is small compared to the headaches it can help avoid.
First, get yourself some basic hand tools for removing and installing drain plugs. If you don’t already have a water heater bypass kit, get one. You’ll also need a water pump converter kit, or some tubing that will connect to the inlet side of the water pump. Check to see if your RV has a built-in clean out system for your black water holding tank. If not, get a wand to clean it out. Then purchase approximately 8 - 12 liters (2 - 3 gallons) of non-toxic RV/Marine antifreeze. Make sure you check your owner’s manual for any specific winterizing instructions over and above what is suggested here.
Now you’re ready to winterize!
DRAIN EVERYTHING
Those of you with inline water filters need to remove/bypass them. Drain your black water and then your grey water at a dump station. Once that is done, open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower. Locate and open the low point water drain lines. Your water pump should help to force most of the water out of the system.
Remember to turn the pump off once you’ve drained the system, then close all faucets and recap the drains so the antifreeze doesn’t drip out.
Next, drain the fresh-water holding tank. Should you have an RV without a built-in flushing system, clean the black tank out with your cleaning wand.
Finally, drain the hot water heater. Make sure you do this when the water is not hot* or under pressure. Once your water pump is off and there is no water coming into the system, simply open up a hot water tap. This will remove any pressure in the system. Open the pressure relief valve and remove the drain plug. *Make sure the water in the tank has cooled before draining.
BYPASS KIT
It is very important that you install a bypass kit to your water heater. If you skip this step, you will fill the hot water tank up with RV anti-freeze before it gets to the water lines. If your water heater has an electric heating element, turn it off just in case your RV is plugged in while in storage.
CONVERTER KIT
Now you can install your water pump converter kit. Some RVs allow you to disconnect the line coming from the fresh-water holding tank (inlet side of the water pump). Connect the tubing from the water pump inlet into a 4-litre (1 gal.) jug of RV antifreeze. Check antifreeze supply periodically.
PUMP AND PRESSURIZE
Now it’s time to pressurize the system. Turn the water pump on. Slowly open the closest hot water faucet to the pump. Then open the cold faucet. Leave them open until you can see the anti-freeze dripping out. Then shut off the faucets. Repeat this process on all faucets including any outside showers. Remember to check on the anti-freeze supply now and then, and replace with a full jug when necessary.
FLUSH AND POUR
Flush the RV’s toilet until antifreeze appears in the bowl. Then take one of your jugs of antifreeze and pour a cupful of antifreeze into the toilet and flush it into the holding tank. This will prevent any water in the tank from freezing. Next, pour a cupful of antifreeze down every drain in your RV. Double check to ensure all taps are turned off. Make sure you get some antifreeze into the hook up where you connect to outside water.
RECONNECT THE PUMP
Take off the bypass kit and reconnect your water pump. Far to many RVers forget this very important step.
STORE FOR THE WINTER
Now your RV plumbing is winterized and ready for spring. Don’t forget to check all the exterior sealants. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than major repairs.
For those of you who aren’t in a Do-It-Yourself mood, make sure you take your RV into an accredited dealership to have it winterized. Either way you’ll be ready for whatever temperatures winter weather brings.