The temperatures have dropped here in Ohio and the words frost and freeze are now showing up in the weather forecast.
So if you are staying in Ohio it is time to winterize your RV. Call 419-529-2700 ext 2 RV Service to schedule an RV winterizing appointment today or if you want to do it yourself here are the steps to follow. Please read all steps carefully.
Materials needed
2 Gallons RV antifreeze
1 Blow out air connector (Camco 36103)
Air source (any air compressor with regulator set to maximum 40 p.s.i.)
Wrench to remove water heater drain plug (size depends on water heater make/model)
There are a variety of steps to correctly winterize an RV water system with a minimal amount of RV antifreeze.
It is important to follow the steps in exact order.
- Drain and wash waste holding tanks
- Drain fresh water tank
- Open all hot and cold water faucets including the hand shower, any outside shower, and any outside faucets
- Drain water heater by removing the drain plug
- Drain water lines at drain valves if equipped
- Disconnect the water line at the refrigerator’s icemaker if equipped
- Loosen clothes washing machine water lines if equipped. Place a container or large absorbent towel under lines to catch water.
- Blow water out by connecting an air source to the city water fill inlet. Compressed air can be used. An air pressure regulator must be used and set to a maximum of 40 p.s.i.
- Flush toilet while air is attached to clear all water
- Remove air source
- Bypass the water heater. This can be done by switching the water heater bypass located at the rear of the water heater or at the remote location if so equipped. A water heater bypass should be installed if one is not already installed. A temporary bypass line can be used and then removed when finished as another option. I recommend not filling the water heater with RV antifreeze.
- Blow water lines out a second time with the water heater bypassed. This will help clear any water left in the hot water lines.
- Close all water line drains.
- Close all faucets and showers, tighten clothes washing machine hoses, reattach and tighten icemaker line.
- Disconnect the water inlet line from 12 volt fresh water pump. Attach a fitting with a 3 foot length of hose attached. Insert the hose in a 1 gallon bottle of RV antifreeze. Finding and accessing the water pump may not be easy, but it is worth the trouble. Do NOT add RV antifreeze to the fresh water tank. (RV antifreeze in the fresh water and hot water tank contaminates the tank. Over time it makes the water smell and taste bad. It can be very difficult and sometimes impossible to remove the smell and taste.)
- Turn on the fresh water pump. Be certain the pump builds pressure by listening for it to shut off. Check to be certain there are no leaks or open lines.
- Open each faucet and shower one at a time until you see RV antifreeze run out. Be certain to open both hot and cold. Flush the toilet until you see RV antifreeze. Let a small amount of RV antifreeze go into the toilet waste tank. Close the toilet valve and then add a small amount of RV Antifreeze to keep the seals moist. Change over to a second RV antifreeze gallon if needed.
- After all faucets and toilet are done, loosen refrigerator icemaker line until RV antifreeze appears and then tighten. Repeat with washing machine hoses.
- Turn off the water pump. Remove the fitting and hose and then reattach original line.
- Change the water heater bypass back for normal operation.
- Install water heater drain.
- Pour a small amount of RV antifreeze into all sink drains to keep the drain traps from freezing.
The process of winterizing using the fresh water pump keeps the amount of RV antifreeze used to a minimum. It also winterizes the pump at the same time. This completes the guide to winterize your RV water system.
This is provided for information only. Articles are based on the best professional judgment and experienced opinion of the writer.