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How to Drain and Winterize Your RV Camper Water System

October 9, 2024

Owning an RV camper is a wonderful way to explore the great outdoors while maintaining the comforts of home. However, when the colder months approach, it’s crucial to properly winterize your RV’s water system to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. Failing to drain and winterize your water system can result in frozen pipes, cracked tanks, and busted fittings. Thankfully, winterizing your RV’s water system is a manageable task that can save you from unnecessary expenses and stress. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to drain and winterize your RV camper’s water system.

Why It’s Important to Winterize Your RV Water System?

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s important to understand why winterizing your RV’s water system is necessary. The water system in your RV includes pipes, tanks, water lines, and pumps that are vulnerable to freezing during cold weather. When water freezes, it expands, causing pressure to build up inside the pipes, tanks, and other components. This pressure can lead to cracks or breaks in the system, which can result in significant water damage once temperatures rise and the ice melts.

Winterizing your RV prevents this from happening by removing all water from the system and protecting it with antifreeze. By completing this process before the first freeze of the season, you’ll safeguard your investment and ensure that your RV is ready to use when warmer weather returns.

When to Winterize Your RV:

The timing of when to winterize your RV largely depends on the climate in which you live or plan to travel. If you reside in or will be visiting areas that experience freezing temperatures, it’s best to winterize your RV before the first frost. Even if you think the weather might remain mild for a while longer, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Frozen pipes can happen quickly and unexpectedly, so don’t delay the process. If you use your RV year-round and travel to different climates, you may need to winterize and de-winterize multiple times throughout the year.

Tools and Materials Needed for Winterizing:

Before starting the process of draining and winterizing your RV water system, gather the following tools and materials:

  • RV antifreeze (non-toxic, pink RV antifreeze specifically designed for RV water systems)
  • Water pump converter kit (if your RV doesn’t have a built-in bypass system)
  • Water heater bypass kit (if your RV is not equipped with one)
  • Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)
  • Towels or rags
  • Drain plugs for tanks (if needed)
  • An air compressor with a blow-out plug (optional, for air pressure method)
  • A bucket or pan to catch water

Having these items on hand will make the winterizing process more efficient and straightforward.

Step 1: Drain the Freshwater System

The first step in winterizing your RV water system is to drain all water from the fresh water system. This includes the freshwater holding tank, water heater, and all pipes and faucets. Begin by turning off the water supply and the water pump.

Start by locating the fresh water tank’s drain valve, which is typically located underneath the RV. Open the valve and allow all the water to flow out. Make sure to give it ample time to fully drain before moving on to the next steps.

After draining the freshwater tank, move to the water heater. It’s critical to ensure that your water heater is turned off and cooled down before you begin draining it. Once the water heater is cool, locate the drain plug and remove it to allow the water to escape. Some water heaters have a pressure release valve that you’ll need to open to speed up the draining process. Once the water heater is empty, leave the drain plug out so no water remains inside.

Finally, open all faucets in the RV, including those in the kitchen, bathroom, shower, and any outdoor faucets. Allow the water to run until nothing but air comes out of the taps.

Step 2: Bypass the Water Heater

Using RV antifreeze in your water heater is not only unnecessary but also wasteful. For this reason, it’s important to bypass the water heater before continuing. Many modern RVs come equipped with a water heater bypass kit, but if yours does not, you’ll need to install one.

Bypassing the water heater prevents antifreeze from entering the tank, saving you both time and money. If your RV has a built-in bypass system, simply switch the valve to the “bypass” position. If you need to install a bypass kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure it’s properly connected.

Step 3: Drain the Gray and Black Water Tanks

Next, it’s time to drain the gray and black water tanks. Gray water refers to the wastewater from your sinks and shower, while black water is the sewage from your toilet. These tanks need to be completely emptied before you can proceed with the winterization process.

Take your RV to a designated dump station and drain both tanks. Once the tanks are emptied, it’s a good idea to flush them with water to remove any remaining residue or waste. Some RVs have built-in tank flush systems that make this process easier. After flushing, ensure that both tanks are thoroughly drained and close the drain valves securely.

Step 4: Blow Out the Water Lines (Optional)

While it’s not a required step, many RV owners choose to blow out the water lines using an air compressor. This helps remove any remaining water that might be trapped in the pipes. If you decide to use this method, you’ll need an air compressor with a blow-out plug that attaches to the city water inlet on your RV.

Set the air compressor to a low pressure, typically between 30-50 psi, to avoid damaging the plumbing system. Attach the blow-out plug and slowly open each faucet in the RV one at a time, allowing the air to push any remaining water out of the pipes. Be sure to include all hot and cold water lines, as well as the toilet, outdoor shower, and any other water outlets.

Step 5: Add RV Antifreeze

Now that the water system is drained, it’s time to add RV antifreeze to protect the pipes from freezing. Begin by ensuring that the water heater is still bypassed to prevent antifreeze from entering the tank. Next, if your RV has a water pump bypass kit, use it to draw antifreeze directly from the bottle into the water system. If not, you may need to disconnect the water pump inlet line and insert it into the bottle of antifreeze.

Turn on the water pump and open each faucet one at a time, starting with the furthest from the pump. Let the antifreeze flow through the lines until you see pink antifreeze coming out of each faucet. Be sure to run both the hot and cold water taps to fully protect the entire system. Don’t forget to run antifreeze through the shower, toilet, and outdoor faucets as well.

It’s important to note that RV antifreeze is non-toxic and specifically designed for use in RV water systems. Do not use automotive antifreeze, as it is highly toxic and not suitable for this purpose.

Step 6: Protect Other Water System Components

Once the antifreeze has been added to the water lines, it’s time to protect other components of the RV’s water system. Be sure to pour antifreeze into all sink and shower drains to protect the p-traps, which can hold small amounts of water that might freeze. Additionally, flush the toilet until pink antifreeze is visible in the bowl, ensuring that the toilet’s water valve is protected.

If your RV is equipped with a washing machine, dishwasher, or ice maker, consult the manufacturer’s manual for winterization instructions, as these appliances may require additional steps to prevent damage from freezing.

Step 7: Final Checks and Storage

With the antifreeze added and the water system fully winterized, it’s time for a few final checks. Double-check that all drain valves are closed and that the water heater bypass is still engaged. Ensure that there is antifreeze in all p-traps, the toilet, and any other areas where water could be trapped.

It’s also a good idea to label your RV’s water system with a reminder that it has been winterized. This will help you remember not to use the water system until it’s de-winterized in the spring.

Once you’ve completed these checks, you’re ready to store your RV for the winter. Be sure to park your RV in a safe, secure location, and cover it to protect it from the elements. Regularly check on the RV throughout the winter to ensure that no leaks or other issues arise.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, draining and winterizing your RV camper water system is an essential step in protecting your investment, especially in colder climates like Michigan. With freezing temperatures being a significant concern, failing to winterize properly can lead to costly repairs due to cracked pipes, damaged tanks, and compromised plumbing systems. By following the outlined steps, such as draining your freshwater system, bypassing the water heater, and adding RV antifreeze, you can ensure your water lines and components remain safe throughout the winter.

For RV camper winterization in Michigan, the process is even more critical due to the state’s long, harsh winters. Timing is everything; be sure to winterize your RV before the first frost. Whether you’re storing your RV for the season or preparing it for extended stays in freezing weather, this winterization process ensures that your camper will be ready to go when spring arrives. Remember to protect every aspect of your water system, from faucets and pipes to drains and the toilet, to avoid unexpected damage when the temperatures drop.

Proper RV camper winterization doesn’t just save you from future repair costs; it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your RV is well-protected, allowing you to fully enjoy Michigan’s outdoor beauty without the stress of potential water system damage.

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