Winter is coming - and we couldn’t be more excited about it.
However, winter and RVs don’t usually mix… Once the temperature drops to the freezing or below-freezing temperatures that accompany winter, this can really damage your RV! The biggest mistake RV owners can make is to not winterize their RV or winterize it at the last minute when it’s too late.
Without the process of winterizing with the help of antifreeze, the waterlines of your RV could freeze, expand, and eventually burst - and then comes the repair costs. And, trust us, the repair costs will be far more than the cost of winterizing!
Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Drain the ENTIRE System
Before it comes time to drain the waterline system, make sure to remove any water filters that may be present in it. Next, be sure to drain any dirty water or waste at your local sani-dump station.
After this, drain the cold and hot water lines and put plugs back on to prevent any antifreeze from leaking out in the future. Then, you’ll drain the water heater by opening up the kitchen tap or the relief valve on the heater itself to alleviate the pressure - just be sure to stay safe while doing so!
Step 2: Bypass the Water Heater
Since the water heater and water tanks are already drained, they won’t need any antifreeze, as there is little to no water that can freeze and expand them.
Your water heater will have a water line in the bottom of it where cold water enters, with a hot water line coming out from the top to fill hot water pipes. With a bypass pipe, these two lines can be connected and keep antifreeze out of the water heater.
Most systems already have this, but if your RV does not, you may need to purchase a temporary bypass kit from a local auto supply shop.
Step 3: Get Antifreeze Into Your Water Pump
From there, with plenty of towels handy, disconnect your water pump from the water tank and attach a bypass to the pump with the other end attached to your antifreeze. This will move the antifreeze into your plumbing. Make sure it’s non-toxic!
Step 4: Run the Water
To move the antifreeze throughout the waterlines and pipes of your RV, make sure the outside drain plug and water taps are closed and turn on the water. Run everything one item at a time, starting with the hot water tap in your kitchen.
Turn it on and run it until you see antifreeze, then repeat with the rest of the water outlets in your RV, pouring a cup of antifreeze into each drain. Turn off your water pump once finished.
Step 5: Fill the Check-Valve Line
This is where you can hook your RV up to city water. Make sure your water pump is off and remove the screen from the city water hookup - push in on the check valve inside and push it down until you see antifreeze.
EXTRA TIP #1
Make sure to winterize your washing machine and/or ice maker as well!
EXTRA TIP #2
Once your RV is winterized, it definitely can’t hurt to give it a thorough cleaning, getting rid of all those streaks, dirt stains, dried bugs, and much more from the outside - quickly!
That’s why we recommend our Bugs N’ All all-in-one vehicle cleaner. It’s concentrated and incredibly potent while being safe for everyone, and removes stains and dried bug splatter within 60 seconds of application!
Click here to check it out and click here to check out the best way to use it, with our Car Care Soft Microfiber Mesh Bug sponge!
