RV winterization is best handled by a certified technician. Winterizing is something you need to understand, whether you do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. The following tips will help you prepare your RV for winter:
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- Cleaning the Gray and Black Tanks: It is important to do this prior to winterizing to remove any solid debris and TPs adhering to the black tank sensors and to remove grease and oil from the gray tank sensors. RVs should be deep cleaned every three to five dumps or twice a year.
- Inline Water Filters: Bypass hoses can be installed after the inline filter is removed. In the absence of an in-line water filter, the third step can be skipped.
- Empty all your tanks: Remove all freshwater holding tanks. The black and gray water holding tanks in your RV or home can be drained if you have a dump station or cleanout port. You must drain the excess water from the water heater tank and flush the system.
- Pump out excess water: Turn on all hot and cold water faucets (including toilet and shower faucets) in your RV. Drain plugs in low point water drain lines should be located and removed. Turn off the 12-volt water pump when the RV’s plumbing system is dry to prevent pump damage. If your RV’s toilet isn’t flushing properly, use the 12-volt water pump to remove any remaining water. It is also possible to remove all the water with a compressed air blower. Replace drain plugs and close all faucets.
- Avoid hot water heaters: If your RV doesn’t come with one, you can buy one. This step prevents antifreeze from being wasted. You will lose a lot of antifreeze if you don’t turn off the water heater before it can reach the water pipes if you don’t turn it off.
- Antifreeze in your RV’s water system:
With a water pump converter kit, you can connect the inlet end to a gallon of antifreeze, or connect it to a gallon of antifreeze through plastic tubing.
It is necessary to install a 12 volt water pump to pressurize the RV antifreeze.
After you turn on the nearby water faucet, it may start dripping pink antifreeze until it overflows. The tap must be closed as soon as the pink antifreeze begins to leak. Your vehicle’s gallon of antifreeze may need to be replaced from time to time.
After flushing your RV’s toilet, pour antifreeze down the drains until pink antifreeze appears in the bowl. Flushing antifreeze down the toilet can prevent the water from freezing in the holding tank.
- Close all your faucets and valves.
- Turn off the water heating element: When not in use, turn off the RV’s electric water heating element. If you leave it on, it will burn.
Winterizing your RV has been a success! Each RV has its own winterization instructions, so check your manual for information. The time and money you spend on your RV now will pay off in the long run!
