RV winterization is best handled by a certified technician. Winterizing is something you should understand, whether you do it yourself or hire someone to handle it. The following tips will help you winterize your RV:
- Cleaning the gray & black tanks: It is important to do this before winterizing to remove any solid waste and TP stuck to the black tank sensors and to remove grease and oil from the gray tank sensors. RVers should perform deep cleaning every three to five dumps or twice a year.
- In-line water filters: Bypass hoses can be installed after the in-line filter has been removed. In the absence of an in-line water filter, the third step may 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 clean-out port. You should drain any excess water from your water heater tank and flush the system.
- Pump out excess water: Open all hot and cold faucets (including the ones in the toilet and shower) in your RV. The drain plugs on the 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 damage from the pump. If your RV’s toilet is not flushing well, 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 water heaters: If your RV does not come with one, you can purchase one. This step prevents antifreeze from being wasted. You’ll lose a lot of antifreeze if you don’t turn off your water heater before it can reach your water lines if you don’t turn it off.
- Antifreeze 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 via plastic tubing.
- It is necessary to install a 12-volt water pump to pressurize RV antifreeze.
- After opening the nearby water faucet, you can start dripping pink antifreeze from it until it runs. The faucet should be closed as soon as pink antifreeze begins to drip. The gallon of antifreeze in your vehicle may need to be replaced from time to time.
- After flushing your RV’s toilet, pour antifreeze into the drains until pink antifreeze appears in the bowl. If you flush antifreeze down your toilet bowl, you can prevent water from freezing in your holding tank.
- Close all your faucets & valves.
- Turn off the water heating element: When not in use, turn off the RV’s electric water heater element. If you leave it on, it will burn out.
Winterizing your RV has been successful! Each RV has its own winterizing instructions, so consult your manual for information. The time and money you invest now in your RV will pay off in the long run!
