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:
- Before winterizing, you should clean the gray and black tanks to remove any solid debris and TPs adhering to the black tank sensors, and you should also clean the gray tank sensors to remove grease and oil. It is recommended that RVs be thoroughly cleaned every three to five dumps or twice a year.
- Bypass hoses are suitable for inline water filters once the filter has been removed. The third step may be skipped if an in-line water filter is not available.
- You need to empty all your freshwater holding tanks. You can drain your RV or home’s black and gray water holding tanks if you have a dump station or cleanout port. Flushing the system is necessary after draining the excess water from the water heater tank.
- It is imperative to drain the excess water from your RV by turning on all hot and cold water faucets (including the faucets in the toilet and shower). There should be a thorough inspection and removal of drain plugs from low point water drain lines. Ensure that the 12-volt water pump is turned off when the RV’s plumbing system is dry in order to prevent damage to the pump. The 12-volt water pump can be used to remove any remaining water from your RV’s toilet if it is not flushing properly. A compressed air blower is also capable of removing all the water. Ensure that all drain plugs are replaced and that all faucets are closed.
- When your RV does not come with a hot water heater, you can purchase one. The purpose of this step is to prevent antifreeze from being wasted. Without turning off the water heater, you will lose a lot of antifreeze before it reaches the plumbing.
- Connect a water pump converter kit to your RV’s water system’s inlet end, or connect it to a gallon of antifreeze through plastic tubing, to add antifreeze to your RV’s water system. For RV antifreeze to be pressurized, a 12 volt water pump is needed. You might start noticing pink antifreeze dripping from the nearby water faucet after turning it on. If pink antifreeze leaks from the tap, it must be closed immediately. It may be necessary to replace the gallon of antifreeze in your vehicle from time to time. Then, flush the toilet again until you see pink antifreeze in the bowl. Pour the antifreeze down the drains until there is no more pink antifreeze in the bowl. The holding tank can be kept from freezing by flushing antifreeze down the toilet.
- Make sure all your faucets and valves are closed.
- When the RV’s electric water heating element is not in use, turn it off. It will burn if you leave it on.
Your RV has been winterized successfully! There are specific winterization instructions for each RV, so check your manual for details. You will reap the benefits of spending time and money on your RV now!
