If you live or travel to a state which can have temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, its important to winterize your RV. In doing this or having it done it can help prevent future repairs that may occur. Here we have provided you with some steps to help you if you want to do this from home. If you have any questions we are always happy to answer them.
Step 1:
•First you will want to put on a pair of gloves. If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass before starting.
•Drain the fresh water holding tank.
•Then drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. If your RV doesn’t have a built in tank flushing system clean the black tank out with a wand, or use a product such as Flush King which allows you to clean both the black and gray tanks. Then lubricate the termination valves with some WD 40.
•Drain the water heater. Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. CAUTION (never drain the water heater when it is hot or under pressure!)
Step 2:
•Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and if you have an outdoor shower you will want to turn this valve off as well.
•Locate and open the low point drain lines. There will be one for the hot and cold water lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
•Recap all drains and close all faucets.
•By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a bypass kit installed, the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines. This step is very important cause if not done correctly one can waste all six gallons of the antifreeze.
Step 3:
•Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (this is the line coming from the fresh water holding tank).
•Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of non-toxic RV antifreeze.
•Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required.
•Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower, if you have one.
Step 4:
•Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
•Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet and remove the small screen over the inlet. Then push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze and replace the screen.
Step 5:
•Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush the antifreeze into the holding tank.
•If your water heater has an electric heating element make sure it is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
Step 6:
•Make sure all the faucets are closed.
•Consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines.
•In following these steps you can feel confident in knowing your RV is ready for those cold winter months.
If you just don’t have the time we also have a Service Department who can do it for you!
Full System Winterization Package: $ 196
Blow Lines Out and Antifreeze in Pee Traps: $88
Blow Lines Out: $80
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