Winterizing Your Trailer

WATER SYSTEM WINTERIZATION

When storing your recreational vehicle through periods of freezing weather, in an unheated environment, it will be necessary to winterize the water system. Damage to water system components will result if the proper winterization steps are not taken.
NOTE: Before using the compressed air method, you will need a special adapter known as a blowout plug. This plug allows compressed air to be delivered through the city water fill. This small, inexpensive adapter is available at most RV supply stores.

WINTERIZING WITH COMPRESSED AIR

Purchase 2 gallons of RV non-toxic antifreeze.

1. Drain the fresh water tank and empty the waste water holding tanks.
2. Turn the 2 water heater bypass valves to the ‘bypass’ position. (The valves are located near the water heater incoming lines at the rear of the water heater.)
3. Drain the water heater by removing the anode (1-1/16” Socket Wrench) and opening taps. Flush out sediment build-up in water heater if necessary. Reinstall hot water tank plug with new Teflon tape.
4. Open all faucets, including shower head sprayer, (if applicable), toilet flushing device and any other water lines that are closed.
5. Turn on the water pump for at least 30 seconds to clear any water from the lines.
6. Connect an air hose with an adapter (blow out plug) to the city water fill connection.
7. Set the pressure to no greater than 30# (pounds) and blow out the water lines until no water can be seen coming out of the fixtures and lines.
8. Pour antifreeze down sink and shower drains to fill p-traps.

NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START THE WATER HEATER OR USE THE PLUMBING SYSTEM AFTER THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN WINTERIZED. DEWINTERIZE, FLUSH AND SANITIZE THE WATER SYSTEM PRIOR TO USE.

WINTERIZING WITH ANTIFREEZE ONLY

WARNING: NEVER USE AUTOMOTIVE ANITFREEZE IN YOUR FRESH WATER SYSTEM. AUTOMOTIVE ANITFREEZE IS TOXIC AND NOT FOR USE IN POTABLE (DRINKABLE) WATER SYSTEMS.

1. Purchase 4-6 gallons of RV approved, non-toxic antifreeze.
2. Drain the fresh water tank and empty the waste water holding tanks.
3. Turn water heater bypass valves to ‘bypass’ position.
4. Drain the water heater by removing the anode (1-1/16” Socket Wrench) and opening taps. Flush out sediment build-up in water heater if necessary. Reinstall hot water tank plug with new Teflon tape.
5. Fill the tank above minimum water pump operation level with the RV antifreeze. (Use of a long funnel may be helpful.)
6. Turn the pump switch ‘ON’ and open the cold water side of all faucet fixtures. Leave the faucets open until the antifreeze, (generally pink in color), flows out of the faucets and shower heads. Repeat for the hot water side.
7. Flush toilet until antifreeze is visible inside the bowl and pour one gallon of antifreeze down the toilet to winterize the black holding tank.
8. Pour antifreeze down sink and shower drains to fill p-traps.

DEWINTERIZING YOUR RV

NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER OR USE THE PLUMBING SYSTEM ONCE THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN WINTERIZED. DEWINTERIZE THE WATER SYSTEM, FLUSH AND SANITIZE PRIOR TO USE.

1. Drain all holding tanks, (fresh water and sewage).
2. Attach garden hose to fresh water fill and fill tank.
3. Turn ‘ON’ pump switch and open cold water side of all faucet/shower fixtures. Leave open until the water runs clear, (no pink residue). Repeat for the hot water side.
4. Flush toilet until clear water runs into bowl.
5. Dump tanks again.
6. Sanitize the water system.
7. If a water filter has been installed, drain the lines, remove the assembly, clean and reinstall using a new filter.
8. When ready to use the water heater, turn by-pass valve to open position to allow water to enter and fill the hot water heater tank.