When it comes to winter storing an RV, protecting your plumbing system is essential to avoid costly damage. Many RV owners consider blowing out the water lines to clear out any remaining water, but this method can sometimes do more harm than good. Using RV antifreeze is a safer and more reliable alternative that ensures your pipes and fixtures remain intact throughout the cold months.
Understanding the Risks of Blowing Out Water Lines
Blowing out your RV’s water lines involves using compressed air to force water out of the plumbing system. While it might seem like a quick solution, this process can leave small pockets of water trapped inside pipes, valves, or fittings, which can freeze and cause cracks or ruptures. Even a tiny amount of water left in the system can expand when frozen and damage your RV’s plumbing components. RV Education 101 explains why incomplete draining is risky.
Advantages of Using RV Antifreeze
- Non-toxic and safe: RV antifreeze is specifically formulated for potable water systems, making it safe for your pipes and fixtures.
- Protects entire plumbing: It coats and protects every inch of your water system, including tanks, pumps, and faucets.
- Prevents freeze damage: It lowers the freezing point and prevents any residual water from freezing and expanding.
- Easy application: RV antifreeze can be easily pumped or poured into your water system following established winterization steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your RV Water System Using Antifreeze
Winterizing your RV water system with antifreeze is straightforward but requires some preparation:
- Drain all the fresh water from the tanks, pipes, and water heater.
- Bypass the water heater to avoid filling it with antifreeze unnecessarily.
- Most RVs have a winterization hose next to the water pump (siphon hose) to introduce RV antifreeze into the plumbing system.
- Open each faucet and run antifreeze through until it flows clearly from the taps. I always start with the furthest away faucet first and work my way toward the pump.
- Don’t forget to pour antifreeze into toilets, drains, and traps to prevent freezing because the drain traps have water in them.
Following this method ensures that your entire water system is protected during storage. For more detailed instructions, here is a comprehensive winterizing guide.
Choosing the Right RV Antifreeze
Make sure you purchase non-toxic, propylene glycol-based RV antifreeze designed explicitly for potable water systems. Avoid automotive antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol and is toxic. Proper RV antifreeze is safe for your plumbing and the environment, and it complies with RV industry safety standards.
Additional Tips to Protect Your RV Plumbing in Winter
- Check for leaks or cracks before winterizing.
- If you use your RV during the cold months consider using heat tape or pipe insulation on vulnerable water lines.
- Monitor temperatures inside storage to prevent unexpected freezing.
Conclusion
When it comes to winter storing an RV, using RV antifreeze rather than just blowing out the water lines offers superior protection for your plumbing system. It minimizes the risk of freeze damage, extends the life of your pipes and fixtures, and provides peace of mind through the coldest months. Taking the time to properly winterize your RV water system ensures you’ll be ready for your next adventure without unexpected plumbing repairs.