It is quickly becoming spring in most areas of the USA, and if you are like everyone else, you are probably itching to get your coach out and on the road for the season. Especially since Memorial Day Weekend right around the corner.
We thought we would pull in some de-winterizing steps and tips from our RVentureOut™ Express-Fix™ Courses and post them up here on the blog. We hope your 2024 RV season rewards you with lots of great memories.
Express-Fix Course: De-winterizing Your RV for Spring and Summer
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Category: Plumbing
Introduction:
De-winterizing your RV after winter storage to remove antifreeze from the entire plumbing system, including drains and traps, to prevent water damage and ensure proper functioning.
Tools and Materials:
Fresh water hose
Bucket (optional)
RV antifreeze (Do not reuse! Dispose of properly)
RV wrench (optional, for tightening hose connections)
Plumber's tape (optional, for leaky connections)
Instructions:
Prep the Outside: Open all exterior RV hatches and compartments that house plumbing components.
1. Drain the Antifreeze:
Locate the low-point drain valves (usually red or pink colored) typically found underneath the RV near the freshwater tank, sinks, and toilet.
Open each valve fully and allow all the pink RV antifreeze to drain out. Catch the antifreeze in a bucket if possible for proper disposal.
Close the valves securely once all the antifreeze has drained.
2. Flush the Drains and Traps:
With the low-point drain valves still open, pour clean water down each sink drain and the toilet to flush out any remaining antifreeze in the P-traps (the curved section of pipe that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering the RV).
You can also use a cup of clean water poured directly into the drain opening to accomplish this.
3. City Water Connection (Optional):
If you have access to a city water connection, you can use it to flush out the antifreeze more quickly.
Attach a fresh water hose to the RV's city water inlet and the other end to a clean water source.
Turn on the city water supply and open all the RV's faucets (hot and cold) inside and outside, including the shower.
Run water through each faucet for several minutes until the pink color runs clear, indicating all the antifreeze is flushed.
Turn off the city water supply and disconnect the hose.
4. Fresh Water Tank Option:
If you don't have a city water connection, you can use the RV's fresh water tank to flush the system.
Fill the fresh water tank with clean, potable water.
Turn on the RV's water pump and follow step 4, opening all faucets and running water until it runs clear.
5. Bypass the Water Heater (Optional):
Some RVs have a water heater bypass valve. Locate the valve (consult your RV's manual if needed) and bypass the water heater during the initial flush to avoid overheating it with cold water.
Once the system is flushed and refilled, you can open the bypass valve to allow water to flow through the water heater.
Check for Leaks: After flushing the system, inspect all plumbing connections inside and outside the RV for any leaks. Tighten any loose connections with an RV wrench if needed. Apply plumber's tape for any persistent leaks.
6. Sanitize the Water System (Optional, but highly recommended):
After flushing the antifreeze, it's a good practice to sanitize the RV's water system to eliminate any bacteria or mold growth that might have occurred during storage.
Purchase a sanitizing solution approved for RV water systems.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the solution with water and filling your fresh water tank.
Pump the sanitized water through the entire system by opening all faucets and letting them run until you smell a slight bleach odor.
Let the solution sit in the tank and plumbing lines for several hours as per the recommended dwell time.
Drain the sanitized water and flush the system again with clean water until the bleach odor disappears.