Country RV Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin - RV Quick Tips

Winterizing Your RV

By Pass Method

(This is a general guide, depending on your RV. Plumbing systems vary)

1. Drain fresh water tank.

2. Remove drain plug from water heater and drain tank. Then reinstall plug.
(Plug may be a 1-1/8 inch metal plug with anode rod or a ½ inch plastic plug located at the bottom of the tank. We recommend using a socket wrench only)

3. Turn by pass valve or valves or back of water heater. Some tanks have one valve and some have three. If your unit has one you just turn that the opposite direction. If your unit has three you will need to close the one on the cold water coming in and the one on the hot water coming out and open the valve on the line between the hot and cold. The ultimate goal being to bypass the water heater so no antifreeze gets into water heater.

4. If your RV has an inline water filter system, remove the filter cartridge and reinstall without filter. If the filter is not removed it will remove the pink color in the antifreeze.

5. Remove water pump feed line coming from tank at the pump or tank. A separate 2’ hose with a ½” connection and connecting it at the pump may be needed. Insert the hose into antifreeze and turn the water pump on.

6. Open interior and exterior faucets, showers and toilet until antifreeze is coming out both hot and cold lines.

7. Reconnect water line to pump or tank as it was.

8. If your unit has an inline filter system, remove the canister for the winter. Leaving it connection can cause it to crack because moisture can become trapped in the threads.

9. Wipe out sinks, tub and toilet. Pour approximately a cup of antifreeze into all traps and on top of toilet flap to keep seal lubricated.

10. Dump hold tanks

Reminder: In the spring, once your lines are rinsed, turn your bypass valves and refill the water heater before turning on your water heater. Staring the water heater before water is in the tank can cause breakers to blow or elements to burn out. In order to refill the water heater water needs to be connected and a hot water lines needs to be opened so the water heater fills. Once you get water out of the hot water side of the faucet your water is full and ready to be used.

This method is only used when an air compressor is not available. Using antifreeze is more expensive, requires more time in the spring in rinsing the water system and also can cause "stinky water".

More Questions?
Contact the friendly folks at Country RV for answers to your recreational vehicle maintainance questions today!