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How to Winterize an RV With Compressed Air? A Comprehensive Guide

Winterizing your RV is crucial to protect its plumbing system from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Using compressed air to blow out water lines is a popular and effective method. The core process involves draining all water from your RV’s tanks and pipes, then using compressed air to force out any remaining water, preventing freezing and potential cracks or bursts. This article provides a detailed guide on how to safely and effectively winterize your RV using compressed air, ensuring your home away from home is ready for next spring.

Understanding the Importance of RV Winterization

Leaving water in your RV’s plumbing over the winter is a recipe for disaster. As water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on pipes, fittings, water heaters, and pumps. This can lead to costly repairs that could easily be avoided with proper winterization. Winterization with compressed air offers a quick and efficient way to safeguard your RV’s plumbing system from freezing damage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your RV with Compressed Air

This guide assumes you have a basic understanding of your RV’s plumbing system. If you’re unsure about any step, consult your RV’s owner’s manual or seek professional assistance.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and supplies:

Air compressor: A small air compressor capable of delivering 30-40 PSI (pounds per square inch) is ideal.
Blow-out adapter: This adapter connects your air compressor hose to your RV’s city water inlet.
Screwdriver or wrench: Needed to access and drain water heater and low-point drains.
Water heater bypass kit (if not already installed): Crucial for preventing antifreeze from entering your water heater.
Non-toxic RV antifreeze: Several gallons, depending on the size of your RV.
Basin or bucket: To catch water during draining.
Teflon tape or pipe sealant: For sealing connections.
Gloves and eye protection: Safety first!

2. Drain All Water Tanks and Lines

This is the foundation of winterization. Every drop of water you remove is one less opportunity for freezing damage.

Drain the fresh water tank: Locate and open the fresh water tank drain valve. Allow the tank to drain completely.
Drain the water heater: Turn off the water heater (both gas and electric) several hours before draining to allow it to cool. Open the drain plug at the bottom of the water heater (usually accessible from an exterior compartment). Use a socket or wrench if needed.
Bypass the water heater: Before proceeding, ensure your water heater is bypassed. This prevents filling it with antifreeze, saving you money and preventing potential contamination. If your RV doesn’t have a bypass kit, you’ll need to install one.
Drain the low-point drains: Locate the low-point drains (usually two pipes extending below the RV). Open both the hot and cold water low-point drains. These are the lowest points in your plumbing system and will drain any remaining water.
Drain holding tanks: Drain and thoroughly flush both the black water and grey water holding tanks. This is essential to prevent unpleasant odors and potential freezing in the tanks and drain lines.

3. Blow Out the Water Lines with Compressed Air

Now for the main event. This step uses compressed air to force out any remaining water from the pipes.

Connect the blow-out adapter: Attach the blow-out adapter to your RV’s city water inlet.
Set the air compressor pressure: Set the air compressor to a pressure of 30-40 PSI. Do not exceed 40 PSI, as higher pressures can damage your RV’s plumbing.
Connect the air compressor: Connect the air compressor hose to the blow-out adapter.
Open each faucet and fixture: Starting with the faucet furthest from the city water inlet, open both the hot and cold water sides. Allow air to flow until only air comes out. Repeat this process for each faucet (including kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor shower), toilet, and shower.
Flush the toilet: Depress the toilet flush pedal until only air comes out.
Don’t forget exterior fixtures: Open any exterior showers or wash stations.

4. Add RV Antifreeze

While blowing out the lines is effective, adding RV antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection, especially for traps and low-lying areas.

Bypass the water heater (again, if not already done): Make absolutely certain the water heater is bypassed.
Pour antifreeze into drains: Pour RV antifreeze into each drain (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and toilet) to protect the P-traps from freezing. Use enough to fill the trap (usually a cup or two).
Flush the toilet: Pour RV antifreeze into the toilet bowl and flush, allowing it to coat the bowl and fill the plumbing line.
Consider the water pump: If you want to protect your water pump with antifreeze, disconnect the inlet side of the pump and attach a siphon hose. Place the other end of the siphon hose into a container of RV antifreeze. Turn on the pump and run it until antifreeze flows from all the faucets. This ensures the pump is protected.

5. Additional Winterization Steps

These steps are crucial for a comprehensive winterization process.

Inspect and seal: Inspect all exterior openings for gaps and seal them with caulk or sealant to prevent pests from entering.
Remove batteries: Disconnect and remove RV batteries. Store them in a cool, dry place and check their charge periodically throughout the winter.
Cover the RV: Consider purchasing an RV cover to protect it from the elements.
Defrost and clean the refrigerator: Turn off the refrigerator, defrost it, and clean it thoroughly. Prop the doors open to prevent mildew growth.
Remove food: Remove all food items from the RV to prevent attracting pests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About RV Winterization With Compressed Air

Here are some common questions about winterizing your RV with compressed air, along with detailed answers:

1. What PSI should I use when winterizing my RV with compressed air?

Ideally, you should use between 30-40 PSI. Going above 40 PSI can damage the plumbing lines and seals in your RV. Always check your RV’s manual for specific recommendations.

2. Can I use regular antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?

No, you should only use non-toxic RV antifreeze. Regular automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your RV’s water system, making it unsafe for drinking.

3. Do I need to bypass my water heater before winterizing?

Yes, bypassing the water heater is crucial. If you don’t bypass it, you’ll need to fill the entire water heater with antifreeze, which is unnecessary and wasteful. It can also be difficult to completely remove the antifreeze in the spring.

4. How do I know if my water heater is bypassed?

Most RVs have a bypass valve system near the water heater. When the valve(s) are positioned so that water flows directly from the cold water inlet to the hot water outlet, bypassing the water heater tank, it is bypassed. Refer to your RV’s manual for the specific valve configuration for your model.

5. What if I don’t have a water heater bypass kit?

If your RV doesn’t have a bypass kit, you’ll need to install one. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Alternatively, you can manually disconnect the water lines and connect them together, bypassing the water heater.

6. How much RV antifreeze do I need?

The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size of your RV and the length of its plumbing lines. Generally, 2-3 gallons is sufficient for smaller RVs, while larger RVs may require 4-6 gallons.

7. Can I use compressed air only to winterize my RV?

Yes, using compressed air alone can be effective, but adding RV antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection. Antifreeze helps to protect the P-traps and other low-lying areas from freezing.

8. How do I winterize the ice maker and washing machine?

For the ice maker, disconnect the water supply line and allow the ice maker to run through a few cycles until it’s clear of water. For the washing machine, consult your owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions, as procedures can vary depending on the model. Generally, you’ll need to run a short cycle with RV antifreeze.

9. Should I remove the water filter cartridge before winterizing?

Yes, you should remove the water filter cartridge to prevent it from cracking due to freezing. Store it in a sealed bag in a warm place.

10. How do I winterize the exterior shower?

Open both the hot and cold water valves on the exterior shower and blow them out with compressed air. Consider adding a small amount of RV antifreeze to the shower hose and nozzle.

11. What happens if I forget to winterize my RV?

If you forget to winterize your RV, you risk serious damage to your plumbing system, including burst pipes, cracked fittings, and a damaged water heater. These repairs can be very costly.

12. How do I de-winterize my RV in the spring?

To de-winterize your RV in the spring, flush the plumbing system thoroughly with fresh water to remove any remaining antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and water lines by adding a solution of bleach and water, letting it sit for several hours, and then flushing again. Replace the water filter cartridge and inspect all plumbing connections for leaks.

By following these steps and addressing these FAQs, you can effectively winterize your RV with compressed air, protecting it from freezing temperatures and ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. Remember to always consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations.