Table of Contents

How to Winterize RV With Air Compressor? A Definitive Guide

Yes, winterizing your RV with an air compressor is a viable and effective method to remove water from your plumbing system, preventing freezing and potential damage. However, it’s crucial to understand the proper techniques and precautions to avoid causing harm to your RV’s components. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to safely and effectively winterize your RV using an air compressor.

The Core Process: Blowing Out Your Water Lines

The fundamental principle behind using an air compressor to winterize your RV is to use compressed air to force water out of the pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. While seemingly simple, incorrect execution can lead to burst pipes or damaged seals. Therefore, careful attention to detail and adherence to best practices are paramount.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather the following:

Air Compressor: A small, portable air compressor is sufficient. The key is regulating the air pressure.
Air Compressor Adapter: This adapter connects your air compressor hose to your RV’s city water inlet.
Teflon Tape: For sealing connections and preventing leaks.
RV Antifreeze: Essential for protecting areas where air alone can’t remove all the water, such as traps and drains.
Wrench: For tightening connections as needed.
Screwdriver: For accessing and manipulating certain valves.
Water Heater Bypass Kit (If Applicable): Essential to prevent filling the water heater with antifreeze.
Bucket: For catching water and antifreeze.

Step-by-Step Winterization Using Air Compressor

Drain All Water: Begin by draining all the water from your RV’s fresh water tank, water heater, and holding tanks (gray and black water). Ensure all drain valves are fully open.
Bypass the Water Heater: This is critical. Use the water heater bypass valve (if your RV has one). Bypassing prevents gallons of antifreeze from unnecessarily filling the water heater. If no bypass valve exists, you’ll need to install a bypass kit or drain the water heater completely and disconnect the inlet and outlet lines.
Connect the Air Compressor: Attach the air compressor adapter to your RV’s city water inlet. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal. Connect your air compressor hose to the adapter.
Regulate Air Pressure: This is arguably the most important step. Never exceed 40 PSI (pounds per square inch). RV plumbing systems are not designed to withstand high pressure. Over-pressurizing can cause serious and costly damage. A safe range is typically between 30-40 PSI.
Blow Out the Lines: Slowly introduce air into the system. Open each faucet (both hot and cold) one at a time, starting with the faucet closest to the city water inlet and working your way outwards. Let the air run until only air comes out. Remember to flush the toilet until only air flows.
Don’t Forget the Shower and Outdoor Faucet: Open and blow out the showerhead and any outdoor faucets.
Remove Air Compressor and Add Antifreeze: Disconnect the air compressor. Now, pour RV antifreeze into all the P-traps (under sinks and the shower) and into the toilet bowl. This will protect these areas from freezing. Add enough antifreeze to the toilet bowl to ensure the seal remains protected.
Protect Drains and Gray/Black Tanks: Pour RV antifreeze down each drain. This provides extra protection and helps keep the drain valves lubricated.
Water Pump Winterizing (Optional): Many people bypass their water pump and just drain it. Some prefer to run RV antifreeze through it by disconnecting the inlet hose, connecting a hose into a jug of antifreeze, and briefly running the pump until antifreeze comes out of the outlets. This ensures the pump is fully protected.
Final Checks: Double-check that all drain valves are closed. Ensure the water heater bypass valve is still in the bypass position.

FAQs: Winterizing Your RV with Air Compressor

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns and provide further clarification:

FAQ 1: What happens if I don’t winterize my RV?

Failing to winterize your RV can lead to burst pipes, cracked fixtures, damaged appliances (like the water heater), and significant water damage. Repairing these issues can be extremely expensive.

FAQ 2: Can I use regular automotive antifreeze instead of RV antifreeze?

Absolutely not! Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your RV’s fresh water system, making it unsafe for consumption even after flushing. Always use RV antifreeze, which is designed to be non-toxic.

FAQ 3: How do I know if I’ve gotten all the water out of the lines?

You’ll know you’ve removed most of the water when only air sputters out of the faucets and toilet. However, remember that air alone won’t remove all the water, which is why adding RV antifreeze is important.

FAQ 4: What if my RV doesn’t have a water heater bypass valve?

You’ll need to install a bypass kit. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Alternatively, completely drain the water heater tank and disconnect the inlet and outlet lines, leaving them open to allow for any residual water to expand if it freezes.

FAQ 5: Where can I find the air compressor adapter for my RV?

Air compressor adapters can be found at most RV supply stores, automotive stores, and online retailers. Look for an adapter that connects to your RV’s city water inlet.

FAQ 6: What pressure should I use when blowing out the water lines?

Never exceed 40 PSI. Ideally, use 30-40 PSI to avoid damaging the plumbing system. Lower pressure is always better than higher pressure.

FAQ 7: How much RV antifreeze do I need?

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

FAQ 8: Do I need to winterize my RV if I live in a mild climate?

Even in mild climates, occasional freezing temperatures can occur. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s a risk of freezing, even for a short period, winterizing is recommended.

FAQ 9: Can I use an air compressor to winterize the toilet?

Yes, flushing the toilet with the air compressor connected will help remove water from the lines and the bowl. Remember to add RV antifreeze to the bowl to protect the seal.

FAQ 10: Do I need to disconnect the batteries during winterization?

Yes, it’s generally recommended to disconnect the batteries (both house and chassis batteries) during storage to prevent parasitic drain and extend their lifespan.

FAQ 11: What should I do with the ice maker and washing machine (if applicable)?

For ice makers, disconnect the water supply line and run the ice maker through a cycle to remove any remaining water. For washing machines, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterization, which typically involves running antifreeze through the system.

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

In the spring, flush the entire water system with fresh water to remove any residual antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank by adding a diluted bleach solution, letting it sit for several hours, and then thoroughly flushing the system again.

Conclusion

Winterizing your RV with an air compressor is a cost-effective and efficient way to protect your investment from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. By following these steps and adhering to the safety precautions outlined in this guide, you can ensure your RV remains in excellent condition for years to come. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations.