How to Winterize a Camper With Compressed Air? A Comprehensive Guide
Winterizing your camper with compressed air is a highly effective and cost-efficient method to prevent freeze damage to your RV’s plumbing system. By using compressed air to blow out water from your pipes, faucets, and holding tanks, you significantly reduce the risk of bursting pipes and costly repairs when temperatures plummet.
The Power of Compressed Air: Your Camper’s Winter Guardian
As winter approaches, the prospect of frozen pipes looms large for RV owners. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can exert tremendous pressure on your camper’s plumbing system, leading to cracks, leaks, and even complete pipe bursts. Winterizing with compressed air offers a proactive solution, removing the vast majority of water and thereby eliminating the hazard. This method is generally faster and less reliant on antifreeze than other winterization techniques, though many choose to use both methods for maximum protection.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process Using Compressed Air
Before you begin, gather your necessary supplies: an air compressor with an adjustable regulator, a blow-out adapter (also known as a winterizing adapter) compatible with your camper’s water inlet, Teflon tape, RV antifreeze (optional), a screwdriver, and drain plugs for your water heater and fresh water tank.
1. Drain All Water Tanks
The first crucial step is to completely drain all water from your camper’s tanks.
- Fresh Water Tank: Locate the drain valve for your fresh water tank and open it. Allow all water to drain out completely.
- Water Heater: Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool down completely. Then, remove the drain plug or anode rod (if equipped). Be sure to bypass the water heater as well (refer to your RV’s manual for specific instructions). This prevents antifreeze from entering the water heater tank if you choose to add antifreeze later in the process.
- Gray and Black Water Tanks: Empty and thoroughly flush both gray and black water tanks using your RV’s black tank flush system (if available) or a rinsing wand. Even small amounts of residual waste can freeze and cause damage.
2. Bypass the Water Heater
As mentioned above, bypassing the water heater is critical. Most RVs have a bypass system consisting of valves that allow you to isolate the water heater from the rest of the plumbing. This prevents you from having to fill the entire water heater tank (typically 6-10 gallons) with antifreeze, saving you money and time. Consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to bypass your water heater.
3. Connect the Air Compressor and Blow Out the Lines
- Connect the blow-out adapter to your camper’s city water inlet. Use Teflon tape on the threads to ensure a good seal.
- Attach your air compressor hose to the adapter.
- Set the air compressor regulator to a maximum of 40 PSI. Exceeding this pressure can damage your plumbing.
- Open each faucet (both hot and cold) and the showerhead one at a time, allowing air to flow through until only air comes out. Start with the faucet furthest from the water inlet and work your way closer. Don’t forget to flush the toilet until only air remains.
- Repeat this process several times for each fixture to ensure all water is removed.
4. Address Low Point Drains
Locate and open your camper’s low point drains. These are usually located underneath the RV and are designed to drain low-lying sections of the plumbing. Allow air to blow through these drains until only air comes out.
5. Empty the Water Pump
Run your water pump briefly to purge any remaining water from it. Some recommend adding a small amount of RV antifreeze directly into the water pump intake line for added protection.
6. Consider Adding RV Antifreeze
While blowing out the lines with compressed air effectively removes most of the water, adding RV antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection. Pour RV antifreeze into each P-trap (under sinks and the shower), the toilet bowl, and into the water pump intake line. This helps prevent freezing and potential cracking of these components. Remember, only use RV antifreeze; automotive antifreeze is toxic and can contaminate your water system.
7. Final Checks and Winter Storage
- Close all faucets and drains.
- Disconnect the air compressor and blow-out adapter.
- Store the drain plugs in a safe place so you don’t lose them.
- Cover your RV to protect it from the elements.
- Consider using desiccants inside the RV to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Winterizing with Compressed Air
1. What PSI should I set my air compressor to when winterizing my camper?
The recommended PSI is 40 PSI or less. Exceeding this pressure can damage your RV’s plumbing system, potentially causing leaks or even burst pipes. Start with a lower pressure and gradually increase it if needed, but never exceed 40 PSI.
2. Do I need a special adapter to connect my air compressor to my camper?
Yes, you will need a blow-out adapter (also known as a winterizing adapter). This adapter connects to your camper’s city water inlet and allows you to connect your air compressor hose. They are readily available at RV supply stores.
3. How do I know if I’ve successfully removed all the water from the lines?
The best indicator is when you open each faucet and only air comes out. Repeat the process several times for each fixture and low point drain to ensure thorough removal. If you’re unsure, adding RV antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection.
4. Can I use a regular automotive air compressor for winterizing?
Yes, you can use a regular automotive air compressor as long as it has an adjustable regulator and can be set to 40 PSI or less. Be cautious about using a very powerful compressor that delivers high CFM (cubic feet per minute) as this could also damage your plumbing, even at a lower PSI.
5. What is RV antifreeze, and why is it important?
RV antifreeze is a non-toxic antifreeze specifically formulated for use in recreational vehicles. It’s designed to prevent freezing and protect your plumbing system without contaminating your water supply. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it’s toxic and can be harmful if ingested.
6. Where should I pour RV antifreeze in my camper?
Pour RV antifreeze into the P-traps under sinks and the shower, the toilet bowl, and into the water pump intake line. This provides additional protection to these vulnerable areas.
7. How do I bypass the water heater? Where do I locate the water heater bypass valve?
The location of the water heater bypass valve varies depending on your RV model. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Generally, there are two or three valves located near the water heater. In the bypass position, water flows around the water heater rather than through it.
8. What happens if I don’t winterize my camper properly?
Failure to winterize properly can lead to frozen and burst pipes, damaged plumbing fixtures, and costly repairs. The expansion of freezing water can exert tremendous pressure, causing significant damage to your RV’s water system.
9. Is it necessary to use RV antifreeze if I use compressed air to winterize?
While compressed air effectively removes most of the water, adding RV antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection, especially for P-traps and the water pump. It’s a relatively inexpensive precaution that can save you from costly repairs.
10. How long does it take to winterize a camper using compressed air?
The time it takes to winterize a camper using compressed air depends on the size and complexity of your RV’s plumbing system. Generally, it takes between 1 to 3 hours.
11. Can I winterize my camper myself, or should I hire a professional?
You can definitely winterize your camper yourself with the right tools and knowledge. However, if you are uncomfortable with any of the steps, or if you have a complex plumbing system, it’s always best to hire a qualified RV technician.
12. What else should I do to prepare my camper for winter storage besides winterizing the plumbing?
In addition to winterizing the plumbing, you should also:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator and pantry.
- Clean the interior of the camper thoroughly.
- Cover the RV with a breathable RV cover.
- Remove batteries and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Inflate tires to the recommended pressure.
- Protect the RV from rodents.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your camper is well-protected during the winter months and ready for your next adventure.