Winterizing your camper is not too difficult if you follow clear and concise, step-by-step instructions. Double check that the water heater’s heating element is switched off and that all faucets are closed.This guide shows you how to winterize an RV in 9 easy steps. Remove the small screen and push on the valve with a screwdriver until antifreeze comes out. Now open a faucet to release the pressure in the system. Introduce antifreeze into the drain lines and holding tank, so pour a cup of antifreeze in each drain and into the toilet bowl. Don’t forget the outdoor shower.įlush the toilet until antifreeze appears in the bowl. As you pump antifreeze through the water lines, you may need to replace the antifreeze container. ![]() Do this to all faucets, working from closest faucets to pump to the farther faucets. Once you see antifreeze, close the faucet. Starting with the closest faucet to the pump, slowly open the hot and cold faucets until antifreeze comes out. Then turn on the pump, which will pressurize the plumbing system. Put the other end of the tubing into a container of non-toxic marine/RV antifreeze. If using the inlet side of the water pump, disconnect the line coming from the freshwater tank and attach tubing that connects to the inlet. Water pump conversion kits will come with instructions on how to use them. You’re ready to pump the antifreeze in your system, which will protect your plumbing when the thermometer dips below freezing. If the rod is damaged, your water heater will soon start corroding, which is irreversible. The anode rod is a sacrificial rod that corrodes before the interior of the water heater does. If the anode rod appears heavily corroded, it’s time to replace it. Remove it and check it for scaling or corrosion. Often the anode rod is attached to the drain plug, so it gets removed either way, but if it isn’t locate it. If your water heater is draining slowly, removing the anode rod speeds up the process. If you see these things, you might want to flush your water heater again, replace your anode rod, or start saving for a new water heater. While it’s draining, check the water in the bucket for rust, sediment, or scaling. Fully remove the plug to allow the water heater to drain completely. Use a bucket to catch the first few gallons of water that come out. Slowly unscrew the drain plug to begin draining the unit. Because it’s time to drain the water heater.īefore draining, some experts recommend turning on a faucet or two so that “hot” water is flowing out of it-this reduces the pressure within the water heater tank. Wait until water stops running from the PRV before moving on, and leave the valve open. There is usually a valve within a foot or two of where the pipe or hose enters the water heater.Īt this point, you can open the pressure relief valve. Next, shut off the water that is going into the water heater. The other is on or near the control panel in your RV. One power switch is on the water heater itself, accessible from the outside of the RV. There may be multiple places to turn off your water heater. The water heater should not be hot or under pressure when it is drained, so turn the water heater off and let it cool. Once you’re finished, it helps to lubricate the termination valves with WD-40 for future use.ĭraining the black water tank first allows the gray water to flush out the drain hose, keeping it cleaner for future use and storage. ![]() Products like Flush King also help flush out both waste water tanks. If your RV does not have its own tank-flushing system, use a cleaning wand to flush the black water tank. It’s an easy mistake to make, but one you’ll instantly regret.ĭrain the black water tank first. Be sure your drain hose is properly attached at both ends before you start draining. The tanks for black and gray water should only be drained at an approved dumping facility. Letting waste water sit in those for an extended period of time not only increases the risk of water freezing, but it lets potential harmful bacteria grow unimpeded. The drain valves should be easy to locate from there. These tanks are usually near an exterior wall underneath your RVs bathroom. Next, locate the drain plugs or valves for the black and gray water tanks. This water is potable and it’s okay if it drains onto the ground, though if you are in an RV park your neighbors may not appreciate it. This tank is accessible below your RV near an exterior wall and is usually centrally located so that it can deliver water to sinks and showers. First, drain the freshwater holding tank.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |