Adding Antifreeze to Your RV’s Water System
For a new RV owner, the first winter can be a daunting time. There are many tasks that must be completed to ensure that the RV is not damaged by the cold, one of which is adding antifreeze to the RV’s water system. If you are unfamiliar with the process, it can seem intimidating and unintuitive. Luckily, River City RV has created this guide to walk you through each step of the process.
Emptying Holding Tanks
Any extra water left in the holding tanks before the antifreeze is added can dilute it, making it less effective at its job. That is why you should make sure your RV’s water system is completely empty, starting with the holding tanks. While your freshwater tank shouldn’t pose you any problems, your black and grey water tanks must be emptied at your local dump station. Clean your black water tanks with a black tank flush or a black tank wand. You can then rinse your septic hose using the water in your greywater tank.
After your black and grey water tanks have been emptied, you can move on to your water heater. First, make sure it’s turned off and not pressurized and then open the pressure relief valve and pull the drain plug. Be patient, as this will take a little longer than it did for the other tanks. When you are finished, make sure that you close the valve and replace the cap. From here on out, the rest of the process can be performed entirely at home.
Emptying Pipes
The next step is to make sure that the pipes are empty. Open the low point drain plug(s) on the underside of your RV. While the draining process will proceed automatically, turning on your water pump can speed the process along. When the pipes are emptied, put the cap back on the low point drains.
Water Heater Bypass
Next, bypass your water heater. While newer RVs have this as a feature, owners of older RVs will need to purchase a bypass kit and find a mechanic to install it. This is an important step, as without it you could end up wasting quite a lot of antifreeze.
Adding Antifreeze
It is now time to add the antifreeze. Find the water pump. Depending upon the model, you may need to remove a panel and/or use a converter kit. Drop the inlet side of your water pump into the antifreeze.
Activate the water pump and open the faucet closest to the pump, starting with the cold water valve. Wait until the liquid turns pink and then turn off the cold water. Repeat the process for the hot water valve. When both valves are done, do the same thing to the next faucet, followed by the next faucet. Work your way through your RV until all faucets and valves run pink, including indoor and outdoor showers. Flush your toilets until they run pink.
Once antifreeze is flowing through your entire water supply, turn off the water pump. Pour a cup of antifreeze down every drain and every toilet. Finally, use your city water hookup, remove your screen, and depress the check valve.
Finishing Up
While you may be getting tired at this point, you aren’t done just yet. Remember that not everything in your RV is connected to plumbing. Appliances like ice makers, dishwashers, or washing machines have water in them as well. However, we cannot know what kind of models you have on hand. To winterize these appliances, check your owner’s manual. If necessary, ask a qualified mechanic.
We here at River City RV hope you have a safe and fun RV trip, no matter the season. For more information or to view new and pre-owned camper models, visit our dealership in Grants Pass, Oregon. Our staff will be happy to clear up any questions you may have and help you find the RV of your dreams. For those who already own an RV, we offer a fully stocked part department as well as servicing appointments. We are proud to serve southwest Oregon, and we welcome guests from communities like Medford and Rogue Valley.