Winterize Your RV Before the First Freeze

Cold weather can cause serious damage to an RV even when it is parked and unused. Water trapped in supply lines, faucets, toilet valves, outside showers, water pumps, filters and low-point plumbing expands as it freezes. That pressure can split fittings, crack plastic valves and housings, damage the water pump or water heater, and create hidden leaks that may not appear until the RV is pressurized again in spring. Proper RV winterization involves more than simply draining the fresh-water tank. Depending on the RV and its equipment, the process may include turning off and cooling the water heater, draining it and placing it in bypass; draining the fresh-water system and low-point lines; clearing water from hot and cold plumbing; and circulating non-toxic RV/marine antifreeze through every fixture and connection that can hold water. Outside showers, toilet valves, pump strainers, filter housings, ice makers, washing machines, dishwashers, tank-flush connections and other accessories may require additional attention. Always follow the RV and appliance manufacturers’ instructions. Skipping winterization—or completing only part of it—can lead to cracked faucets, toilet valves, check valves, pump components, filter housings and water-heater parts. Even a small split can release water inside cabinets, walls or flooring when the system is used again. The result may be swollen wood, damaged flooring, mold and expensive repairs at the start of camping season. This past March and April, Sunset Mobile RV Repair handled numerous freeze-damage repairs when customers opened their RVs for spring camping. Many of those leaks could have been prevented with proper winterization. Do not wait until freezing temperatures are already in the forecast. Last-minute winterization appointments fill quickly. Whether your RV is parked at home, in storage or at a campground, Sunset Mobile RV Repair can come to your location and help prepare it for cold weather. Serving Johnson City, Jonesborough, Bristol, Limestone and surrounding Tri-Cities communities.