How To Winterize Your
RV
Protect your RV during the winters, and you’ll be back on the open road as soon as the weather warms up.
How To Winterize Your RV
With WINTERPROOF™ RV Water System Antifreeze
Keep your home on wheels ready for the open road. WINTERPROOF™ with BURST GUARD™ -50°F Guarantee provides up to 1 year protection from the date of purchase against any bursting and cracking up to -50°F in all your RV pipes and waterlines, when used as per the directions of the RV manufacturer and the directions on the label. Follow these simple steps to keep your RV ready for your next adventure.
Since every RV is different, be sure to follow your owner’s manual before starting the winterization process. Also, remember that some RVs may have extra components, like a washing machine, ice maker, or dishwasher, which may require additional steps to winterize. Follow the steps below that apply to your RV.
Before we begin, it’s important that you know not to dilute the WINTERPROOF™ RV Water System Antifreeze product. Any water remaining in the lines and drains will cause the product to expand and damage waterlines. Bring product to room temperature before using.
Socket Wrench
RV Winterizing Kit
2 to 4 jugs of WINTERPROOF™ Water System Antifreeze for RV’s
DIY PRO TIP
Always follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
If your RV is on an angle, lower it slightly. That’s to help everything flow to the right place. First, drain your freshwater tank. Look for the drain plug and give it a twist. Your vehicle might have a built-in drain valve or tap. See Video for Example. Let the water flow out. When it stops, close the drains.
Turn off your water heater. If it runs on propane, your switch will probably be outside the vehicle.
CAUTION! Don’t skip this step Turn it off and securely seal the propane tank to prevent fires or explosions.
For hybrid systems, there’s a second switch located inside your RV. Turn that off too. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for this step.
Let the water heater cool down. Now remove the drain plug. Not all water heaters have an anode rod, but if yours does, remove that too. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions! Open the pressure relief valve to avoid pressure buildup. You don’t want to get wet. Start draining.
DIY PRO TIP: Wrap Teflon tape around the drain plug’s threads for a leak-proof seal and easier removal
Remember to drain your wastewater tanks for the winter if they’re not already empty.
Close the top and bottom valves of the heater, then open the bypass valve. This redirects antifreeze away from the heater, preventing damage.
Take the pump suction tube from your winterizing kit. If you don’t have one, you can buy it at your local RV service centre or dealership. Close the freshwater tank valve to keep antifreeze from getting inside. Then open the suction tube valve.
Get out your WINTERPROOF™ RV Antifreeze.
DIY PRO TIP: Stock up to 4 jugs for an RV with several appliances or bathrooms.
Now turn off all your taps.
Run the pump for 15 seconds to dry it. Be careful not to let it run too long when it’s empty. That could damage it. Insert the suction tube into the antifreeze and start the pump, replacing jugs as needed.
DIY PRO TIP: Start with the faucet farthest from the pump to distribute antifreeze effectively through all pipes.
Turn on a cold water faucet until you see the green RV antifreeze, then turn it off and wait for the pump to stop. Next, turn on the hot water faucet. You’ll see green, then clear, and green again. Shut it off at the second green. That faucet is winterized! Do this for all RV faucets. Now for the toilet – pour a cup of antifreeze into the bowl and flush. Don’t forget your outdoor shower, if you have one. For a tank water heater, open the bypass valve until antifreeze appears, then close it. For additional appliances, like washers, consult the manufacturer’s winterizing instructions.
Pour two cups of WINTERPROOF™ RV Antifreeze down each sink and shower drain. Wipe up any spills right away to prevent staining.
DIY PRO TIP: The antifreeze might become slushy in extreme cold. That’s normal and won’t damage your pipes.
Shut off the pump and open a faucet to depressurize, then close it back up after a few seconds. At the city water inlet, gently push the release valve — only if it’s not hard or pressurized. Make sure the antifreeze comes out. That’s it! Your RV is safe and sound – and ready for winter.
Turn on your pump for fifteen seconds to let the pump run dry. Don’t overrun your pump when it’s empty.
Under certain circumstances, product may appear slushy or frozen. However, even in extreme temperatures up to -50°F, WINTERPROOF™ RV Water System Antifreeze for Recreational Vehicles (RV) is guaranteed to prevent pipes, waterlines and plumbing system from bursting when used as per the directions of the RV manufacturer and as per directions on the label.
Green coloured dye aids in leak detection.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT DESIGNED AS A HEAT TRANSFER FLUID FOR CLOSED LOOP SYSTEMS OR AS ANTIFREEZE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES.
DISPOSAL OF USED WATER SYSTEM ANTIFREEZE: Observe local laws and regulations.
In the event of any inconsistency between the directions on the label and this step-by-step guide, the directions on the label shall prevail.
*The information above and contained in this document is intended to provide general guidelines on winterizing and is provided for informational purposes only. Recochem Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors, or outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for a project. The reader must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any question or doubt in regards to any element of a project, please consult a licensed professional.
RV
THE BENEFITS OF USING WINTERPROOF™ RV WATER SYSTEM ANTIFREEZE
- 1BURST GUARD™ Guarantee -50˚F.
- 2Avoid costly repairs and long-term damage.
- 3Peace of mind that your investment is safe and sound while you’re not using it.
- 4Reduce maintenance costs in the future by taking preventative protection measures now.
- 5Protect the long-term life of your property with corrosion inhibitor formula.
- 6Preventative measures now mean less spent on bills, and more time spent making memories.
