To Winterize or Not

moore_rvers · 03-02-2018, 04:47 PM

We travel frequently through-out the year. during the winter the RV doesn't sit idle more than a month or even less. I'm wondering if I should winterize even though it is taken out, or run a heater inside.

What does everyone else do?

Papa-T · 03-02-2018, 05:06 PM

My rule is if it’s going to be in the 20’s for a couple days it’s not worth taking the chance. I winterize and just use the unit to sleep and cook in. I leave it winterized and don’t use the water.

**mark5w** · 03-02-2018, 05:06 PM

For how simple it is to do, I would use a blow out plug to blow the water out of the lines, and a splash of antifreeze in the sinks, shower and toilet.

Steve7 · 03-02-2018, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

For how simple it is to do, I would use a blow out plug to blow the water out of the lines, and a splash of antifreeze in the sinks, shower and toilet.

This is also what I do...

sleepyT · 03-04-2018, 12:49 AM

Gotta agree with Papa, Mark & Steve...I don't use anti freeze in water lines...Set air pressure at 50 PSI & blow out the system, anti freeze in the P-traps...Empty water heater...

Steve7 · 03-04-2018, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepyT

Gotta agree with Papa, Mark & Steve...I don't use anti freeze in water lines...Set air pressure at 50 PSI & blow out the system, anti freeze in the P-traps...Empty water heater...

Tommy, I used to use 40-50 psi to blow out my water lines since they are rated for 60 -100 psi, then a member from my Grand Design forum pointed out that water and air psi are measured differently and the air would be much more compared to water. He recommended I use 20 psi. This guy is vey knowledable in engineering etc, so I go with 20 psi air now to blow out my lines. Just info for anyone who cares...

I also try to open a faucet before turning on the air, and open a second faucet before closing the first. I’m sure others use this same method.

sleepyT · 03-04-2018, 11:54 AM

Steve
Thanks for the info...I have used 50 PSI for several years and have not had a problem, but that doesn't mean I won't have a problem in the future, I could have just been lucky...Thanks again...

travelin texans · 03-04-2018, 12:57 PM

I've always used somewhere between 40-50 psi air for years in every rv I've owned without any problems. In some of the older ones I've got no idea what the lines were rated for.
I agree water & air are different, air WILL compress, water WILL NOT, but 50 psi is 50 psi.

**Lloyd** · 03-04-2018, 06:43 PM

Solid Core PVC Belled End Pipe Schedule 40
Schedule 40 that is dual marked for DWV and Pressure applications

Easily attach fittings with cement and primer
Solid core for pressure use
Do not use with compressed air or other gases.
Above info came from suppliers web site.

I use and have used 40# for years to blow the lines. Never had a problem, but that doesn't I can't or won't.
I remember years back a couple of us at work used PVC pipe to run an air line for some equipment we were putting in. We thought would be pretty good and fast way to do it. Luckily, I didn't have enough pipe for the job. When I went back to get more I mentioned what I was using it for. Needles to say that line never was finished.
For some reason, in that material, 40# of 50# of water pressure is not the same as 40# or 50# of air pressure.
Maybe the pex pipe they run in the RV's is different.

Robb · 03-07-2018, 01:40 PM

For 15 minutes of labor and $7 of anti-freeze, why wouldn't you do it? CHEAP compared to a broken line (that you may have to tear the trailer apart to get to. JMHO.

kgie1217 · 03-08-2018, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

For how simple it is to do, I would use a blow out plug to blow the water out of the lines, and a splash of antifreeze in the sinks, shower and toilet.

Can you elaborate on how you use a "blow out plug to blow the water out of the lines"? Thanks!

**dagst1** · 03-08-2018, 08:46 AM

A blow out plug screws into the city water connection and you connect a source of air to it to pressurize the water lines to blow the water out the faucets. You will need regulator set to 35-40 psi.. so you do not damage the lines. Go to the farthest faucet and work your way back to the closest one to the water tank. Bypass the water heater and drain it when your sure that you have removed as much water as you can ie. nothing but air out of the faucets then put antifreeze down the drains about 1 cup to fill traps and some in the toilet but do not flush this will help to keep the seal from drying out. Also don't forget to drain the water tank and I use a bucket to drain the holding tanks just make sure you have already dumped.

**Lloyd** · 03-08-2018, 10:06 AM

dagst1 has the procedure.
This is what they look like.

harley · 03-08-2018, 10:49 AM

And dont forget about out side shower and open both low point drains. Plus leave all taps open...

Stovepipe · 03-08-2018, 12:41 PM

Would a simple water pressure regulator work with the blowout plug or is a fancier adjustable one for air preferred? Can someone post a link? I've been pumping the pink through the lines but might try blowing em out next time.

harley · 03-08-2018, 12:46 PM

It is just a basic air compressor like you use to pump up tires. you can buy cheap air compressors . the regulator is for air pressure on the compressor.

Stovepipe · 03-08-2018, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

It is just a basic air compressor like you use to pump up tires. you can buy cheap air compressors . the regulator is for air pressure on the compressor.

Gotcha. Now that I think about it, I believe mine has the adjustment but I've just always kept it wide open. Thanks!

**mark5w** · 03-08-2018, 03:58 PM

Short basic video;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7SB7ho6-c8

NoodlesWIU · 03-20-2018, 11:58 AM

I was curious about this as well when I first winterized our unit last year. A gentleman in a video I saw made a good point about doing both because the antifreeze will keep seals in the pump, and faucets from drying out and cracking over time. So yeah, for the $7 bucks a year, I'll continue to run AF. But for the OP's situation, blowing the lines may be enough if he's using it frequently in the winter. But I'm with others on not letting it sit for a few days in freezing weather without winterizing it in some sense. Just not worth the risk for the little effort it takes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8LriQk5Sec

builditguy · 04-06-2018, 04:12 AM

One thing I don't like about winterizing, is flushing out all of the anti-freeze. I have no problem with blowing out the lines.

As a side note, I always use anti-freeze to winterize. This year, I flushed the lines and headed south, a little too early. So far, no problems, but I wish I had just blown the lines out, before I left. They've already had a 25 degree night, with 2 more on the way.

What ever happened to global warming?

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