Winterizing Your RV: Step-by-Step Guide
RV Winterization Burlington WA | Mobile RV Winter Prep
Freezing temperatures are no joke for RVers. A single cold snap can burst pipes, crack fittings, and destroy your water heater. We replace a dozen instant hot water heaters every winter it seems. Whether you're storing your RV for the season or prepping for cold-weather travel, winterization is essential.
At Odyssey Mobile RV Repair, we help RV owners along the I-5 Corridor from Seattle to Canada to protect their investment with proper mobile RV winter prep services. Here's a step-by-step guide to winterizing your RV the right way.
1. Drain All Water Lines
Start by emptying the fresh water tank, gray tank, and black tank. Don’t forget the water heater—open the drain plug and pressure relief valve to release all water.
Do not forget: Remove the anode rod (Suburban) or plastic plug (Dometic/Atwood) for a full drain, and let it air out completely. Stock up on another anode rod or drain plug for the spring season and leave it inside the service door of your water heater.
2. Bypass the Water Heater
If you plan to use RV antifreeze, bypassing the water heater saves you gallons of fluid and a big mess.
Most RVs have a bypass valve or kit installed—look for a three-valve setup near the back of the water heater. If not, we can install one during your winterization service with high quality brass valves that will last you years to come.
3. Should you blow out your lines? (Optional)
Some RVers use a blow-out plug and an air compressor to push out any remaining water in the plumbing system. We don’t blow out lines ourselves, but many people do with success every year. Just be sure to set the pressure to 30–40 PSI to avoid damaging lines.
Open faucets one at a time while blowing air through the system, including the toilet and outside shower.
4. Add RV Antifreeze
Use only non-toxic RV antifreeze. Never automotive antifreeze. (don’t ask why we have to mention this).. Pump RV antifreeze through the system until pink fluid comes out of every faucet, toilet, and showerhead. Start at the water pump, sucking the antifreeze directly from the container into the water lines, then fixtures, closest to furthest, cold and hot water sides separate.
Don’t forget:
City water inlet
Ice maker (if equipped)
Washing machine hookups
Outdoor kitchen faucet
Outdoor Showers
If you're unsure which ports to treat, let us handle it on-site.
5. Seal and Secure Exterior
Inspect all exterior seals and roof penetrations. Cold temps can shrink and crack sealant, leading to leaks during winter rains.
Also:
Close propane tanks
Cover or block vent openings
Remove or store batteries with a float charger
We Make It Easy
Skip the hassle of hoses, compressors, and pink-stained driveways. Odyssey Mobile RV Repair offers on-site winterization service to protect your RV before the freeze sets in. Fast, clean, and thorough, just like it should be. We can also come to your storage facility if you keep your rig there over winter. The best way to schedule your winterization or de-winterization is with our link below.
