How to Winterize an RV

Winterizing your RV is essential in areas like Columbus, Grove City, and Dublin, Ohio, where temperatures get well below freezing throughout the winter months. This process involves prepping your pipes and water system with antifreeze to prevent cracks from forming.

Thankfully, this process can be done in your driveway with three gallons of RV-grade antifreeze and a simple tool kit. Follow this step-by-step guide put together by our team at Mark Wahlberg RV!

1.Remove the Water Filters.

First things first, the inline water filters need to come out. Running antifreeze through these filters could damage them and also leave residue behind that could end up in your drinking, bathing, or cleaning water.

While you have the water filters out, inspect them thoroughly. Depending on how often you use your RV, you should get new water filters every three to six months. While you have them out, gauge how dirty they are. It may be time to replace them!

2.Drain All the Water from Your RV.

With the water filters removed, it’s time to remove any existing water in your water system. First, go through your RV to open any drains before opening the external drain valve which will allow any water hiding in the pipes to be flushed out.

Be sure to empty your black and gray tanks at a designated dumping area. You’ll also want to drain the water heater tank.

3.Enable Your Hot Water Heater Bypass System.

With all the water out of the RV, it’s time to start prepping to pump in the antifreeze. You’ll want to go back through and close up all of your faucets. You’ll also want to plug up all of your faucets.

Most importantly, you’ll want to enable the hot water bypass feature to ensure that no antifreeze gets into the hot water heater tank.

4.Pump Antifreeze into the Water System.

If you have a designated water pump converter kit, now is the time to install it. If not, you can simply disconnect a water intake line in your RV and insert that line directly into the jug of antifreeze.

Now, you’ll want to locate the cold water faucet closest to the line connected to the antifreeze which will pull it into the piping. Slowly turn one faucet at a time until pink is flowing through all of the sinks.

During this stage of the process, you’ll also want to flush the toilet several times. The purpose of this is to get antifreeze into the gray water tank, black water tank, and plumbing lines.

5.Batten Down the Hatches.

With antifreeze all through your plumbing system, you can shut all of your faucets off and plug your drains. Before storing your RV, double check that your hot water heater is turned off. Now, your RV is ready for winter!

Need Some Help Getting Ready for Winter?

While you’re winterizing your RV, feel free to reach out to our team at Mark Wahlberg RV with any questions you may have. We’re happy to provide some guidance if you hit a snag along the way!

If you’d rather us take care of the winterization process, we’re happy to do so in our on-site service center. We’re just a short drive from Columbus, Grove City, and Dublin, Ohio!