Winterizing instructions

September 24 2009

            Winterizing Steps (generic)

  • 1. Drain the water from the fresh water tank and leave valve open
  • 2. Open any "low point" drains that your unit may have and close when water stops flowing. Not all units are equipped with low point drains.
  • 3. Remove the drain plug from the hot water heater. Ensure the water has cooled for at least a day before performing this. For Atwood water heaters, a 7/8" socket is required for plug removal. For Suburban heaters it is a 1 1/16" socket to remove the plug/anode. If the anode rod is close to the core, it will be time to replace it.
  • 4. Locate the bypass valves on the interior side of the water heater and turn them all in the opposite direction that they currently are in. There may be one, two or three valves to turn, depending on the style installed by the factory. For ¼ turn valves, the direction of the handle usually shows the direction of flow.
  • 5. If your unit is equipped with any water filters, remove them.
  • 6. Now is the time to pump the antifreeze through the lines. We recommend acquiring a siphon hose (if one is not already provided) to attach directly to the pump and draw the antifreeze from the container. If this option is not available, pour several gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank (close the drain first) and draw from the tank.
  • 7. Pump the antifreeze through all the cold lines first, beginning with the faucet furthest from the pump. Run the tap until it flows pink. Repeat for all cold taps, and then for the hot taps. Don't forget the outside shower too! Your antifreeze jug will need to be changed at least once, depending on the size of the RV.
  • 8. Once complete return the pump to normal use.
  • 9. With the water pump turned off, and a set of hot and cold taps left open, move to the exterior of the RV and remove the screen from the city water inlet and depress the plunger until antifreeze dribbles out. If you have a sewer flusher, repeat this step and drain out the water.

Your RV Water system is now winterized!

Please read the advanced appliance sheet for icemakers and washers if req'd.

For more information give us a call! 207-1666 or 1-800-267-8348. Or email us at service@bucarsrv.com