How to Winterize an RV Using Pressurized Air
RV Livestyle & Repair EditorsThere are a few different ways you can winterize an RV, including the use of antifreeze or compressed air to free the lines of any water that might freeze when temperatures drop. No matter what method you use, you need to fully understand how to winterize an RV to avoid any damage while in storage.
If you are not planning on using your RV during the winter months it is best to blowout the water inside the system using compressed air. To do so, you will need an adapter that screws into the city water fill line and a typical air compressor used in a garage.
Knowing how to winterize an RV using compressed air will ensure you complete the process properly. Set the air compressor at 120 PSI. Put it in place against the adapter attached to the water line and open each of the faucets inside the RV. When using compressed air it might be best to enlist the help of someone who knows how to winterize an RV because he or she may have to be on the inside of the RV watching while you are squeezing the compressor’s trigger.
Turn on the faucet for both the hot and cold water lines to ensure they are completely empty of any water. Some sinks and drains may have water left behind. If so, pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain.
Another thing you will be told when learning how to winterize an RV using compressed air is to remove the water filter. This will prevent it from freezing while in storage.
Once you have learned how to winterize an RV you will discover that this method is the best when the RV will not be in use during the winter. This way you do not have to worry about learning how to winterize an RV using antifreeze and having to drain it when spring comes along.
11 Responses to “How to Winterize an RV Using Pressurized Air”
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I use my water hose along with the adapter, then can take water hose and the air hose into the RV, so I can do each water faucet inside the RV. Makes it a one person job. Easy peasy.
check your air pressure i believe you wanted a lower psi
I was surprised that a pressure of 100-125 psi appeared to be suggested for pressurizing the water lines. My house pressure is 65 psi and our city water system operates on 70-90 psi. Most of the RV water pressure regulators I’ve seen operate at not more than 60 psi so I would never go to the pressure suggested. My father-in-law made an air hose adapter by drilling a hole to accept a standard air chuck fitting in a PVC screw on cap that fits the city water inlet fitting on my trailer. Just chuck the air hose onto that fitting, set the pressure at 40 psi and blow away.
You did not say anything about hot water heater drain plug removal bypass valves
Jim,
Yes, sorry we should have mentioned that. You will need to bypass the tank and pull the drain plug before blowing the lines out. You also have to add anti-freeze down the drains in case he didn’t mention that either. This is to ensure the traps don’t freeze and crack.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Isn’t setting the air compressor to 120 psi a b it extreme? That much pressure is sure to blow out a connector or hose.
Hello Don!
That’s a great question!
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Will not a 120psi blow up lines?
Hey there Rocky!
That’s a great question!
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2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
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Jessica
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You don’t really want to hook up the air compressor with it set to 120 psi, do you? Isn’t that too much pressure for most RV plumbing? I set mine for about 30 psi.
Yes, 120psi will blow the lines. PEX is tested to 100 PSI but you should never go over 60 PSI max working pressure with water or air.