Follow these steps to sanitize your RV water system:
- Close all drains and install drain plugs.
- Measure one-quarter cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons your fresh water tank holds.
- Pour the bleach into a one-gallon container and fill it up with water.
- Add the bleach and water mixture into the fresh water tank fill.
- Fill the fresh water tank entirely with potable water.
- Turn on the water pump and open all faucets.
How to sanitize a RV water system?
Step by Step Instructions on Sanitizing Your Fresh Water Tank
- Step #1: Prepare all materials and take precautions. ...
- Step #2: Turn off the water heater. ...
- Step #3: Drain the fresh water tank and refill half. ...
- Step #4: Mix the bleach and water. ...
- Step #5: Pump bleach solution (with control board) If your RV’s water tank system has a control board, then activate the sanitize setting. ...
What is the best way to winterize a RV?
Tips for Keeping Warm in Your RV
- Insulate Windows. Insulated curtains can help, but covering windows with reflectix or other insulating material is extremely helpful in regulating heat, even if it is only in the evenings or ...
- Insulate Roof Vents. There are special foam inserts made to fit your rooftop vents. ...
- If Stationary, Consider Skirting Your RV. ...
- Lots of Blankets and Warm Clothes. ...
How to winterize your RV?
What You’ll Need to Winterize Your RV
- 2 to 3 mousetraps
- 3 gallons of non-toxic RV/marine antifreeze
- Air compressor
- Awning cleaner
- Blow-out adapter
- Breathable RV storage cover
- Bug screens
- Caulk and caulk gun
- Dehumidifier (optional)
- Holding tank flush wand
How to winterize outdoor plumbing?
Winterize Outdoor Pipes
- Outdoor kitchens. Winterize the faucet. "An outdoor kitchen sink is similar to an outdoor hose bib," says Kyle Ritchie of Milieu Design LLC in Wheeling, IL.
- Pools, ponds and pumps. Partially drain pools. ...
- Sprinkler systems. Unplug the timer. ...
How do you Dewinterize water?
InstructionsTurn on Any Electrical Circuits That Have Been Shut Off. ... Connect All Water Supply Tubes and Pipes. ... Turn on the Main Water Supply. ... Open the Water Heater, Boiler, and Water Softener Water Valves. ... Turn on Plumbing Fixtures, One at a Time. ... Check Exterior Hose Spigot Faucets. ... Double-Check All Plumbing Fixtures.More items...•
Do you leave faucets open after winterizing RV?
Repeat this procedure for the bathroom sink, the shower, the toilet valve, and the outside shower (if your unit is so equipped). Always leave at least one faucet open, so as not to build up excessive pressure in the water system.
Do you need to Dewinterize an RV?
The main reason why RVers must de-winterize an RV is to flush antifreeze and other chemicals from the freshwater and plumbing system. During the winter, and especially if your RV is placed in storage, these chemicals are added to prevent any remaining freshwater from tanks, lines, and pipes from freezing.
Can you leave RV antifreeze in fresh water tank?
It can be easier to pump it backwards through a faucet spout using a backflow kit with a hand pump, but it is totally acceptable to pour the antifreeze directly into the fresh tank and use the RV's water pump to pump it throughout the system as well.
Is blowing out RV water lines vs antifreeze?
When you blow out your RV water lines with compressed air, there's no lingering taste or odor of antifreeze after de-winterizing. When blowing out RV water lines vs using antifreeze, because there's no antifreeze in the fresh water lines, there's no risk of a lingering taste or odor in your water after de-winterizing.
How do I get antifreeze out of my freshwater tank?
The easiest method is to flush the RV antifreeze out by running fresh water through the water system, either through the city water inlet or the fresh water holding tank, using the water pump. Open all of the faucets (hot and cold) and run fresh water through the system until it flows clear.
Can I use my camper after I winterize it?
Can a camper be used in the winter? If you've already winterized your camper for the year, then you won't be able to use any water nor put water in the tanks or else it can freeze and burst the pipes. But you can use it, sleep in it, tow it, and use the heater and power just fine.
Can RV antifreeze be dumped on the ground?
Antifreeze should either be disposed of in a drainage system or reused in the future by you or others. It should never just be dumped on the ground as the materials it's made from can be toxic to the environment.
When should I Unwinterize my RV?
You should winterize your camper or RV if the temperature drops to below 35 degrees during the day and below 30 degrees at night, especially if you won't use it or have it powered.
Should I put antifreeze in black tank?
While in use - when using antifreeze while the RV is in use, you should only add antifreeze to the black and gray tanks (never add it to the freshwater tank while in use) and you'll likely need to keep adding antifreeze to maintain effectiveness.
What happens if antifreeze gets in RV water heater?
Will RV antifreeze hurt my water heater? The antifreeze won't hurt the tank, but don't forget to flush it out before firing it up next spring. This will help you get the antifreeze flushed out without messing up your existing winterize job on the rest of the plumbing.
How do I keep my RV water pump from freezing?
There are several strategies that boondockers use to keep their lines flowing during freezing temperatures.Water Line Heaters. ... Wrap Your Water Pipes with Insulation. ... Skirting Your RV. ... Place a Portable Heater Underneath Your RV. ... Turn Up the Heat Inside Your RV. ... Keep a Water Faucet Running.More items...•
How do I keep my RV water spigot from freezing?
Use foam insulation and heat tape on external plumbing. This includes your sewer hose and water hose as well as any valves and connecting pieces that are at risk of freezing. You can also use foam insulation wrapped in rubberized sheeting to insulate any exposed tanks.
How do I stop my RV faucet from freezing?
How To Keep RV Water Hose From Freezing (Best Methods)Use Heat Cable.Insulate Both The Hose And Heat Cable.Cover The Foam With Insulation Tape.Connect The Heat Cable To A Power Supply.Reconnect The Hose To Your RV's Water Supply And Pump System.
How do I keep my RV water pump from freezing?
How to Keep RV Pipes from Freezing While CampingOpen Cabinet Doors to Allow Heat In. Your RV's heat source can't circulate through closed doors. ... Heat Bays. ... Use Heat Tape on RV Pipes. ... Skirt Your RV. ... Close Gray Valve and Use Onboard Fresh and Waste Water Tanks. ... Insulate Your RV Bays. ... Head to a Warmer Location.
How do I keep my camper hose from freezing?
To keep you're your RV water hose from freezing, you should insulate your hose. You can do this by wrapping it in a heat tape. Make sure the entire hose is covered so that it remains insulated. You can also keep it from freezing by keeping your faucet running.
How to get antifreeze out of RV water heater?
Make sure you run fresh water through the entire plumbing system to include the outside shower, toilet, ice maker and washing machine, if applicable. Take the water heater out of the “by-pass” mode, if applicable . If the water heater wasn’t bypassed, the antifreeze needs to be drained from the water heater tank and collected in a bucket or other container. With all traces of RV antifreeze removed, you can reinstall any water filter cartridges that were removed for winter storage. The antifreeze that was in the plumbing system is now in the gray and black water holding tanks and will need to be emptied when you have access to a suitable waste disposal site.
What to do if you removed batteries from safety devices?
If batteries were not removed from safety devices during storage it’s a good idea to replace the batteries now. Test the operation of the carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm. Inspect all fire extinguishers to make sure they are serviceable and fully charged. Recharge or replace fire extinguishers as required.
How to get rid of bleach smell in water?
Fill the fresh water holding tank completely full of water. Turn on the water pump and run water through all hot and cold faucets until you smell the bleach. Close the faucets and let the solution sit in the water tank and water lines for twelve hours. Drain all of the water and re-fill the tank with potable water.
How to clean a camper with bleach?
Note: If your RV does not have a fresh water fill location, you can pour the bleach solution directly into a potable RV drinking hose that is connected to the RV prior to connecting the other end of the hose to a potable water supply. Fill the fresh water holding tank completely full of water. Turn on the water pump and run water through all hot and cold faucets until you smell the bleach. Close the faucets and let the solution sit in the water tank and water lines for twelve hours. Drain all of the water and re-fill the tank with potable water. Turn the water pump on and open all faucets, running the water until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process to eliminate all signs of bleach.
What does "winterize" mean on an RV?
When we winterize our RV, we prepare it to withstand cold winter conditions. The term “winterizing” conjures up thoughts of protecting the RV plumbing system from freezing; but “winterizing” also deals with preparing the RV’s interior, exterior and chassis from damage by cold winter conditions. So, it is safe to say when we “de-winterize” our RV, ...
How to sanitize RV water system?
Sanitize the RV water system so it is safe to use: Make sure all of the drains are closed and drain plugs are installed. Take a quarter-cup of household bleach for every fifteen gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach with water into a one-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank.
How much current does a battery lose in storage?
When batteries are in storage, they lose a percentage of current through internal leakage. A battery can discharge up to 10% a month when it is in storage. If you checked and recharged the batteries while in storage, they should be ready to go. If not, the first step is to fully charge the batteries.
How to make bleach out of water?
Mix the bleach, with water, into a one-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water tank completely full of potable water. Turn the water pump on, open all hot and cold faucets , and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Close the faucets and let it sit for at least twelve hours.
How to winterize RV antifreeze?
Chances are, on average you used 2 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze to winterize the unit. The easiest method is to flush the RV antifreeze out by running fresh water through the water system, either through the city water inlet or the fresh water holding tank, using the water pump. Open all of the faucets (hot and cold) and run fresh water through the system until it flows clear. All remnants of the antifreeze will go into the holding tanks and can be emptied at a dump station later.
How to keep your water system from smelling bleach?
Drain the entire system and re-fill the fresh water tank with potable water. Open all of the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach. Once this is done it is safe to use your water system. Tip: It’s also a good idea to use a water filter at campgrounds and keep bottled water on hand for drinking.
How to flush antifreeze out of RV?
The easiest method is to flush the RV antifreeze out by running fresh water through the water system, either through the city water inlet or the fresh water holding tank, using the water pump. Open all of the faucets (hot and cold) and run fresh water through the system until it flows clear. All remnants of the antifreeze will go into ...
How long does it take to fill a water heater tank?
Run fresh water through the system for several minutes. Don’t forget the outside shower if equipped. It will take a couple of minutes to fill the water heater tank before water will come out of the hot water faucets. Fill and flush the toilet.
Can antifreeze be drained from RV?
All remnants of the antifreeze will go into the holding tanks and can be emptied at a dump station later. If for any reason you added RV antifreeze to the fresh water holding tank it will need to be drained before adding any potable water to the fresh water tank.
What to do if shower hose is removed?
Re-connect the outside shower hose if it was removed.
How to make a chlorine solution for RV?
To make your chlorine solution mix ¼-cup of liquid household chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) with one gallon of water. Pour one gallon of this solution into your fresh tank for every 15 gallons of fresh water tank capacity your RV has. Use the gravity tank fill, and make sure all drains and faucets are closed before pouring.
What does "de winterizing" mean?
De-winterizing can take on a few different meanings for an RVer. What first comes to mind for many RVers is the process of reversing winterization as it pertains to your RV’ s plumbing system . RVers in places with cold winters maintain their RV’s plumbing system by winterizing in one of two ways.
What to use to keep RV from turning into ice?
Some RVers expel every last drop of water with an air compressor, while others use RV antifreeze to protect their plumbing from any water turning into ice. For many RVers, de-winterizing also includes the steps you take when pulling your RV out of storage to get it ready to hit the road.
How to get chlorine smell out of water?
Then finish filling your tank with fresh water. Turn on your water pump and open the hot and cold faucets, letting water run until you can detect a chlorine smell. Then let your water system stand and wait at least four hours.
How to drain antifreeze from RV?
To drain the antifreeze, fill your fresh tank with potable water. Once you have fresh water in your tank, turn on your water pump. Then, you’ll want to open all hot and cold faucets in your RV and watch for the water to run clear. Go through, one water source at a time, and turning them off when there’s no more antifreeze color in ...
How long to wait to mix bleach with water?
Mixing ¼-cup chlorine bleach to one gallon of water yields a solution that’s 50ppm. If you want to wait just an hour, you need a solution that’s 100ppm. To make it, instead mix ½-cup of chlorine bleach with one gallon of water.
What is the next step in anti-freeze?
Sanitizing and flushing your tanks is the next step if you used the anti-freeze method. If you used the air compressor method, then this is where you start.
How to clean a water tank in a camper?
Take a quarter cup of house hold bleach for every fifteen gallons of water that your fresh water tank holds. Mix the bleach, with water, into a one-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water tank almost completely full of water. Turn the water pump on, open all hot and cold faucets and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Close the faucets. If it's possible, drive the RV or pull the trailer so the water can move around to assist in cleaning the entire tank. Let it sit for at least 12 hours. Drain the entire system again and re-fill the fresh water tank with potable water. Open all of the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process again to eliminate all signs of bleach from the water system.
How long does bleach stay in water?
Let it sit for at least 12 hours. Drain the entire system again and re-fill the fresh water tank with potable water. Open all of the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process again to eliminate all signs of bleach from the water system.
What kind of hose do you use to flush out a RV?
Use the white non-toxic hose for hooking up to the water source and take along a green or black garden hose for all other uses, like flushing out holding tanks or washing the RV. When you¡¦re not using the drinking hose roll it up and connect the two ends together.
How to clean a bleached RV water tank?
Turn the water pump on, open all hot and cold faucets and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Close the faucets. If it's possible, drive the RV or pull the trailer so the water can move around to assist in cleaning the entire tank. Let it sit for at least 12 hours.
Can you winterize an RV after you drain the water?
At the end of your camping season you drained the water system, winterized the RV and put it in storage. One problem with this is that on most RV's when you drain the fresh water holding tank there is still some water left in the tank. Let's say you do manage to drain all of the water out of the tank. There is still moisture in the water system. Just imagine what can grow in that moist tank while it sits for three or four months. I'd rather not think about it.
Can you drink water in Mexico?
You've probably heard people say don't drink the water if you go to Mexico. Well that can be true anywhere. There are no guarantees that any water is completely safe for us to drink, but if we take certain precautions we can keep our RV water system safe to use.
Is contaminated water dangerous?
Contaminated water is extremely dangerous . We not only have to deal with a water system that hasn't been used for sometime, but when we travel in the RV we hook our water system up to a different water source every time we stop to spend the night some where.
How to winterize RV antifreeze?
On average you used 2 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze to winterize the unit. The best method is to flush the RV antifreeze out by running fresh potable water through the water system. You can do this through the city water inlet or ...
How to get rid of bleach smell in water?
Open one hot and cold faucet at a time and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Close the faucets and let it sit for at least 12 hours. Drain the entire system and refill the fresh water tank with potable water. Open all the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach.
How to stop bleach from smelling in RV?
Open all the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach. When all signs of bleach are gone it is safe to use your RV water system.
How to make a water tank with bleach?
Mix the bleach with water in a one-gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Note: Make sure it is regular household bleach – not all bleach disinfects. Fill the fresh water tank completely full of potable water. Turn the 12-volt water pump on.
How long does it take to fill a water heater tank?
Run fresh water through the plumbing system for several minutes. Don’t forget the outside shower if equipped. It will take a couple of minutes to fill the water heater tank before water flows out of the hot water faucets. Fill and flush the toilet.
How to get rid of black water in toilet?
Fill and flush the toilet. Add some additional water to the black water holding tank and treat it with a holding tank treatment so it is ready for use.
What to check for when pressure is on a plumbing system?
With pressure on the system, check the plumbing system for leaks.
How to winterize RV water system?
The second essential step for dewinterizing your RV water system is to sanitize it. Even if you did not use non-toxic antifreeze to winterize your plumbing system, sanitizing your water system is still important for removing any bacteria or mold that could have grown during the months in storage. Follow these steps to sanitize your RV water system: 1 Close all drains and install drain plugs. 2 Measure one-quarter cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons your fresh water tank holds. 3 Pour the bleach into a one-gallon container and fill it up with water. 4 Add the bleach and water mixture into the fresh water tank fill. 5 Fill the fresh water tank entirely with potable water. 6 Turn on the water pump and open all faucets. 7 Run the water until you can smell the bleach and then close the faucets. 8 Let the solution sit for up to twelve hours in the water tank and water lines. 9 Drain all of the water from the system. 10 Refill the fresh water tank with potable water. 11 Flush the system by turning on the water pump and opening all faucets. 12 Allow the water to run until it no longer smells like bleach.
How to keep your RV cool in the summer?
As part of your RV spring maintenance, open all of your windows and air vents to make sure they are in working order. Air vents ensure proper air flow through your camper to prevent excess humidity and keep you cool all summer long. Properly functioning air vents become even more essential when you turn your RV heat back on in the fall, as they protect against toxic gas build-up inside your RV. Opening all of your windows will also refresh your RV with clean spring air after you take it out of storage.
How much air pressure does an RV tire lose?
Check Your Tires. During the months in storage, your RV tires will lose about two to three psi of air pressure each month. If your RV is stored outside or somewhere cold, your tires may be even more deflated when you uncover your camper in the spring.
What to do if your generator won't start?
If your generator surges or will not start, have it inspected and repaired.
How to check tire pressure on RV?
Using a tire pressure gauge, check the air pressure in all of your RV tires — including the spare. Reinflate the tires to match the manufacturer’s recommendation based on the load. If you are unsure of the correct tire pressure for your RV, check your owner’s manual.
What to do if oil is low on a generator?
If oil levels are low, have your generator serviced by a professional. Before testing your generator, check the exhaust system for any damage. Operating a generator with a damaged exhaust system can harm the generator and lead to serious consequences. After inspecting the exhaust, turn the generator on to test it.
Why do RV batteries lose charge?
Just as your RV tires will lose pressure during storage, your RV batteries will also lose a percentage of their charge due to internal leakage. If they are not periodically checked and recharged during the off-season, your RV batteries lose a small percent of their charge each month that they are in storage.
What happens if you don't drain your water heater?
If you don’t drain the water heater and remove all the water from the plumbing, something’s going to burst for sure when freezing temperatures come.
Do you sanitize your water tank before you go camping?
Once spring arrives, be sure to sanitize the potable water system before you get ready for your first outing in the RV. Doing so will clean up any residual bad taste left from the RV antifreeze or any old water that may have remained in the bottom of the water tank. If you don’t sanitize the water system, the first pot of coffee you make will taste awful, that’s for sure!
Can you blow out water in an RV?
If you do a thorough job of blowing the water out with air, this whole process becomes unnecessary. A water system that’s void of any water will not freeze. You must be diligent about blowing out all the water, but that’s a lot easier and faster than pumping RV antifreeze through the system, and you won’t have the residual mess to deal with in the spring.
Should I drain my RV water tank?
To begin with, I will assume that all your RV water tanks are empty. Draining the waste tanks and the fresh water tank after every outing is the recommended approach.
Is RV water system protected?
Your RV water system is now protected for the winter ahead!