RV Doctor: How to winterize an ice maker
- 1. Shut off RV water supply to the ice maker.
- 2. Raise and lock shutoff arm in OFF position.
- 3. Disconnect the water inlet adapter from water valve.
- 4. Disconnect the ice maker water line from water valve.
How do I Turn Off the ice maker in my RV?
1. Shut off RV water supply to the ice maker. 2. Raise and lock shutoff arm in OFF position. 3. Disconnect the water inlet adapter from water valve. 4. Disconnect the ice maker water line from water valve.
How do I winterize the ice maker?
To winterize the ice maker we (1) turn the ice maker off: (2) turn the water supply valve for the ice maker to off: (3) using the proper wrenches I disconnect the plastic water line to the ice maker from the valve: (4) then let that water line drain into a small cup.
How do you winterize an RV?
To winterize an RV, start by draining the water from the fresh water, black, and gray holding tanks. You should also open any cold and hot water faucets and flush the toilet a few times to make sure all of the water is out.
How do I winterize the water valve and water line?
Here are the steps, as recommended by Norcold: To winterize the water valve and water line: 1. Shut off RV water supply to the ice maker. 2. Raise and lock shutoff arm in OFF position. 3. Disconnect the water inlet adapter from water valve. 4. Disconnect the ice maker water line from water valve.
How do you winterize an ice machine?
During the winterization service, the tech will complete the following:Shut down the ice machine.Empty the ice bin.Disconnect and drain the water lines.Remove the water filter(s).Drain the housing and any reservoirs.Blow out the water-cooled condenser (if applicable to the ice maker).
How do I winterize my LG refrigerator with ice maker?
7 steps to winterize your refrigeratorWater supply. Turn off the water supply to your home.Turn Icemaker OFF. Turn all temperature settings and ice maker to the “OFF” setting.Clean the refrigerator. ... Remove remaining water. ... Disconnect power Cord. ... Disconnect water line. ... Pull unit away from the wall. ... Unplug Unit.
What is the easiest way to winterize an RV?
Simple Steps to Winterize your RVGather materials. ... Remove water filters. ... Drain and flush black and gray tanks. ... Drain the water heater tank. ... Open all faucets and remove all drain plugs. ... Close all faucets and replace drain plugs once water has drained entirely. ... Bypass the hot water heater.More items...•
How do I winterize my RV water system?
Winterizing InstructionsDisconnect the outside water source.Drain the water system. ... Drain Water Heater. ... By-pass your water heater. ... Blow out the lines. ... Add Anti-Freeze. ... Pour at least 2 pints of anti-freeze into all sink and shower drains. ... Drain and dump your gray and black water tanks.
Do you have to winterize RV fridge?
Before storing your RV for the winter, you should perform maintenance on the refrigerator. Every fall, defrost and clean the refrigerator and winterize the icemaker; here's how: After you turn off your fridge, remove everything inside and give it time to defrost. Then, eliminate any water that accumulates.
How do you drain a refrigerator water line?
1:342:21Clear Fridge Drain Using a Water Bottle! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the bottle push the straw inside pull and just squeeze the water bottle is push the pressure.MoreTake the bottle push the straw inside pull and just squeeze the water bottle is push the pressure. Down. That's it see here pull the water in you can see it's going down the drain.
Do you leave RV antifreeze in lines?
Blowing out the lines is not necessary, but is recommended. Water remaining in the lines will dilute your antifreeze and require more antifreeze to protect your RV. Recap all drains, close all faucets and toilet flush.
How many gallons of antifreeze do you need to winterize an RV?
2 to 3 gallonsYou'll need at least 2 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze depending on the size of your rig. b) Use your RV's internal water pump. If you use the water pump, you'll need to install a pump bypass kit if it's not already equipped since it draws from the RV's fresh water tank and you don't want antifreeze in there.
At what temperature should I winterize 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.
Do you put antifreeze in your RV water heater?
If your RV does not come equipped with a water heater bypass, it is recommended that you install one so you do not have to fill the water heater with antifreeze. Depending on the size of your RV and how it is equipped, most people will need 1 – 3 gallons of RV non-toxic anti-freeze.
How do I keep my RV water tank from freezing?
The most effective and least risky options include:Installing an RV skirt.Purchasing an aftermarket heating system or heating blanket.Purchasing a pipe heating cable.Keeping heavy rugs or foam board on the floor to trap heat inside.Continually adding RV antifreeze to your gray and black tanks.More items...•
Can I put RV antifreeze down the drain?
So, can RV Antifreeze go down the drain? RV Antifreeze used on your RV water lines can be safely dumped down the drain, its nontoxic, and is in fact used in many cosmetics. Automotive antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) is toxic and should be disposed of safely.
Does low point drain empty fresh water tank?
Low point drains are little valves you will find at the lowest points of your RV. Their function is to make sure all your freshwater lines can be emptied thoroughly for storage, cleaning, and to prevent freezing in the lines.
How do I winterize my RV without a water pump?
How to Winterize Your RV's PlumbingDrain Your RV's Water System. To begin, drain and flush the black and gray water tanks at a dump station. ... Connect Anti-freeze to Your RV's Water System. ... Add Anti-freeze to Drains, Seals, and Water Heater.
Should I put antifreeze in my RV water heater?
If your RV does not come equipped with a water heater bypass, it is recommended that you install one so you do not have to fill the water heater with antifreeze. Depending on the size of your RV and how it is equipped, most people will need 1 – 3 gallons of RV non-toxic anti-freeze.
When should I drain my RV water heater?
It's important to drain your RV water heater at the end of every season, and anytime it's stored for more than two weeks. Any longer than that, you risk the water becoming stale and/or contaminated, which can give off a sulfur smell and may even be unhealthy if consumed.
How to run antifreeze in RV?
Turn on the fresh water pump, and allow it to run as it pulls the antifreeze into the plumbing system of the RV. Alternatively, as discussed, use a hand pump connected to the city water hookup.
What to do if RV does not have built in water?
If your RV does not come equipped with a built-in system, you should clean the tanks out with a wand or a product designed to clean both of the tanks.
How to keep antifreeze from diluting?
Use a standard air compressor, such as one used to inflate tires, to blow air through the water lines . The air from the compressor will force any remaining water out of the lines. This isn't 100% necessary, but it helps to keep your antifreeze from becoming diluted.
How to make a shower faucet pink?
You'll probably start at the kitchen sink -- turn on the hot faucet and run it until it turns pink -- that is, filled with antifreeze. All the water has been flushed from the system! Then, run the cold faucet until it's pink, too. The general order is kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, toilet, and outdoor shower.
What is the order to flush RV antifreeze?
The general order is kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, toilet, and outdoor shower. Run each of these until you see a strong shade of pink in each. You may need to flush the toilet several times until the RV antifreeze comes out at a steady rate. 7.
Why do you need antifreeze?
You still need it because there is moisture remaining inside the lines, which will collect in a low area in the piping. When it freezes, this water expands, causing your pipe to crack or burst. Also, the antifreeze flushes out all the debris that may have collected in the pipes through the season.
Why put rags on RV?
You may want to put rags on top of the sharp corners of your RV so that breathable material doesn't rip. For good measure!
How much antifreeze should I use for my RV?
Non-Toxic RV Anti-Freeze: The amount you will need depends on the layout of your RV’s plumbing. Plan on needing about 4-6 gallons of anti freeze, give or take a few quarts. I recommend the RecPro RV Non-Toxic Anti-Freeze, available in a 4 gallon (ca. 15 liters) pack on Amazon. DO NOT USE AUTOMOTIVE ANTIFREEZE.
What is the best way to clean sediment from an RV water heater?
Holding Tank Cleaning Wand: To clean sediments out from your RV water heater, a cleaning wand is recommended. Camco’s cleaning wand is one of the best and most affordable available.
What to use to lubricate black water tank?
Both your black water tank and gray water tank terminate at a valve. Lubricate the termination valves with WD-40.
Where is the water heater drain plug on a RV?
Next find the water heater drain plug which is typically located near the bottom of the tank. Loosen the drain plug using an adjustable wrench and remove it.
How to clean a travel trailer?
Clean out your refrigerator and pantry and remove anything that can spoil will not attract rodents. Perform a thorough cleaning on the interior of your travel trailer. Perform an exterior inspection and check for areas that might need caulking or repair. Your sewer hose will probably need cleaning before you start it.
How much air pressure to blow out water lines?
You just have to be very careful not to use too much air pressure during the process, 30-35 psi is sufficient. You can check out this very informative article at RVingKnowHow.
Where is the water line drain on an RV?
First, you need to locate the low point water line drains. They are usually located underneath your RV near the water heater. Here is a video showing you the typical location of the low point water line drain valves plus an easy tip to modify them for future use.
How to empty an icemaker water line?
Emptying it is usually easier. Disconnect the output line from the valve and let it drip-drain. Disconnect the inlet side and blow some air thru the inlet line from the main feed, or find where the inlet line connects to the main and disconnect there so it can drip-drain. The icemaker itself doesn't need winterizing - it is designed to freeze!
How to hook up an ice maker to an AF?
The valve for the ice maker works with regular 120 volt ac. Make up a lamp cord with push on connectors on the bare ends. Unhook the connectors on the solenoid. Connect the lamp cord to the solenoid. Turn on the pump for the antifreeze and plug in the lamp cord. I would not run the solenoid for more than 20 seconds, that should be enough time to get the af into the icemaker.
Where is the ice maker valve on a Frigidaire refrigerator?
This is a Frigidaire, residential refrigerator with ice maker. The control valve that controls water to the ice maker is at the bottom back of the refrigerator and then is no access from the outside. When I replaced the control valve last year (after it froze & leaked), I had to remove the refrigerator. As far as winterizing, I need to be able to energize that control valve to let the antifreeze through the lines. I am trying to find out how to energize the valve so I can winterize it properly before this coming winter.
How to blow out water from refrigerator?
I just blow ours out with compressed air. Turn off the water to the refrigerator then remove the water lines on both sides of the valve and blow it out. Then apply some air to the line to the ice maker to blow most of the water from the line .
How to get pink out of refrigerator?
I have a residential fridge with a ice maker. Take off the front cover from the ice maker, take a short jumper wire and short between the “V” and ”L” on the front of the ice maker this will trip the valve. Do this until you have solid pink coming out. Do the same thing to flush out the pink with fresh water in the spring. Also don’t forget the washer if so equipped in your rig
Can you access the water valve on a refrigerator?
The water valve is not accessible without removing the refrigerator. There is no access from the back of this residential refrigerator and it only runs on 12 V Inverted or 120 V. Water, air or anti freeze will not go through the valve without the valve being energized.
Can you access the water valve without removing the refrigerator?
The water valve is not accessible without removing the refrigerator.
When Should You Winterize Your RV?
Anytime you plan to store your RV for the winter, you should plan to winterize it.
How long does it take to winterize a camper?
The entire process of winterizing can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours of time depending on the size of your RV and method you choose. Method #1 is the quickest way and simply involves using your RV water pump to push non-toxic antifreeze through your camper’s water lines.
Do I always have to winterize my RV in the winter?
Not necessarily. If you’re camping in RV, you may not have to winterize it. Here are some things to be aware of:
Why do you winterize a camper?
There are three main reasons to winterize your RV – to protect your pipes from freezing, to protect your tanks from freezing, and to protect your RV from winter (rodent) invaders if you plan to store your camper during cold months.
How much water does an RV water heater hold?
Your RV water heater holds anywhere from 5-10 gallons of water in it.
What happens if you don't protect your RV from mice?
If you don’t protect a winterized RV from rodent invaders, mice can get in and eat up your furniture, wiring, or other sensitive items.
What happens when water freezes in RV?
When water freezes, it expands. If water expands in your RV pipes, it won’t have anywhere to go except to burst out the sides. And burst RV pipes are very expensive to fix. Burst RV water pipes can also create slow leaks in areas where you can’t see them (like under a sink or dinette chair).
