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How to Safely Winterize Your RV Water System
For owners of recreational vehicles, camping trailers and other seasonal equipment with a potable water system, some routine water system winterization maintenance this fall could mean the difference between immediate enjoyment next spring and a big repair bill for burst or damaged pipes.
Here's an easy, step-by-step way to prepare your potable water system for freezing winter temperatures safely, effectively and with the lowest environmental impact:
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Thoroughly flush and drain pipes and fixtures. Before installing winterization fluid, it is important to flush water from the systems. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so leave as little in your system as possible. Blow compressed air through the pipes, keeping the pressure less than 20 pounds per square inch to prevent system damage. A wet/dry vacuum on blower setting will work for smaller systems.
Tip: The water heater will drain faster if you open your hot-water taps. But don't open the safety valve, it might not seal properly again if you do.
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Install a water heater bypass. You may need to install a water heater bypass line to reduce the amount of winterization fluid required and to protect only the parts of the system vulnerable to freeze damage. By installing a bypass loop with valves at each end, you will isolate the water system from the heater tank. This allows RV winterization fluid to be pumped into the system without first filling the tank with fluid. This can save you several gallons of fluid.
Tip: Make sure your system is capable of accommodating the normal expansion of the winterization fluid solution which occurs during periods of winter storage. Consulting a qualified plumber for assistance is never a bad idea.
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Fill the system with specially formulated DOWFROST™ RVR propylene glycol RV winterization fluid. Choosing the right winterization fluid product is important to ensure the safety of people or pets that might come in contact with and swallow spilled or stored liquid. Choose a propylene glycol mixture. These products can provide freeze and burst protection as low as -50°F, and are generally safe for people and the environment.
Tip: Don't dilute DOWFROST™ RVR fluid. DOWFROST™ RVR is purchased as a premixed solution. Adding water as you install it will raise the freezing point and reduce the protection for your water system.
Tip: DOWFROST™ RVR Freeze Protection Fluid, a product of The Dow Chemical Company, is safe for incidental contact with people or animals and can also prevent harmful pollution of ground and surface water in the event of a spill. This fluid is specially formulated for use in RVs and other seasonal equipment, is readily biodegradable and is practically non-toxic to aquatic life, which can help protect the environment.
Don't use automotive antifreeze. Never use automotive antifreeze for water system winterization. Most auto antifreeze is made from ethylene glycol, which is more toxic than propylene glycol and is harmful to humans and pets. And don't use windshield washer fluid, either, as it can freeze solid at subzero temperatures.
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Flush your system thoroughly in the spring. When winter is over, drain, and then double flush all of the DOWFROST™ RVR from your water system using plenty of clean potable water and taking special precautions to drain and flush all low points. Continue flushing the system with potable water until clear water is being drained, with no red or pink color, or any tint of color in it. Capture the winterization fluid and any contaminated water used to flush the system and dispose of the waste liquid properly. For RVs and travel trailers, check with a local campground or RV service center to see if they will allow you to use their wastewater disposal system to discharge the waste. Once the system is thoroughly flushed, close the drains and recharge with drinking water. You are ready for another summer of fun!
Tip: Don't recycle winterization fluid. Doing so risks system contamination that could affect performance or introduce bacteria or other agents into your water system.
These tips provide a general guide to successful winterization. But to ensure the most effective protection, be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
Source: The Dow Chemical Company