How To Blow Out RV Water Lines With Air A Comprehensive Guide

Winter can be a real bummer for RV enthusiasts. The joy of hitting the open road fades when freezing temperatures threaten to wreak havoc on your RV's plumbing system. Frozen water lines can burst, leading to costly repairs and a major headache. But don't worry, guys! There's a simple and effective way to protect your RV's water lines during the off-season: blowing them out with compressed air. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your RV is ready to roll when warmer weather returns.

Why Bother Blowing Out Your RV Water Lines?

Protecting your RV's plumbing from freezing is crucial for several reasons. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can put immense pressure on your RV's pipes, fittings, and water pump. This pressure can lead to cracks, leaks, or even bursts, resulting in significant damage and expensive repairs. Imagine the hassle of dealing with a flooded RV – not a fun way to start your next adventure! Blowing out the water lines effectively removes most of the water, minimizing the risk of freezing and preventing potential damage.

Beyond the immediate risk of freezing, standing water in your RV's plumbing system can also lead to other problems. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, resulting in unpleasant odors and potentially health hazards. By removing the water, you're also preventing the buildup of mineral deposits and sediment, which can clog your pipes and reduce water flow. Think of it as giving your RV's plumbing system a thorough cleaning before putting it to bed for the winter. This proactive approach ensures that your water system remains clean, efficient, and ready for your next road trip.

Furthermore, winterizing your RV by blowing out the water lines is a relatively simple and cost-effective process. Compared to the potential cost of repairing frozen pipes or replacing a damaged water pump, the time and effort required to blow out the lines are minimal. You can easily do it yourself with a few basic tools and some readily available compressed air. This DIY approach not only saves you money but also gives you the peace of mind knowing that your RV is well-protected against the harsh winter elements. So, taking the time to properly winterize your RV is an investment in its longevity and your future travel enjoyment.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin the process of blowing out your RV's water lines, you'll need to gather a few essential supplies. Having everything on hand will make the job go smoothly and efficiently. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Air Compressor: A small to medium-sized air compressor is essential for this task. You'll need one that can deliver around 30-40 PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure. Make sure your compressor has a regulator so you can control the air pressure and avoid damaging your RV's plumbing. Using too much pressure can cause serious damage, so this is a critical safety measure.
• Air Compressor Adapter: This adapter connects your air compressor hose to your RV's city water inlet. These adapters are readily available at most RV supply stores and are inexpensive. Ensure you get the correct adapter for your RV's specific connection type.
• Wrench: You'll need a wrench to remove and replace the drain plugs on your water heater and low point drains. Make sure you have the correct size wrench for your RV's plumbing fittings.
• Non-toxic RV Antifreeze: While blowing out the water lines removes most of the water, some areas, like the P-traps in your sinks and shower, may still hold some water. Adding RV antifreeze to these areas provides an extra layer of protection against freezing. Remember to use non-toxic RV antifreeze, as automotive antifreeze is harmful to humans and pets.
• Water Heater Bypass Kit (if applicable): If your RV has a water heater bypass kit, make sure it's engaged before you start blowing out the lines. This prevents antifreeze from entering the water heater tank, saving you money and preventing potential contamination.
• Screwdriver: You might need a screwdriver to access and open some of the valves or drains in your RV's plumbing system.
• Safety Glasses: Protecting your eyes is always important when working with compressed air. Safety glasses will shield your eyes from any debris that might be expelled from the water lines.

Having these supplies ready before you start will streamline the winterizing process and ensure you can complete the job safely and effectively. Don't skip any of these essentials, as they all play a vital role in protecting your RV's plumbing system during the winter months.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blowing Out Your RV Water Lines

Now that you've gathered your supplies, let's dive into the step-by-step process of blowing out your RV's water lines. This process may seem a bit daunting at first, but by following these instructions carefully, you'll be able to winterize your RV's plumbing system with confidence.

1. Drain the Fresh Water Tank: The first step is to drain your RV's fresh water tank completely. Locate the fresh water tank drain valve, usually found underneath the tank, and open it. Allow all the water to drain out. This step removes the bulk of the water from your system, making the blowing-out process more efficient.
2. Drain the Water Heater: Next, drain your RV's water heater. Before you drain the water heater, make sure it's turned off and the water has cooled down completely to avoid scalding yourself. Locate the water heater drain plug, usually at the bottom of the tank, and remove it. You might also need to open a pressure relief valve on the top of the water heater to allow air to enter and the water to drain freely. Let the tank drain completely.
3. Bypass the Water Heater (if applicable): If your RV has a water heater bypass kit, engage it now. This diverts the flow of water and antifreeze away from the water heater tank, saving you several gallons of antifreeze and preventing potential contamination of the tank. Consult your RV's owner's manual for instructions on how to use the bypass kit.
4. Open All Faucets and Showers: Open all the faucets (hot and cold) and showers (indoor and outdoor) in your RV. This includes the toilet flush valve. This step allows air to circulate freely throughout the plumbing system and helps to remove water from all the lines. Don't forget to open any low-point drains as well. Low-point drains are typically located at the lowest points in your RV's plumbing system and help to remove any remaining water.
5. Connect the Air Compressor: Connect your air compressor adapter to your RV's city water inlet. Then, connect your air compressor hose to the adapter. Set the air compressor regulator to 30-40 PSI. It's crucial not to exceed this pressure, as higher pressure can damage your RV's plumbing system. If you're unsure, start with a lower pressure and gradually increase it until you see water being expelled from the faucets.
6. Blow Out the Water Lines: Turn on the air compressor and begin blowing air through the water lines. Start with the faucet that is closest to the city water inlet and work your way to the furthest faucet. Allow the air to flow through each faucet until only air is coming out. This process may take a few minutes per faucet. Repeat this process for all faucets, showers, and the toilet flush valve.
7. Pour Antifreeze into P-Traps: Once you've blown out all the water lines, pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into the P-traps of all sinks and showers. This will prevent any remaining water from freezing and cracking the pipes. Pour enough antifreeze to fill the P-trap, which is the U-shaped section of pipe under the sink or shower drain.
8. Pour Antifreeze into Toilet: Pour some RV antifreeze into the toilet bowl and flush it. This will protect the toilet valve and the plumbing lines leading to the toilet from freezing.

By following these steps carefully, you can effectively blow out your RV's water lines and protect your plumbing system from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Remember to consult your RV's owner's manual for any specific instructions or recommendations for your particular model.

Additional Tips and Considerations

While the step-by-step guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to blow out your RV's water lines, there are a few additional tips and considerations that can help you ensure a successful winterization process. These tips can address common questions and potential challenges, making the process even smoother and more effective.

• Check for Leaks: After blowing out the water lines, it's a good idea to visually inspect your plumbing system for any leaks. Look for any signs of water around fittings, pipes, and connections. If you find any leaks, address them immediately to prevent further damage. A small leak during the winter can quickly turn into a major problem if the water freezes and expands.
• Don't Forget the Ice Maker and Washing Machine: If your RV is equipped with an ice maker or a washing machine, don't forget to winterize these appliances as well. Consult your appliance manuals for specific instructions on how to winterize them. Typically, this involves disconnecting the water lines, draining any remaining water, and adding RV antifreeze.
• Consider Using an RV Antifreeze Pump: If you prefer, you can use an RV antifreeze pump to pump antifreeze through your entire plumbing system. This method ensures that all the lines are filled with antifreeze, providing maximum protection against freezing. However, it also requires more antifreeze and can be a bit more time-consuming than simply blowing out the lines.
• Consult Your RV's Owner's Manual: Your RV's owner's manual is your best resource for specific information about your RV's plumbing system and winterization procedures. Always refer to the manual for any specific recommendations or warnings related to your model.
• Document the Process: It's a good idea to document the winterization process, noting the date and the steps you took. This can be helpful when it's time to de-winterize your RV in the spring, ensuring you don't miss any steps. You can also use this record to track any issues or observations you made during the process.

By keeping these additional tips and considerations in mind, you can ensure a thorough and effective winterization of your RV's plumbing system, protecting it from the harsh winter elements and ensuring it's ready for your next adventure.

De-Winterizing Your RV in the Spring

Once the weather warms up and it's time to hit the road again, you'll need to de-winterize your RV. This process involves reversing the winterization steps and preparing your RV's plumbing system for use. Here's a quick overview of the de-winterization process:

1. Drain the Antifreeze: Start by draining the RV antifreeze from your plumbing system. Open all the faucets and showers (hot and cold) and let the antifreeze flow out. You can collect the antifreeze in buckets and dispose of it properly. Never drain antifreeze onto the ground or into a storm drain, as it can be harmful to the environment.
2. Flush the Water System: Once you've drained the antifreeze, flush the entire water system with fresh water. Connect your RV to a city water source and let the water run through all the faucets and showers for several minutes. This will remove any remaining antifreeze and ensure your water is clean and fresh.
3. Sanitize the Water System: After flushing the system, it's a good idea to sanitize it to eliminate any bacteria or mold that may have grown during the winter. You can use a commercially available RV water system sanitizer or a solution of household bleach and water. Follow the instructions on the sanitizer product or use a ratio of 1/4 cup of bleach per 15 gallons of water. Fill your fresh water tank with the sanitizing solution, pump it through all the faucets and showers, and let it sit for several hours before flushing the system again with fresh water.
4. Reconnect the Water Heater Bypass (if applicable): If you engaged the water heater bypass during winterization, disengage it now. This will allow water to flow into the water heater tank.
5. Inspect for Leaks: As with winterization, it's important to inspect your plumbing system for leaks after de-winterizing. Check all fittings, pipes, and connections for any signs of water. Address any leaks promptly to prevent further damage.

By following these de-winterization steps, you can ensure that your RV's plumbing system is clean, safe, and ready for your next adventure. Taking the time to properly de-winterize your RV will help you avoid any plumbing issues on the road and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Conclusion

Winterizing your RV by blowing out the water lines is a crucial step in protecting your investment and ensuring many more years of happy travels. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently prepare your RV for the cold winter months and prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. Remember to gather your supplies, follow the step-by-step instructions carefully, and consider the additional tips and considerations to ensure a thorough and effective winterization process. With a little effort and preparation, you can rest assured that your RV's plumbing system is well-protected and ready for your next adventure when spring rolls around.