How to Winterize Your RV with Antifreeze: Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Plumbing System

If you choose to winterize your RV plumbing system yourself, you’ll need a few tools and supplies and approximately two hours of free time. There are two methods to winterize an RV: compressed air or RV antifreeze. This guide will focus on the RV antifreeze method, which uses RV-approved non-toxic antifreeze.

Tools Required:

• 4-6 gallons of RV non-toxic antifreeze
  (Do not use automotive antifreeze; it is poisonous and not suitable for potable water systems.)
• Screwdriver or screw gun (optional, depending on your RV)
• Bypass hose (if not included, your RV dealer can provide this)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Drain the Water Lines
   Remove the low point drain caps for the water lines. Open all the faucets and the outside shower (if equipped) to allow the lines to drain completely.
2. Drain the Fresh Water Tank
   Open the drain valve for the freshwater tank and allow it to drain completely.
3. Turn Off the Water Heater
   Ensure the water heater is turned off for both gas and electric modes.
4. Drain the Water Heater
   Remove the water heater drain plug and open the pressure relief valve to allow air into the tank and facilitate drainage. (If your unit has a tankless water heater, refer to the operator’s manual for winterization procedures.)
5. Remove the Water Filter
   If your RV has a water filter, remove and discard the cartridge. Drain any water from the base and reinstall it. If equipped, use the bypass tube for cartridge filters.
6. Empty Wastewater Holding Tanks
   Dispose of waste at an approved wastewater dump station.
7. Set Bypass Valves
   Turn the water heater bypass valves to the bypass position. These valves are typically located on the water lines entering the back of the water heater. Depending on your RV model, you may need to remove an access panel to reach them.
8. Handle the Refrigerator Ice Maker
   If your RV has a residential refrigerator, do not add antifreeze to the ice maker water line. Instead, drain the line along with the rest of the water lines.
9. Connect the Bypass Hose
   Install a bypass hose on the suction side of the water pump and connect it directly to the antifreeze container. Your RV dealer can provide the necessary hose and fittings. If your RV has a pump bypass, locate the loose end of the bypass hose and place it into the jug of antifreeze. Turn the bypass valve handle to align with the bypass hose.
10. Alternative Method for Pump Bypass
    If you cannot bypass the pump, close the freshwater tank drain valve after draining. Pour at least 4 gallons of RV non-toxic antifreeze into the freshwater tank. Use a long funnel if needed to ensure the water pump can draw the antifreeze.
11. Reinstall Low Point Drain Caps
    After draining the freshwater tank, reinstall the low point drain caps and close any open faucets and valves in the freshwater system.
12. Pump the Antifreeze Through
    Turn on the water pump switch. Open the cold-water side of the faucets one at a time until antifreeze comes out. Repeat this process for the hot water side, including any outside shower or kitchen faucets.
13. Winterize the Toilet
    Flush the toilet until antifreeze flows into the bowl. Allow about one quart of antifreeze to enter the black tank for winterization. Leave a small amount of antifreeze in the toilet to cover the seals.
14. Winterize Washer Hookup
    If there’s a washing machine connected, turn it on to the fill cycle using a cold water setting until antifreeze appears, then repeat using a hot water setting. If there’s no washer, simply open the cold and then hot valves until antifreeze appears.
15. Protect Drains and P-Traps
    Pour about one quart of RV antifreeze into each drain and P-trap, as well as the toilet. Leave a little antifreeze in the toilet to maintain the air seal. Don’t forget to do this for the washer drain if equipped.
16. Seal Up the System
    Once the water has been removed from the water lines, water heater, and freshwater tank, reinstall the drain caps and plugs. Close any valves to keep critters out of the freshwater system.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.