As the winter season approaches, it’s important to take necessary precautions to protect your RV from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. One crucial step in winterizing your RV is blowing out the water lines to prevent any residual water from freezing and causing costly repairs. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of effectively blowing out the water lines in your RV, ensuring that you can safely store your vehicle during the colder months.
Why is Blowing Out Water Lines Important?
When water freezes, it expands, and this expansion can result in cracked pipes, damaged fittings, or even burst water lines in your RV. These issues can be extremely costly to repair and may even render your RV unusable until the necessary repairs are made. By properly blowing out the water lines, you can remove any residual water and minimize the risk of freeze-related damage to your RV.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin the process of blowing out the water lines in your RV, gather the following tools and equipment:
- RV air compressor
- Air hose with a tire chuck
- Air compressor oil
- Wrench or pliers
- Paper towels or rags
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have everything you need, follow these step-by-step instructions to properly blow out the water lines in your RV:
1. Turn Off The Water Heater
Before beginning the process, ensure that the water heater is turned off and has cooled down. This will prevent any potential damage to the heating element due to operating without water.
2. Drain The Water Lines
Next, drain all the water from the RV’s water lines. Locate the low point drains, usually found beneath the vehicle, and open them to allow the water to flow out. Additionally, open all the faucets, showers, and toilets in the RV to fully drain any residual water.
3. Prepare The Air Compressor
Attach the air hose with the tire chuck to the air compressor, ensuring it is securely connected. If needed, add a few drops of air compressor oil to lubricate the tool and improve its performance.
4. Locate The Water Inlet Connection
Locate the water inlet connection on the RV, typically located on the exterior of the vehicle. It may be labeled or identified by a water hose connection point.
5. Connect And Blow Out The Water Lines
Attach the air hose with the tire chuck to the water inlet connection on the RV. Use a wrench or pliers to secure the connection and prevent any air leaks. Start by setting the air compressor to a low pressure, around 30 PSI (pounds per square inch), and gradually increase the pressure as necessary.
Begin by opening the closest faucet or water outlet in the RV, allowing the air to blow out through the lines. Move systematically to each faucet, shower, and toilet in the RV, ensuring that all water lines are properly blown out.
6. Repeat The Process
Repeat the process of blowing out the water lines until no water sputters or drips from the faucets or other water outlets. This indicates that all the water has been removed from the lines.
7. Disconnect And Store Equipment
Once you have completed blowing out the water lines, turn off the air compressor and detach the air hose from the water inlet connection. Use paper towels or rags to wipe any excess water or moisture.
Clean and store the air compressor and other equipment in a safe and dry place, ready for future use.
In Conclusion
Properly blowing out the water lines in your RV is an essential step in winterizing your vehicle. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can protect your RV from potential freeze-related damage and ensure that it is ready for storage during the colder months. Remember to repeat this process annually before the winter season to maintain the integrity of your RV’s water system.
Stay proactive and take the necessary precautions to preserve your RV’s water lines and enjoy worry-free adventures year after year!
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Blow Out Water Lines In Rv
How Do I Blow Out Water Lines In An Rv?
To blow out water lines in an RV, you’ll need an air compressor, a blowout plug, and a few simple steps to follow.
Why Is It Important To Blow Out Water Lines In An Rv?
Blowing out water lines in an RV is crucial to prevent freezing and potential damage during winter storage.
Can I Use My Rv’s Built-in Water Pump To Blow Out Water Lines?
It’s not recommended to use the RV’s water pump to blow out water lines, as it may damage the pump.
How Much Air Pressure Should I Use To Blow Out Water Lines In An Rv?
Typically, an air pressure of 30-50 psi is sufficient to blow out water lines in an RV.