Proper winterization is crucial for protecting your trailer’s plumbing system from freezing temperatures and potential damage. Putting antifreeze in your trailer involves carefully draining the water system, bypassing the water heater, and then introducing RV antifreeze throughout the plumbing lines. This process prevents burst pipes and costly repairs when temperatures plummet.
Why Winterize Your Trailer?
The primary reason for winterizing a trailer is to protect its water system from freezing. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can crack pipes, damage faucets, and even rupture the water heater. Repairing these damages can be expensive and time-consuming. By properly winterizing with antifreeze, you’re essentially safeguarding your investment and ensuring your trailer is ready to go when spring arrives. Beyond cost savings, winterizing also prevents unpleasant surprises like mold and mildew growth resulting from residual water left in the system. Neglecting winterization can lead to significant problems, turning your dream vacation into a repair nightmare.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Antifreeze
This section outlines the necessary steps for properly adding antifreeze to your trailer’s plumbing system. Following these instructions carefully will ensure thorough protection against freezing temperatures.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies readily available. This includes:
- RV Antifreeze (Non-toxic): Use only RV antifreeze, which is specifically formulated to be safe for potable water systems. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it is toxic.
- Water Heater Bypass Kit (if applicable): Most trailers have a bypass kit; if yours doesn’t, consider installing one for easier winterization.
- Water Pump Converter Kit or Suction Hose: This will allow you to draw antifreeze directly into the water pump.
- Wrench: For removing drain plugs.
- Screwdriver: For accessing and adjusting certain components.
- Hand Pump (optional): To introduce antifreeze directly into faucets and fixtures.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Bucket: For collecting drained water.
2. Drain the Water System
The first step is to drain all the water from your trailer’s plumbing system.
- Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate the drain valve for the fresh water tank and open it to allow the water to drain completely.
- Drain the Water Heater: Before draining the water heater, ensure it is turned off and the water is cool to avoid burns. Remove the drain plug (usually located at the bottom of the tank) and allow the water to drain. Consider using a drain wand to clear sediment buildup.
- Open All Faucets and Fixtures: Open all faucets, both hot and cold, including the shower and toilet. This will help to relieve pressure and allow the water to drain more efficiently.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet to empty the holding tank and then pour RV antifreeze into the bowl to protect the seal.
- Drain Low Point Drains: Locate and open the low point drains. These are usually located underneath the trailer and allow water to drain from the lowest points of the plumbing system.
3. Bypass the Water Heater
Bypassing the water heater is crucial because it reduces the amount of antifreeze needed to winterize the system. Without a bypass, you would need to fill the entire water heater tank with antifreeze, which is wasteful and unnecessary.
- Locate the Bypass Valves: Most trailers have a three-valve bypass system.
- Close the Inlet and Outlet Valves: Close the valves on the pipes leading into and out of the water heater.
- Open the Bypass Valve: Open the valve on the pipe that connects the inlet and outlet pipes. This creates a bypass, allowing water (or antifreeze) to flow around the water heater.
If your trailer doesn’t have a bypass kit, you can purchase and install one, or manually drain the water heater and leave it empty during the winter.
4. Introduce RV Antifreeze
Now you are ready to introduce RV antifreeze into the plumbing system.
- Install the Water Pump Converter Kit or Suction Hose: Follow the instructions that come with your converter kit or suction hose to connect it to the inlet side of the water pump. This allows the pump to draw antifreeze directly from the antifreeze container.
- Place the Suction Hose in the Antifreeze Container: Insert the other end of the suction hose into a container of RV antifreeze.
- Turn on the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump and allow it to run until antifreeze flows out of all the faucets and fixtures. Start with the faucet furthest from the pump.
- Cycle Through All Faucets and Fixtures: Open each faucet (both hot and cold), shower, and toilet one at a time until you see a steady stream of pink antifreeze. Allow the antifreeze to flow for a few seconds to ensure it has reached all parts of the fixture.
- Pour Antifreeze into Drain Traps: Pour a cup or two of antifreeze into each drain (sink, shower, and toilet) to protect the P-traps from freezing.
- Add Antifreeze to Washing Machine and Dishwasher (if applicable): Consult your appliance manuals for specific winterization instructions. Generally, you’ll need to run the appliances through a short cycle with antifreeze in the detergent dispenser.
5. Final Steps
- Turn off the Water Pump: Once you have winterized all the fixtures and appliances, turn off the water pump.
- Leave Faucets Partially Open: Leave all the faucets partially open to allow for any expansion if any remaining water freezes.
- Pour Antifreeze into Holding Tanks (Optional): While not strictly necessary, some RVers pour a small amount of antifreeze into the black and grey water holding tanks to help prevent odors and protect the tank valves.
- Remove Batteries and Store Properly: Remove the batteries from your trailer and store them in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep them charged during the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of antifreeze should I use?
Only use RV antifreeze, also known as potable antifreeze. It is non-toxic and safe for use in drinking water systems. Never use automotive antifreeze, as it is highly toxic and can contaminate your water system.
2. How much antifreeze do I need?
The amount of antifreeze needed depends on the size of your trailer and the complexity of its plumbing system. A general rule of thumb is to have 2-3 gallons on hand. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run out mid-winterization.
3. Can I reuse antifreeze from year to year?
No. It is not recommended to reuse antifreeze. It can become contaminated with bacteria and debris, which can clog your plumbing system. Plus, its effectiveness at preventing freezing may diminish over time.
4. What if I don’t have a water heater bypass kit?
If you don’t have a bypass kit, you’ll need to drain the water heater completely and leave it empty for the winter. This will prevent it from freezing and cracking. Consider installing a bypass kit for easier winterization in the future.
5. How do I winterize my toilet?
Flush the toilet to empty the bowl and the holding tank. Then, pour RV antifreeze into the bowl to protect the seal from drying out and cracking. Some people also pour a small amount of antifreeze into the black water tank.
6. Do I need to drain the hot water heater every year?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Even with a bypass kit, residual water can remain, posing a freezing risk. Draining the hot water heater is a crucial step in winterizing.
7. What happens if I forget to winterize my trailer?
If you forget to winterize your trailer and the temperatures drop below freezing, your pipes can burst, leading to costly repairs. You may also experience damage to your faucets, water heater, and other plumbing fixtures.
8. How do I know if I’ve used enough antifreeze?
You’ll know you’ve used enough antifreeze when you see a steady stream of pink liquid coming out of all the faucets and fixtures. This indicates that the antifreeze has reached all parts of the plumbing system.
9. Can I use compressed air to blow out the water lines instead of antifreeze?
While using compressed air can help remove some water, it’s not a foolproof method. Residual water can still freeze and cause damage. Antifreeze provides a much more reliable level of protection, especially in colder climates.
10. How long does it take to winterize a trailer?
The time it takes to winterize a trailer depends on its size and complexity. Generally, it takes 1-2 hours for a small to medium-sized trailer.
11. Do I need to winterize my outdoor shower?
Yes. Don’t forget to winterize your outdoor shower if your trailer has one. Follow the same procedure as with the indoor shower.
12. Where can I dispose of RV antifreeze in the spring?
RV antifreeze is biodegradable and generally safe to dispose of down the drain or in a septic system, but always check your local regulations. Some areas may have specific guidelines for disposal.