How to Winterize Your RV Plumbing System with Compressed Air: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you choose to winterize the plumbing system of your RV yourself, you'll need a few tools and supplies and approximately two hours of free time. This guide focuses on the compressed air method, which uses an air compressor to blow the water out of the plumbing system.

Tools Required:

• Adaptor for connecting the air compressor to your water lines
  (Ensure compatibility with your RV's plumbing system.)
• 1-2 gallons of RV non-toxic antifreeze
  (Do not use automotive antifreeze; it is poisonous and not suitable for potable water systems.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clear Black Tank Flush
   If your RV is equipped with a black tank flush, use the adaptor and compressed air to blow out any water in the system. Be sure not to exceed 30 PSI air pressure.
2. Drain Water Lines
   Remove the low-point drain caps for the water lines. Open all faucets and the outside shower (if equipped) to allow the lines to drain completely.
3. Drain Fresh Water Tank
   Open the drain valve for the fresh water tank and allow it to drain completely.
4. Turn Off Water Heater
   Verify that the water heater is turned off for both gas and electric modes.
5. Drain the Water Heater
   Remove the water heater drain plug and open the pressure relief valve to let air into the tank and allow it to drain. (If your unit is equipped with a tankless water heater, please refer to the operator’s manual for the winterization procedure.)
6. Remove Water Filter
   If you have a water filter, remove and discard the cartridge. Drain water from the base and reinstall it. If equipped, use the bypass tube for cartridge filters.
7. Empty Waste Water Holding Tanks
   Empty the waste water holding tanks at an approved waste water dump station.
8. 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. You may need to remove an access panel to reach them.
9. Handle Refrigerator Ice Maker
   If your RV has a residential refrigerator, do not add antifreeze to the ice maker water line. Simply drain the line along with the rest of the water lines.
10. Clear Suction Line
    After the fresh water tank has drained, turn the water pump on for about 30 seconds to clear out any remaining water in the suction line and pump.
11. Connect Air Hose
    Using the adaptor, connect an air hose to the city water fill connection. Set the air pressure to no more than 30 PSI.
12. Blow Out Water Lines
    Blow out the water lines until no water is visible coming out of the fixtures and lines.
13. Clear Toilet Supply Line
    Hold open the toilet valve until the water is cleared from the toilet supply line.
14. Clear Shower and Diverter
    Open the diverter valve on the shower faucets to clear the shower hose and head. Don’t forget the outside shower or kitchen if equipped.
15. Winterize Washer Hookup

• If equipped with a washer, turn the washing machine on to the fill cycle using a warm water setting to open both hot and cold valves. Allow air to blow through until no more water comes out.
• If no washer is hooked up, open the hot and cold valves to clear the lines.

1. Add Antifreeze to Drains and Toilet
   Pour about one quart of RV antifreeze into each drain, P-trap, and toilet. Leave a little antifreeze in the toilet to maintain the air seal. Don’t forget the washer drain if equipped.
2. Seal Up the System
   Once the water is removed from the water lines, water heater, and fresh water tank, reinstall the drain caps and plugs. Close any valves to keep critters out of the fresh water 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.