Winterizing your RV is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing water lines. One of the most effective methods is blowing out your RV water lines with compressed air. This process removes all water from the system, preventing expansion and potential bursts when temperatures drop below freezing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, answering common questions and ensuring your RV is ready for winter storage.
Why is Blowing Out RV Water Lines Important?
Freezing water expands, and this expansion can exert immense pressure on your RV's plumbing system. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to expensive repairs and potentially extensive water damage inside your RV. Blowing out the lines with compressed air removes all water, eliminating this risk entirely. This preventative measure saves you significant time, money, and hassle in the long run.
What Equipment Do I Need to Blow Out RV Water Lines?
Before you begin, gather the necessary equipment:
- Air compressor: You'll need a compressor capable of delivering at least 90 PSI (pounds per square inch). Higher PSI is generally better for ensuring complete water removal.
- Air chuck: This connects your air compressor to the blow-out fitting.
- Blow-out plugs: These are typically threaded and replace your water faucets, allowing you to connect the air chuck. You'll need one for each faucet and low-point drain.
- Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from potential debris.
- Gloves: Protect your hands.
- Towels: For any potential spills or leaks.
- Plumbing schematic (if available): This will help you identify all the low points in your plumbing system.
How to Blow Out RV Water Lines: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare your RV: Turn off the water pump and disconnect from any external water sources (city water hookup).
- Open all faucets and drains: This includes all sinks, shower, toilet, and low-point drains (typically located under your RV).
- Attach blow-out plugs: Replace all faucets and low-point drains with your blow-out plugs.
- Connect the air chuck: Attach the air chuck to the blow-out plug on the highest point in your water system, usually near the water pump.
- Turn on the compressor: Slowly increase the air pressure to approximately 90 PSI (or the recommended PSI for your specific compressor and blow-out plugs).
- Listen and observe: You should hear air escaping from the open drains and faucets. Continue until you only hear air and no more water sputtering.
- Disconnect the air chuck: Once complete, disconnect the air chuck and carefully remove the blow-out plugs.
- Reconnect faucets: Replace the blow-out plugs with your regular faucets.
What if I Don't Have Blow-Out Plugs?
If you don't have blow-out plugs, you'll need to use a different method, which is generally less efficient and can potentially leave residual water in the lines. This may involve using compressed air to blow through a fitting attached to your water pump or hose connections, however, using specialized blow out plugs is recommended for optimal results.
How Do I Know if I've Successfully Blown Out My Lines?
Once you've blown out your lines, only air should be coming out of the open faucets and low-point drains. No water should be present. It's a good idea to check the low-point drains again after a few minutes to ensure that no additional water is accumulating.
What if I Have a Problem Blowing Out the Water Lines?
If you encounter difficulties, check for any kinks or blockages in your plumbing system. You may need to use compressed air in multiple stages to ensure complete drainage. If you’re still having trouble, consider seeking professional help.
Can I Use an Air Compressor from My Garage to Blow Out My RV Water Lines?
Yes, most standard air compressors from home garages are sufficient. However, ensure your compressor can reach and maintain the recommended PSI (around 90 PSI), and check the capacity to ensure consistent flow. It's a good idea to check your compressor's manual for the recommended PSI and output for this task.
What's the Difference Between Blowing Out Lines and Using RV Antifreeze?
While blowing out your lines is the most effective way to remove water, using RV antifreeze provides an additional layer of protection. Antifreeze is added to the system after the lines are blown out to protect against any remaining moisture. Using both methods provides maximum protection against freezing temperatures.
By following this guide, you can confidently blow out your RV water lines and protect your RV from winter damage. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you encounter any unexpected issues.
