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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Blowing Out RV Water Lines Vs Antifreeze
Winterizing your RV is a crucial process in maintaining its longevity and functionality. Two standard methods used are blowing out RV water lines and using antifreeze. Each method has advantages and considerations, and the choice between blowing out RV water lines vs antifreeze often depends on individual preferences.
- Use an air compressor to remove the remaining water.
- No chemicals, avoiding antifreeze taste in water.
- Cost-effective with air compressor and blow plug.
- Requires technical know-how to avoid potential damage.
- Pump non-toxic RV antifreeze through the water system.
- Easy process with good protection against freezing.
- Antifreeze costs can be high for larger RVs.
If you do not have an all-weather package on your RV, it will be necessary for you to get the RV ready for winter storage. While an RV service center can do this for you, it is possible to winterize your RV by yourself.
There are two schools of thought regarding preparing your RV for winter. Some believe blowing out the RV water pipes using compressed air is better, and some prefer using antifreeze.
Before winterizing your RV, it is essential to look at your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer has included steps to store your RV safely for the winter.
Blowing Out RV Water Lines Vs Antifreeze
Using an Air Compressor to Blow out your RV Water Pipes
Winterizing an RV capable of running water every winter before the first frost front is essential. If you choose not to do this, the hot water tank or the pipes in your RV could expand and then burst due to ice.
The result is not a pretty sight, and repairs could cost a lot.
There are numerous ways to ensure no water in your pipes. A way to do this is by pumping antifreeze through the pipes, which is fraught with disadvantages (more on this later). The second way would be to pump air through the pipes. It is quick, and it is clean.
You will require a blowout plug and an air compressor to do this.
Steps to Blowing out Your RV Water Lines
The compressor should be turned on and with the pressure lowered to anything around 30 to 40 psi.
Before plugging in the air compressor, drain the water tank and any other tanks holding water in the RV.
As soon as this is done, the tank valves should be closed. Closing the valves ensures you do not get splashed with water when you connect the air compressor.
The next step would be to connect your blowout plug to the water intake valve. At this point, you should have a second person enter the RV to turn every tap off.
However, the closest tap to your location should be left on; the kitchen sink is the nearest tap for most RV designs. The reason for this is to turn the cold or hot water on while you connect the air compressor till the water stops running.
Once the water stops running on one side, the same process should be done using the other tap. This process should be done to every tap or shower outlet, ensuring no water is left in the pipes.
The toilet is not left out as well. When doing this, you should take breaks pushing air through the pipes as doing so can continuously strain the pipes.
Blowing out your RV water pipes is complete when the last tap or water outlet runs dry.
Filling the Water Pipes With RV Antifreeze
Unless you live in a hot climate, it is recommended that you use antifreeze all through the year.
That being said, antifreeze use is essential during the winter, with temperatures constantly dropping close to freezing point.
Using antifreeze to winterize your RV ensures that you will have water running all through the year.
RV Antifreeze Types
There are two types of RV antifreeze: ethanol glycol and propylene antifreeze.
Propylene is the antifreeze type in question when antifreeze for your RV water pipes is mentioned.
It is non-toxic, making it the perfect choice for winterizing an RV’s water system. Ethanol glycol is highly toxic and shouldn’t be used to winterize your pipes.
Is there a Difference between Regular Antifreeze and RV Antifreeze
The most significant difference between regular antifreeze and RV antifreeze is their function. Regular antifreeze is to be used on a car’s engine, while RV antifreeze, as earlier stated, is to be used solely on an RV’s water pipe system.
Given that RV antifreeze’s sole use is to be put in an RV’s water pipe system, you must ensure the RV antifreeze you use does not have any harmful chemicals.
It would be best if you never used regular antifreeze on your RV’s water pipes, as it was designed to be used in a vehicle’s cooling system. Its job is to stop engine corrosion and the coolant from freezing.
It would be best never to use regular antifreeze on your RV’s water pipe system.
Steps to Filling Your Pipes with Antifreeze
Before filling your RV’s water pipes with antifreeze, turn all the taps, including the shower, to drain as much water as possible. You will require at least 2 gallons of RV antifreeze to fill your water pipes.
You could pump RV antifreeze into your RV water pipes in a few ways. You can choose to do this using a hand crank pump. You could also choose to use the onboard water pump on your RV.
A note of warning: if you decide to use your RV’s onboard water pump, you must connect a pump bypass kit. A pump bypass kit is necessary because water is first drawn from the fresh water tank, and it is best not to get antifreeze into the tank.
Pumping RV Antifreeze Using a Hand Crank Pump
The first thing you will need to do is to connect the pump’s outlet connection to the RV’s water inlet. The intake hose of the pump is then connected to the antifreeze container.
Once this is done, all the taps must be open before you can begin pumping antifreeze. The most effective way to pump antifreeze into the water pipes is to do this one tap at a time.
Keep pumping till the antifreeze comes out of the tap, then stop and move on to the next tap. Continue this until all the outlets have antifreeze coming out of them.
Using a Water Pump to Pump RV Antifreeze
The water pump works like a hand crank pump; however, you don’t have to pump by hand. All you need to do is turn the water pump on to push antifreeze into the RV’s water pipes. Using this method is ultimately faster and much more accessible.
Flushing RV Antifreeze Out
The best way to properly flush RV antifreeze out after the winter months is with water. Connecting a water hose to the RV’s water inlet connection would be best.
Once done, you open your RV’s grey water tank, ensuring all the taps are turned on. Keep the water running through the plumbing system until it smells and looks clean.
If the water still has an antifreeze taste, you can continue flushing using water until you are satisfied. Alternatively, you can use baking soda to eliminate the antifreeze smell and taste. Dissolve the baking soda and flush it through the pipes.
How Long Does RV Antifreeze Last in Lines?
The lifespan of RV antifreeze in lines largely depends on factors such as storage conditions and the overall quality of the product.
Generally, RV antifreeze, upon being opened, retains its effectiveness for a period ranging from 1 to 4 years. Proper storage, including keeping it cool and dry, can significantly prolong its shelf life.
However, replacing the antifreeze every couple of years is recommended for optimal performance and to ensure the safety and longevity of your RV’s systems.
Summary
The debate between blowing out RV water lines vs antifreeze is common among RV owners. Both methods have pros and cons, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the RV.
Blowing out water lines using an air compressor is a cost-effective method that avoids using chemicals, thus eliminating the possibility of an antifreeze taste in the water system.
This method requires technical know-how to avoid potential damage to the water lines. However, it removes any remaining water that could freeze and cause damage.
On the other hand, pumping non-toxic RV antifreeze through the water system is an easy process that provides excellent protection against freezing.
Antifreeze can be especially beneficial in areas where temperatures regularly plummet below freezing. However, one downside to this method is that antifreeze costs can be high, particularly for larger RVs.
Additionally, some people may not like the idea of chemicals in their water system, regardless of how safe they are. In conclusion, both methods have their merits and should be considered based on individual comfort level, budget, and environment.
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