Faucets open or closed

[jimp]

after winterizing your RV. I have a '08 GH 31ss and did the winterizing today, but I wonder whether you should leave the inside water facets open or closed, or does it even matter. I used the air compressor version for winterizing and poured AF down all the drains and toilet, etc., Wife helped me today and she said she closed them all after opening each one while I was running the air compressor side of things. Thanks.

[Jagiven]

If you only blow out the lines then I would leave the valves open, just incase there is a little bit of water left in the valve seats. If you used AF then in reality it does not matter, but I always leave my valves open.

[hoppers4]

IMHO it doesn't matter.

[WaltW]

I agree with Jagiven. If you blow out air, leave faucets open. I've had freeze damage to faucets when it got really really cold. Better safe than sorry.

[mike837go]

Filling the system with anti-freeze (after blowing out) requires having the valves closed and then opening them one-at-a-time until the pink stuff fills all lines.


I just relieve the pressure from the pump and then make sure all valves are closed.


**No surprises when de-winterizing in April.**

[TWP723]

I leave them closed.

[Scoutr2]

I have used the RV anti-freeze for years and after all pump pressure is relieved, I open all faucets. In the event there is some residual water in a line somewhere, it allows for expansion that could break a line if the faucets are closed. I just want to be doubly sure, but I probably don't need to do it.

While on this subject, here's a few things you do not want to forget when winterizing:

- Be sure to bypass the water heater BEFORE pumping the pink stuff through the system

- leave the water heater drain valve out for the winter (nothing is gonna crawl up in there)

- When all done winterizing, and before you turn off the pump, be sure to push IN on the little check valve stem on the city water inlet - there is water trapped between the pump and the check valve that needs to be purged (but stand aside if you don't want a pink shower)

- Be sure to open the outside shower faucets until the pink stuff flows out

- Pour some anti-freeze down every drain to fill the traps - bathroom and kitchen sink, shower drain

- Pour some anti-freeze in the toilet, to keep the ball seal moist throughout the winter

- Open the black tank and grey tank valves, but make sure the exhaust tube has the cover in place after all liquid has drained (don't give mice any opportunity to crawl up there and build a nest!)

- Remove all cans, bottles, etc so nothing can freeze and break

- Remove all paper products, linens, dry foods, etc - don't provide mice with food or nesting material

- And I put a Bounce dryer sheet in every cubby, underneath and on top of matresses, on and under chairs/bench seats, and a few on the carpet. (Some say this doesn't work, but I've never had a mouse problem in 15 years - and the trailer smells fresh in the spring!)

[rgolding]

Scoutr2 (Mike),

Nice list, good check list to follow.

The only thing I would change from your list, is to make sure you pump pink stuff through the toilet. Just pouring in the bowl does not protect the plumbing portion of the commode. You sure don't want water left in the plumbing portion of the commode to freeze.

Leave all valves open to allow for expansion and to allow air to encourage draining.

[WaltW]

Ric, your comment about toilet also applies to those who use air to blow out lines. Don't forget to blow out the potty!

[Scoutr2]

Yes. I do that, but forgot to mention. Good catch!

Mike

[TWP723]

Originally Posted by WaltW

Ric, your comment about toilet also applies to those who use air to blow out lines. Don't forget to blow out the potty!

True. But man, it sounds weird!

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by TWP723

True. But man, it sounds weird!

Both discussing it AND when you do it!

[TWP723]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Both discussing it AND when you do it!

word

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by TWP723

word

(fist bump emoji)

[Charlene20]

So if I live in Mississippi and plan to do some winter camping, I don't need to do all this winterizing, do I? this is my first RV and there is way tooooo much to learn. Thank goodness for these forums.

[Scoutr2]

Originally Posted by Charlene20

So if I live in Mississippi and plan to do some winter camping, I don't need to do all this winterizing, do I? this is my first RV and there is way tooooo much to learn. Thank goodness for these forums.

It depends on your winter weather. If it rarely gets below freezing, you will probably be OK by just draining all your water lines and water heater - and pump all water from your lines and pump by turning the pump ON to purge all water. But to be safe, ask your local RV dealer. Not having lived in your area, I cannot say for certain.

[Murff]

A last item here, leave your toilet lid up! Sometimes it can get pretty moldy in the toilet over the winter.

Murff

[rgolding]

Originally Posted by Charlene20

So if I live in Mississippi and plan to do some winter camping, I don't need to do all this winterizing, do I? this is my first RV and there is way tooooo much to learn. Thank goodness for these forums.

Charlene, That's absolutely right. That's why so many of us come south in the Winter. Cold spells hit Mississippi, and there are times you will need to be conscious of the pipes freezing just, like your home. During those times just keep it minimally heated (above 32) and you'll have no problems. The water drains, we are talking about won't be a problem for you because of the ground warmth.

Yes, forums like this are fantastic.

[3'senough]

That list is pretty complete but the one thing I will add and I believe to be the most important is moisture control. If you have vent covers, crack them and put some Damp rid in variuos places as well as opening any cabinets you can. I usually put a bucket in each sink or a secondary catch basin in case of freezing.

The cold months can create a lot of moisture inside these units and lead to mold growth fast with the flutuations. Especially if you button it up tight.

Now back to our original broadcast...I leave my kitchen sink mixing valve open for any expansion.

[Scoutr2]

I might also add - keep a gallon or two of RV/Marine anti-freeze handy. (It might be hard to find in your area.) It is not too expensive - I pay less than $3.00/gallon around here. Besides draining your water lines and keeping faucets open during cold snaps, fill the drain traps with the anti-freeze, to prevent freezing there, too.

Also - a lot of people forget about the short piece of hose from the city water connection that Tee's into the water supply line after the pump outlet. If you don't purge that hose of water, it can freeze - especially since it is connected to the outside of the trailer.

To do that, turn the pump ON, then push IN on the little check valve in the center of the city water connection - where you attach the water hose. (You will have to remove the brass strainer first.) But stand to the side when you do that, or you will get a short shower as water comes gushing out. Hold the check valve IN until water stops flowing. Then be sure the check valve is properly seated when done.