Common Mistakes

One of the biggest misconceptions is that draining water is the same as removing water. In reality, water can remain trapped in numerous areas throughout an RV.

I always tell students that water is going to find the lowest point and hide in places you don’t expect. The goal is to make sure no water is left behind that can freeze and expand.

Areas commonly overlooked include:

• Exterior showers
• Spray ports
• Refrigerator water lines
• Ice makers
• Washer and dryer hookups
• Check valves
• Water pump housings
• Low-point sections of plumbing runs

A consistent process and checklist ensure these areas aren’t forgotten.

Let’s Start With the Fresh Water System

The fresh water system remains the most vulnerable area of the RV during freezing temperatures.

Before introducing antifreeze into the plumbing system, technicians should verify that the fresh water tank has been drained completely and that all low-point drains have been opened.

A proper winterization process typically includes:

• Draining the fresh water tank
• Opening low-point drains
• Draining hot and cold water lines
• Relieving system pressure
• Draining the water heater
• Bypassing the water heater
• Removing or bypassing water filters when required

Once the system has been properly drained, RV antifreeze can be introduced according to manufacturer recommendations. Each fixture should be operated individually until antifreeze is visible. This includes both hot and cold sides of faucets, toilets, exterior showers, bar sinks and appliance connections.

We teach our students to develop a routine and follow it every time. The technicians who get into trouble are usually the ones who think they can do it from memory. A checklist doesn’t care how many years you’ve been doing it.

Water Heater Preparation

Water heaters deserve special attention because they are frequently involved in winterization mistakes.

After confirming all power sources have been disconnected and the unit has cooled, the tank should be drained completely. The anode rod or drain plug should be inspected and replaced if necessary. Many service departments use winterization appointments as an opportunity to identify maintenance items before the next camping season.

Proper operation of the bypass system should also be verified before antifreeze is introduced into the plumbing system.

Failing to bypass the water heater properly not only wastes antifreeze but also can create additional cleanup and service concerns when the RV is placed back into service.

Protecting Holding Tanks & Drainage Systems

Holding tanks themselves generally have room for expansion, but drain systems and associated plumbing components can still suffer freeze damage.

Before storage:

• Empty and flush all holding tanks
• Inspect termination valves
• Verify proper operation of gate valves
• Add RV antifreeze to drains
• Protect P-traps throughout the coach

A small amount of RV antifreeze in sinks and shower drains helps protect plumbing traps and prevent freeze-related damage during extended storage.

Battery Storage Is Part of Winterization

Many customers associate winterization strictly with plumbing systems, but battery care is equally important.

Improper battery storage is one of the leading causes of springtime service issues.

Technicians should verify:

• Battery state of charge
• Terminal condition
• Charging system operation
• Manufacturer-specific storage recommendations

Customers often think cold weather ruined their battery. In many cases, the battery was already discharged going into storage. Winter simply exposed the problem.

Different battery chemistries have different storage requirements, making manufacturer guidance particularly important.

Conduct an Exterior Inspection Before Storage

Winterization appointments provide an excellent opportunity to identify developing maintenance issues before harsh weather arrives.

A walk-around inspection should include:

• Roof sealants
• Sidewall sealants
• Window seals
• Slideout seals
• Compartment seals
• Awning condition
• Signs of water intrusion

Small sealant failures discovered before winter can prevent much larger repair bills later.

Documenting the condition of the RV prior to storage helps both the dealership and the customer understand the unit’s condition when it enters storage.

Don’t Overlook Generators & Appliances

Many winterization issues involve systems that are not immediately connected to the plumbing process.

Generators should be prepared according to manufacturer recommendations. Fuel stabilization, exercise procedures and storage guidelines vary depending on equipment type.

Technicians should also review winterization requirements for:

• Residential refrigerators
• Ice makers
• Washer and dryer systems
• Dishwashers
• Specialty plumbing fixtures

Whenever specialty equipment is involved, it is best to refer to the manufacturer’s service information to help guide the process.

Quality Control Prevents Comebacks

The best winterization programs include a final inspection before the RV leaves the service department. A quality-control review should verify that all plumbing fixtures, appliances and auxiliary systems have been properly protected.

Documentation not only improves consistency among technicians but also helps establish accountability within the service department. The extra few minutes required for verification are often insignificant compared to the time and expense involved in repairing freeze damage later.