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Winterizing your RV with compressed air removes water from the plumbing lines, while RV antifreeze protects drain traps and toilet components. Start by safely shutting down and draining the water system, then blow out each plumbing branch using regulated air at no more than 30 PSI. Water heaters, washers, ice makers, and other equipped appliances may require additional manufacturer-specific procedures.
Confirm that compressed-air winterization is appropriate for your RV and every water-connected appliance. Clearing the main lines does not necessarily remove water trapped inside pumps, valves, or appliances.
Allow enough time to complete the entire procedure before freezing temperatures arrive. If you cannot identify the plumbing connections, bypass settings, or appliance requirements, ask your dealer for assistance.
Antifreeze quantity varies with the number of drains and appliance requirements. Never use automotive antifreeze.
Use a clean air supply that will not introduce oil or other contaminants into the fresh-water plumbing. Follow any component pressure limit lower than 30 PSI.
Turn off all water-heater heat sources, including gas and electric modes where equipped. Allow the water heater to cool completely.
Disconnect city water, turn off the water pump, and open a faucet to relieve system pressure. Never remove a water-heater drain plug or anode rod while the heater is hot or pressurized.
Open the fresh-water tank drain and the hot- and cold-water low-point drains. Open faucets and equipped outside fixtures to help the lines drain.
For a tank-style water heater, follow its instructions to remove the drain plug or anode rod and drain the tank. Operate the pressure-relief valve only as directed by the manufacturer.
For a tankless water heater, follow its specific winterization procedure. Do not assume bypassing it protects the internal water passages.
Remove water-filter cartridges, drain the housings, and install the specified bypass tube or empty housing as appropriate. Replace disposable cartridges before returning the system to service.
Set the tank-style water heater’s bypass valves as instructed.
After the fresh-water tank has drained, follow the pump manufacturer’s instructions to clear the pump and suction line.
Keystone’s general procedure calls for briefly running the pump, approximately 30 seconds, but permitted dry-running time varies. Do not exceed your pump’s instructions or assume air through the city-water inlet will clear the pump.
Turn the pump off when finished.
Once gravity draining is complete, close the low-point drains as required to direct air through the fixtures.
With the compressor supply off, attach the blowout adapter and air hose to the city-water inlet. Set the regulator to 30 PSI or less, using any lower limit specified for installed equipment.
Open a fixture before introducing air. Maintain an outlet for airflow rather than pressurizing a closed system.
Work through the fixtures systematically, opening hot and cold sides separately where applicable. Continue until water discharge stops, then repeat as necessary.
Include:
Do not increase pressure to force water out. Turn off the air supply and release pressure before disconnecting fittings.
Complete the separate procedures for all water-connected equipment:
Empty wastewater tanks at an approved dump station after completing flushing and other steps that add water. Follow the tank-flush instructions for sewer connection and valve position.
Pour approximately one quart of RV antifreeze into each sink and shower drain to protect its P-trap, including an equipped washer drain. Adjust quantities according to the antifreeze label and component instructions.
Treat the toilet as directed by its manufacturer, leaving the specified amount in the bowl to help protect the seal. Antifreeze poured into a drain also enters the associated holding tank; it does not replace draining that tank.
Disconnect the compressor and blowout adapter. Reinstall caps and plugs and position valves according to your RV and appliance storage instructions.
Leave the water heater off and label the system as winterized to help prevent accidental operation before refilling. Confirm that every fixture and appliance has been addressed.
Complete your RV’s winterization checklist before the first freeze.
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.