While you are looking for drains, find the drain for the fresh water tank, unless you are sure the tank is already empty. All fresh water tanks have drains, so if you do not see it under the rig, look near the tank inside your RV. The drain may be located in either place. Open the drain and let the water run out.

 

Below are the low point drains and water tank drain on the rig I worked on earlier today.

 

Step #5 Next turn on the water pump.The pump will suck any remaining water out of the fresh water tank and the line between the tank and the pump. When water no longer runs out of the water heater drain, shut off the pump. By the end of this step, you will have drained much of the water from your system, but there will still be water in the fixtures and low places in the water lines.

 

Step #6 Now its time to close the bypass valves on the water heater. They are located on the back of the water heater. You might find the back of the water heater by going through a cabinet or in the bay of your fifth wheel. In the back of the water heater you will usually find two valves, although in some case you might find a single valve. In the case of two valves, close the one that is on the line leading to the bottom of the water heater and open the one that is on the line between the line going into the water heater and the line coming out of the water heater on the top. Closing off the water heater in this manner will stop RV antifreeze from going into the water heater when we pump it through the lines, . If you have single valve behind the water heater, it will usually be marked so you know which way to turn it to close off the water heater. The usual bypass valve arrangement is pictured below. Once you have closed the bypass valves, put the drain plug back in the water heater.

 

 

Step #6 Some RVs have washer/dryers and ice makers in the refrigerator. If you have a washer/dryer, the owner's manual will have instructions for winterizing. In general, run the washing machine on the spin cycle to get all the water out and shut off the hot and cold water lines at the washer.

Ice makers lines usually have to be disconnected by removing the refrigerator vent on the exterior of your RV to gain access to the valve which supplies water to the ice maker. It is the only water line you will find behind the refrigerator. Ice maker valves are extremely susceptible to freezing, so do not forget this step, if your unit is so equipped. There is a shut off in the water line to the valve; close it.

 

Step #7 Find the water pump. You are going to use it to pump RV antifreeze through your water lines and fixtures. If you don't know where your pump is, switch it on and follow the noise. Be absolutely certain to purchase RV antifreeze. It is pink in color and is available from your RV dealer as well as many other sources. It is clearly labeled on the jug as nontoxic. Never use automotive antifreeze in the water lines of your RV.

 

Winterizing con't on page 3