How to blow out lines to winterize
Hello. I have always paid to winterized my RV but would really like to learn how to do it myself without just pouring antifreeze down the toilet and sinks. I would really like to use air on the lin...
Forum Discussion
I’ve always blown out the lines and never had a problem. It isn’t necessary to get every molecule of water out; so long as the lines are mostly empty of water, what’s left will have room to expand harmlessly if it freezes. Besides, pex water lines won’t rupture if they freeze, although the fittings probably will.
With the current rig, I drain the water heater, open the low point drains, then blow out the icemaker and that lines that are left. Anti-freeze in the traps and toilet. Done. I close everything up because I don’t want insects seeking shelter in the water tank or lines. I sanitize the lines in the spring.
You should note that volume of air counts for more than pressure when blowing lines – the bigger the air tank, the faster and better you can clear the lines of water. I have a 7-gallon tank that I fill a couple of times when blowing the lines, and I wish I had a bigger tank that I did not feel I needed to fill again while winterizing.
Wayne
With the current rig, I drain the water heater, open the low point drains, then blow out the icemaker and that lines that are left. Anti-freeze in the traps and toilet. Done. I close everything up because I don’t want insects seeking shelter in the water tank or lines. I sanitize the lines in the spring.
You should note that volume of air counts for more than pressure when blowing lines – the bigger the air tank, the faster and better you can clear the lines of water. I have a 7-gallon tank that I fill a couple of times when blowing the lines, and I wish I had a bigger tank that I did not feel I needed to fill again while winterizing.
Wayne
