Winterization question

Thanks for the responses. We are relatively new to RV'ing and this is only the second year I had to winterize. Last year the center that did the winterization dumped the tanks. I just figured it was part of the process especially since they have a dump site at CW. The tanks thawed and I dumped them with no problems. Next year I am going to dump the tanks. Live and learn.

Just me I guess, but I would dump my own tanks before taking in for any service. That wouldn't be considered winterization, just normal what you do before you leave the last campsite.

Taking care of your poop is not part of a normal winterization. If you dropped the unit off with empty tanks, then normal winterization procedure would be to ensure the valves are open and cap is off at the end of the process.

If you left them with a big tank of poop, then you should expect to end up with a big tank of frozen poop.

If you ordered a winterization and a tank dump (two separate services), then you would expect empty tanks when you pick up your unit.

Deb and Ed M wrote:
Wow - if their service didn't include dumping the tanks - they should have warned you?? The flexible poly tanks can probably survive being frozen - but all the PVC lines leading from the tanks will probably be damaged.

On edit: keep in mind that at some point, those lines will have to be thawed and they'll be leaking BAD stuff....

I know lots of folks that freeze their tanks in the mountains skiing. I don't know of anyone that has had issues. They come down off the mountain, wait a day (to thaw) and go dump.

Wow - if their service didn't include dumping the tanks - they should have warned you?? The flexible poly tanks can probably survive being frozen - but all the PVC lines leading from the tanks will probably be damaged.

On edit: keep in mind that at some point, those lines will have to be thawed and they'll be leaking BAD stuff....

I would put a lot of anti freeze in both tanks right away just in case.

If you have it done at the local rv shop here they flush and clean your tanks black grey and potable. They might be pissed if you brought it in with full dirty tanks but would do it.

I wouldn't think dumping the tanks would be a normal part of winterizing. That is a normal part of leaving camp. Winterizing is removing all water from the fresh water system.

Didn't dump the waste tanks.......

Did you take it to them with stuff in waste tanks?
Does that CW have dump station on site?
Did you tell them tanks have stuff in them?

Other than a few gallons of water left behind from rinsing/flushing when you dumped them there shouldn't be anything in them when you took it in for winterizing.

When winterizing anti-freeze should have been run thru faucets and flowed into 'P' traps will some going into grey
Anti-freeze poured down toilet into black tank and then some in bowl.

Unless tanks were FULL should be room for expansion so hopefully no cracks.

it was on our check list when we did that service.