I've read a lot of threads about winterization. Some say blow the lines, some say fill the lines with antifreeze. But I still have a few questions. I'm sure I'll get a number of opinions, but I figure it's like reading product reviews. If the majority goes one way, then that becomes a factor in the decision making process. The more info I get, the better informed decision I can make. Thanks.If you blow the lines, will there be residual water that can burst a line?What's the chance of bursting a line with an air compressor?If you blow the lines, do you really need antifreeze in the lines?How do you drain the washing machine connection without having water/antifreeze everywhere?If I want to use the rig during the winter, can I just blow the lines after each use and not waste antifreeze?

1. Water left in line? Possibly if you have a low spot in the line. Will it burst a line? Possibly, as water freezes from the top and then their isn't enough room for ice to expand. 2. Bursting a line with air compressor. Pretty had to do unless you use one from a tire shop. Ones you use at home don't usually have enough pressure to burst a line. You can use a water reducer if you are concerned.3. Is there a need to do both? I do just because I don't want a burst line that is impossible to get to. 4. Don't know about washing machine.5. Just blow the lines? You can catch the anti freeze as it comes out of the faucets and save some that way. There is an active post regarding this.

I blow the lines and add anti freeze. I don't know how you would get all of the water out of the water pump and associated plumbing by just blowing the lines. I can't help you with the washing machine but I'm wondering about our residential fridge. It has water and ice maker that I will have to take care of. If you set your compressor pressure to around 40 PSI you don't have to worry about bursting a line.

Can't help with your last 2 items since I have neither a washing machine nor use our 5'r in the winter....... yet. However, when winterizing, I do both. I set the air compressor to 40 psi and blow out the lines, then pump in antifreeze. Never had a problem! I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I drain the water tank and the water heater, then I set the pressure regulator on the compressor at 55-60 PSI (the same pressure that the onboard water pump puts out).I blow all the lines, at least twice, then pour some RV anti-freeze into the drain traps and toilet bowl.I always have to remind myself to NOT forget the black tank flush, the spray nozzle at the toilet, and the hand washer spray nozzle.Then I remove the water pump intake strainer, empty and clean it, and run the pump until no water comes out.I have never had a problem with any lines or fittings freezing and breaking.

empty_nest wrote:Can't help with your last 2 items since I have neither a washing machine nor use our 5'r in the winter....... yet. However, when winterizing, I do both. I set the air compressor to 40 psi and blow out the lines, then pump in antifreeze. Never had a problem! I'd rather be safe than sorry.I do the same. If I head south during cold weather, I wait till we're out of freezing temps before using water system and winterize again before getting back north.

Blow Lines or AntiFreeze, or both? | Good Sam Community

46 Replies

sch911
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
I blow out lines only and do not add antifreeze. Drain holding tanks, and low point drains and do not add antifreeze. I only use antifreeze in the P traps. I live in a northern climate and have never had any issues...
scbwr
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2014
empty_nest wrote:
Can't help with your last 2 items since I have neither a washing machine nor use our 5'r in the winter....... yet.

However, when winterizing, I do both. I set the air compressor to 40 psi and blow out the lines, then pump in antifreeze. Never had a problem! I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I do the same. If I head south during cold weather, I wait till we're out of freezing temps before using water system and winterize again before getting back north.
mowermech
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
I drain the water tank and the water heater, then I set the pressure regulator on the compressor at 55-60 PSI (the same pressure that the onboard water pump puts out).
I blow all the lines, at least twice, then pour some RV anti-freeze into the drain traps and toilet bowl.
I always have to remind myself to NOT forget the black tank flush, the spray nozzle at the toilet, and the hand washer spray nozzle.
Then I remove the water pump intake strainer, empty and clean it, and run the pump until no water comes out.
I have never had a problem with any lines or fittings freezing and breaking.
empty_nest
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
Can't help with your last 2 items since I have neither a washing machine nor use our 5'r in the winter....... yet.

However, when winterizing, I do both. I set the air compressor to 40 psi and blow out the lines, then pump in antifreeze. Never had a problem! I'd rather be safe than sorry.
dsurette
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
I blow the lines and add anti freeze. I don't know how you would get all of the water out of the water pump and associated plumbing by just blowing the lines.
I can't help you with the washing machine but I'm wondering about our residential fridge. It has water and ice maker that I will have to take care of. If you set your compressor pressure to around 40 PSI you don't have to worry about bursting a line.
ReadyToGo
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
1. Water left in line? Possibly if you have a low spot in the line. Will it burst a line? Possibly, as water freezes from the top and then their isn't enough room for ice to expand.
2. Bursting a line with air compressor. Pretty had to do unless you use one from a tire shop. Ones you use at home don't usually have enough pressure to burst a line. You can use a water reducer if you are concerned.
3. Is there a need to do both? I do just because I don't want a burst line that is impossible to get to.
4. Don't know about washing machine.
5. Just blow the lines? You can catch the anti freeze as it comes out of the faucets and save some that way. There is an active post regarding this.

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Blow Lines or AntiFreeze, or both?

46 Replies

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