Water leak Frozen Toilet Line

[mdecastra]

Hi,

Here is a good story for those who are new to Class A. I did my normal winterizing on my first winter. The spring time came and went out on a quick test trip.

When I hooked up the city water, there was a leak in my bathroom. With a little research, I determined it was a small line leading to my toilet. The winter froze the line (and the fitting the connects to toilet).

Long story short, don't forget to read all your manuals to see what devices have to be winterized. No one told me to winterize the toilet. All the winterize post have talked about blowing pipes and adding antifreeze, etc.

The toilet needs to be winterized manually to be sure the line is free from water and the toilet flushed to be sure no water in the fitting).

[BigSur2]

Clarification. If you have a black tank flush / wand system installed for your black tank......best option is to get you an adapter to screw into the fitting on the side of your camper, hook up some compressed air, and BLOW IT OUT. Be mindful of your air pressure though.

I use a "quick connect" air fitting for that vs. one of the ones you can get from waLLY World. For everything else possible...PINK STUFF!!! I used to use air only and know from experience that it doesn't clear all the lines.

[mdecastra]

I think you push the flush lever as the air is pushing through. It will flush the water into the commode.

[JC2]

youngone wrote:
Don't forget the Black tank flush line!

What is the procedure that most use for doing this?

[Hank_MI]

youngone wrote:
Don't forget the Black tank flush line!

And ice maker.

[ChooChooMan74]

youngone wrote:
Don't forget the Black tank flush line!

Oh Poopie, thanks for the reminder. Gotta do that today!!

[harold1946]

mdecastra wrote:
Hi,

Here is a good story for those who are new to Class A. I did my normal winterizing on my first winter. The spring time came and went out on a quick test trip.

When I hooked up the city water, there was a leak in my bathroom. With a little research, I determined it was a small line leading to my toilet. The winter froze the line (and the fitting the connects to toilet).

Long story short, don't forget to read all your manuals to see what devices have to be winterized. No one told me to winterize the toilet. All the winterize post have talked about blowing pipes and adding antifreeze, etc.

The toilet needs to be winterized manually to be sure the line is free from water and the toilet flushed to be sure no water in the fitting).

Great reminder!!!
Many of the articles on winterizing mention opening all faucets when blowing out the lines, but fail to mention the toilet flush valve should also be open, to expel any water trapped in that line.

[rockhillmanor]

Thank you OP for not being afraid to post about a frozen water line.

Hmmm. Finally an honest post from someone who used the blow out the lines method of winterizing and experienced a broken water line. Most won't admit it!

Perhaps a good reminder for why using the pink stuff, that actually goes into each and every part of the water lines, just might be a better way winterize? :W:B

All you do is open all the faucets and run toilet until the water turns pink. That also puts antifreeze in the p-traps and toilet bowl. Done.

It is why "I" use the pink stuff method.

[youngone]

Don't forget the Black tank flush line!

[cmeade]

FLY 4 FUN wrote:
Consider this your winterizing baptism. If there is any water in your rig....it must be removed for winter and replaced by air or antifreeze. This means sinks, shower, taps, toilets, toilet wash wands, outside shower, and fridges with water lines or ice makers. I will also add that you need to winterize the fresh water fill line by removing the metal filter basket/washer and pressing the black or white plunger to allow the water out. I wont let a dealer touch my rig to winterize as its robbery as far as im concerned...but mess up winterizing only once and you will wish you paid their price!!

Daryll

Also would add washer dryer faucets if equipped.

[FLY_4_FUN]

Consider this your winterizing baptism. If there is any water in your rig....it must be removed for winter and replaced by air or antifreeze. This means sinks, shower, taps, toilets, toilet wash wands, outside shower, and fridges with water lines or ice makers. I will also add that you need to winterize the fresh water fill line by removing the metal filter basket/washer and pressing the black or white plunger to allow the water out. I wont let a dealer touch my rig to winterize as its robbery as far as im concerned...but mess up winterizing only once and you will wish you paid their price!!

Daryll

[DrewE]

NYCgrrl wrote:
When reading these types of threads I often wonder if a maintenance upgrade that includes extra insulation would make a difference?

Having dealt with frozen pipes in multi dwellings it seems like a proactive stance.

Be better if RV manufacturers did this but it is what it is.

If the RV is unheated for the winter and it's consistently below freezing outside, no practical amount of insulation will keep the interior above freezing. Houses freeze if left unheated, even very well insulated houses.

[NYCgrrl]

When reading these types of threads I often wonder if a maintenance upgrade that includes extra insulation would make a difference?

Having dealt with frozen pipes in multi dwellings it seems like a proactive stance.

Be better if RV manufacturers did this but it is what it is.

[BigSur2]

Anything with water needs it. All cold/hot water lines, outdoor showers, outdoor kitchens, toilet, etc. You should also pour antifreeze in your traps.