How to Winterize an RV Washer?
Winterizing an RV washer is an important maintenance task to prevent damage and ensure the appliance lasts. By draining water and adding RV antifreeze, you can avoid pipe freezing, mold buildup, and other issues when storing your RV through frigid winter months.
Why Winterize an RV Washer?
Winterizing protects the washer itself and related plumbing components. Key reasons to winterize include:
Prevent Pipe Freezing
Any leftover water inside the washer or connecting hoses can expand and rupture pipes when it freezes. This causes major leaks and flooding. Adding antifreeze lowers the freezing point well below 32°F to keep water liquid.
Read More : How to Winterize Suzuki 4 Stroke Outboard?
Avoid Mold and Mildew
Stagnant water encourages mold/mildew growth in the washer tub, drums, pipes and hoses. This causes bad odors along with potential appliance damage.
Save Appliance from Damage
Hard water minerals and soap scum also accumulate faster when water remains static in the unit. Flushing out old water prevents scale buildup and scum formation on internal parts.
When to Winterize?
To fully protect the system, winterize the RV washer:
Before Freezing Temperatures
Don’t wait until pipes freeze to take action. Winterize in advance of expected overnight freezes by checking local weather forecasts.
During Storage
Also winterize while the RV sits unused for weeks or months at a time. This maintains dryness and avoids stagnant water issues.
Supplies Needed
Gather the following supplies before beginning:
RV Antifreeze
Use only RV/plumbing antifreeze, NOT standard automotive antifreeze. RV antifreeze is non-toxic.
Cleaning Supplies
Have towels, rags and a mild detergent solution to clean the washer tub beforehand.
Tools
Basic tools simplify disconnecting hoses, accessing filters and draining components. Useful items include:
Wrench
Fitting sizes vary, so have standard adjustable crescent and pipe wrenches.
Screwdriver
Flat-head screwdrivers help pry off hoses or panels to reach connection points.
Bucket
Place a bucket underneath to catch drainage water as you disconnect hoses.
Draining Steps
With supplies in hand, follow these key steps to drain all water:
Turn Off Water Supply Valves
Locate the water supply vales connected to the inlet hoses and turn them off. This stops more water from entering.
Disconnect Inlet Hoses
Unscrew the inlet hoses attaching to the rear of the washer. Have your bucket ready to catch any drainage.
Drain Remaining Water from Hoses
Once empty, raise the ends of the hoses to promote additional drainage. You can also:
Use Air Compressor
Blow out lingering droplets using short air blasts if available.
Let Gravity Drain
Time and gravity alone usually drain hoses fully. Allow them to hang and drip into the bucket for several minutes.
Remove Drain Filter
Many washers have a small drain filter along the washer tub bottom or front. Unscrew this to drain all collected water.
Drain Internal Pipes and Pump
With hoses removed and filters out, run the washer briefly to purge standing water from inside the unit’s pipes and pump. A few seconds should suffice.
Adding Antifreeze
Once fully drained, pour RV antifreeze into the washer:
Pour Antifreeze in Detergent Dispenser
Slowly add enough antifreeze to fill the internal detergent cup. Around 1-2 cups is typical for smaller RV washers.
Run Wash Cycle with Antifreeze
Then run the washer through a full wash cycle. This circulates antifreeze through the intake lines to protect pipes.
Inspect for Leftover Water
After it finishes, check tub corners, filters and hoses for any remaining droplets that need extra antifreeze. Target moist areas and fill manually with a funnel if needed.
Final Storage Steps
With antifreeze protection added, finish winterizing by:
Wipe Down Surfaces
Use your mild detergent solution to give the washer drum and exterior a final fresh water rinse and wipe-down.
Leave Doors Open
Prop washer and storage compartment doors open so air circulates freely to prevent mustiness.
Turn Off Power
Shut off any power switches or breakers so components fully power down.
Spring Startup
When bringing a stored RV washer back into service, properly flush antifreeze and restore full function:
Inspect for Leaks and Damage
Check supply hoses, seals, tub and interior piping for any leakage or damage before restarting washer.
Flush Out Antifreeze
Run empty cycles using detergent to purge remaining antifreeze from the system. Check for lingering odors.
Reconnect Water Lines
Reattach inlet lines and open supply valves once confident purging is complete.
Test Functionality
Run a test cycle with towels/rags only to confirm full, leak-free functionality before adding clothes.
Conclusion
Protecting the plumbing and components of an RV washer is crucial for functionality and longevity. Following these key winterizing steps avoids frozen pipe damage, mold growth and appliance failures.
Routinely draining water, flushing antifreeze, powering down, wiping surfaces, and air drying the washer prevents problems for smooth operation season after season.
FAQs
Can I use vinegar instead of RV antifreeze?
No, vinegar freezes at too high a temperature. Only non-toxic RV antifreeze protects below freezing.
Do I need to rerun the washer before first use in spring?
Yes, always purge antifreeze and test functionality spring startup before regular washing duties.
How often should I repeat winterizing steps?
Drain, clean and add fresh antifreeze anytime the RV sits unused for over a week in freezing weather.
