How To Blow Water Out Of Rv Lines

How to Blow Water Out of RV Lines: A Comprehensive Guide for Winterizing Your RV

Winterizing your RV is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. One of the most important steps is blowing out the water lines. This process removes all water from your RV's plumbing system, preventing pipes from bursting and causing significant damage. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you're fully prepared for the cold winter months.

Before You Begin: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• Air compressor: You'll need an air compressor capable of delivering at least 40-60 PSI. A smaller compressor might not be sufficient to push the water out of all the lines effectively.
• Low-pressure regulator: This is essential to prevent damage to your RV's plumbing system. Never use the air compressor at full pressure directly.
• Blow gun: This will be attached to your air compressor and used to blow the water out of the lines. Ensure you have a blow gun with a long nozzle to reach all the necessary areas.
• Water pressure regulator: Locate this on the outside of your RV. You may need to turn it off.
• RV antifreeze (optional): While blowing out the lines is the primary method, using antifreeze provides an extra layer of protection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blowing Water Out of Your RV Lines

1. Prepare Your RV:

• Turn off the water pump: Locate your water pump switch and ensure it is turned off.
• Drain the water heater: Most RVs have a drain valve on the water heater. Locate it and open it to drain the water heater tank completely. Refer to your RV's owner's manual if you are unsure of the location.
• Open all faucets: Open all faucets and shower heads throughout your RV. This allows air to flow freely through the system.
• Locate low points: Identify the low points in your plumbing system – these are areas where water is most likely to pool. Typical low points include the low point drains under sinks and shower pans. Opening these will help ensure complete water removal.

2. Connect the Air Compressor:

• Connect the regulator: Always connect the low-pressure regulator to your air compressor before connecting the blow gun. This is critical for preventing damage to your RV's plumbing.
• Set the pressure: Set the regulator to a safe pressure, usually between 30-40 PSI. Start lower and gradually increase if needed.
• Connect the blow gun: Attach the blow gun to the regulator.

3. Blow Out the Lines:

• Start at the highest point: Begin blowing air into the system at the highest point of your plumbing system, often near a city water hookup. This ensures the water is pushed through the lines in the most efficient way.
• Check the faucets: As you blow air into the system, continuously monitor the faucets. You should see a steady stream of air coming out, indicating the water is being pushed out.
• Move to lower points: Once the water has been expelled from the high points, move to the lower points, such as the low point drains. Continue to blow air into the system.

4. Verify Complete Removal:

• Check for residual water: After blowing air for a sufficient period, carefully inspect all faucets and low points to ensure no water is left.
• Use antifreeze (optional): Pour some RV antifreeze into each faucet and low point to further protect your lines from freezing.

5. Disconnect the Air Compressor:

• Once you are satisfied that the lines are clear, turn off the air compressor and carefully disconnect the blow gun and regulator.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Compressor not powerful enough: If you're having trouble blowing out the water, you might need a more powerful air compressor.
• Clogged lines: If air doesn't flow freely, you may have a clog in your lines. Try using a plumbing snake to clear any blockages.
• Frozen lines: If you've waited too long to winterize your RV and the lines are frozen, you will likely need to thaw them out before proceeding with this process.

By following these steps carefully, you can effectively blow water out of your RV lines, ensuring your plumbing system is protected from the dangers of freezing temperatures and preventing costly repairs. Remember, safety and patience are key to successful RV winterization. Always refer to your RV’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations.