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RV Winterization Checklist
⚠️ Educational only — follow your service manual, use rated jack stands, and read our safety rules before you start.
Protect RV fresh-water plumbing from freeze damage with the antifreeze bypass method.
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- Use only RV/marine non-toxic antifreeze in potable systems — NEVER automotive antifreeze.
- Water heater must be OFF and cool before draining; hot water and pressure cause burns.
- Turn off LP and 12 V to the water heater before you start.
Tools & supplies
- RV (non-toxic, pink) antifreeze, 2–3 gal
- Water heater bypass kit (if not installed)
- Pump converter kit or hand pump
- Socket for water heater drain plug/anode
🧰 Tools & parts needed / Recommended gear
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- RV antifreeze (pink, non-toxic) — Protects lines and traps; never use automotive antifreeze. view options (paid link)
- Water heater bypass kit — Saves ~6–10 gal of antifreeze by isolating the tank. view options (paid link)
- Pump converter kit — Draws antifreeze directly into the water pump. view options (paid link)
- Blowout plug adapter — Lets you blow lines out with compressed air. ⚠️ Regulate air to about 30–40 psi or less to avoid damaging lines. view options (paid link)
- Water heater anode/drain socket — Removes the drain plug or anode for draining. view options (paid link)
- Nitrile gloves — Keeps hands clean when draining tanks. view options (paid link)
Steps
- Turn off the water heater (LP and electric) and let it cool. Open a faucet to relieve pressure.
- Drain fresh tank, then gray and black tanks at a dump station; flush black tank.
- Open low-point drains and the water heater drain plug/anode; open all faucets.
- Close drains, put the water heater in bypass so it doesn't fill with antifreeze.
- Connect the pump to antifreeze (converter kit) and run the pump.
- Open each faucet, hot then cold, nearest to farthest, until pink flows. Don't forget the shower, outdoor shower, toilet and ice maker line (per manufacturer).
- Pour a cup of antifreeze into each drain trap and the toilet.
- Turn off the pump, leave the water heater drained and switched off, and label the switch 'WINTERIZED'.
🛑 When to call a pro
- Your rig has a washer, dishwasher, or complex manifold you're unsure about.
- You find leaks or cracked fittings.
Printable checklist
WrenchReady — RV Winterization Checklist · Date: ________ Vehicle: ________________
Video walkthroughs
Third-party videos embedded from YouTube; not produced or endorsed by us. Always follow your service manual.
FAQ
Can I use automotive antifreeze to winterize an RV?
No. Use only RV/marine non-toxic antifreeze in potable water systems — never automotive antifreeze.
Why bypass the water heater when winterizing?
Putting the water heater in bypass keeps it from filling with antifreeze. Drain it with the heater off and cool, and leave it drained and switched off.
How do I know antifreeze reached every line?
Open each faucet, hot then cold, from nearest to farthest until pink antifreeze flows, including the shower, outdoor shower and toilet. Then pour a cup into each drain trap.
Related guides
Outboard Motor Winterization
Protect a 2- or 4-stroke outboard over the off-season: fuel, flushing, fogging, gear oil, and storage.
Beginner–Intermediate · 1–2 hrsguideRV Water Heater Not Lighting (Propane)
Safe, owner-level checks for a propane RV water heater that won't fire — and where DIY should stop.
Beginner · 20–45 minReferences
- RV Industry Association — RVIA
Written by the WrenchReady team from general public knowledge. Specifications vary — your owner's/service manual is the authority.