how-to-keep-rv-water-hose-freezing

The majority of recreational vehicles today are not designed to handle freezing temperatures. That said, you really have to take extreme caution during extremely cold weather if you want to ensure that some things in your RV, like the water hose, are prevented from freezing and solidifying.

If you decide to take your RV out during a freezing condition, then you should learn a thing or two about winterizing it. It is also crucial for you to learn how to prevent the water lines installed in it from freezing. Note that such a vehicle is more vulnerable to experiencing frozen pipes than a house.

That said, you really need to be familiar with how to keep RV water hose from freezing and how to winterize water lines and pipes so you can use it during the winter with ease. Fortunately, this article is now around to guide you by providing some tips on how to prevent those freezing instances:

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Tip #1 – Disconnect the hose

keep-your-rv-water-hose-from-freezing

This tip is actually one of the most inexpensive ways for you to prevent the water hose from freezing. Here are some steps on how you should do this specific method:

Step 1

Fill the holding tank of freshwater in your RV with water. The tank should be around three-fourths full. By filling up the tank with freshwater, there is an assurance that you will have enough supply of it after you disconnect the water hose.

Make sure to stick to the requirement of filling up only around three-fourths of the tank. This is important as such will leave ample room for expansion.

Step 2

Disconnect the water hose. Once you are done with the first step, then it is actually time to do the disconnection of the water hose. What you have to do is to detach the hose from the water supply line and connection of your RV. Put it in an area, which is covered and make sure that it is away from the cold.

Step 3

Use a heating pad. What you have to do with the heating pad is to put it over the water pump of your recreational vehicle. Plug the pad into the electrical supply of your campsite.

After that, you should lay a few towels on top of the pump. Doing such will insulate it from the cold just in case there is no available electric supply. The holding tank should also be covered with towels.

Step 4

Put a small lamp in the compartment found in the holding tank. Make sure that it is set in between the water pump and tank. Doing such will provide more protection, thereby preventing a frozen water supply for your RV.

Step 5

Have the black and gray water tanks emptied. This is a vital step as it offers more than enough room specifically designed for the possible overnight waste within the compartments. After emptying the mentioned tanks, you should rinse the water hose as a means of preventing solid wastes from getting frozen inside.

Step 6

Close the sewer valves. You have to do this so you will have the chance of storing water inside the tanks. Once done, you can use the supply of freshwater for ordinary use. Make it a point to conserve water, though, so you can prevent the risk of flooding the tanks.

Tip #2 – Utilize a heat tape

keep-rv-water-hose-from-freezing

You can also make use of a heat tape if you want to prevent the water hose in your RV from freezing due to the extremely cold condition. Heat tape refers to a system, which can be used to produce heat while also maintaining the right temperature of the water pipes. With this system, you can definitely prevent your water hose from freezing.

What you have to do to make use of this technique is to prepare the heat tape then wrap it along the pipe’s length. You should leave heat tape hanging off the hose’s end. Use one section of insulation tubing to cover the heat tape. It should also be enough to cover the entire length of the water hose.

The last thing you have to do is wrapping duct tape over the insulation. Such works in securing the insulation, which surrounds the heat tape. Note that the system utilizes electricity as a means of heating the tape, which is often enough to prevent the risk of frozen pipes and water hose.

Tip #3 – Ensure that your faucet is running

how-to-keep-rv-water-hose-from-freezing

It is also possible for you to prevent water hoses in your RV from freezing by keeping the installed faucets running. Note that if the water moves constantly, then there is a lower risk for it to freeze even if it is exposed to an extremely low temperature.

If you plan to use this tip, then the first thing that you have to do is to have the black and gray holding tanks in your recreational vehicle emptied. Also, make sure to rinse the black tank. Rinsing that tank is crucial in preventing the build-up of solid waste that might also harden.

Once the tanks are emptied, keep the valve designed for the gray tank open. The black tank’s valve, however, should be closed to prevent it from spreading foul odors. With that, you have an assurance that even if there is a constant stream of water, the tank will not overflow.

After ensuring that the sink drains are already open, turn the faucets in your kitchen and bathroom on. This will promote a slow and consistent drip. Make sure, however, that you only do this technique if you are a hundred percent sure that the pipes will freeze.

Furthermore, remind yourself that you need to close the gray tank in the morning prior to starting to run water once again.

Other Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind

Aside from the tips above, you can also do some things to improve the winterizing qualities of your recreational vehicle. That way, it can easily deal with the extremely cold weather. One way to do that is to measure then saw sections of plywood. Make sure that these sections fit the surrounding areas of your vehicle.

By putting these in there, you can create a solid wall that will surround the RV’s underside. It is even possible for you to install one layer of fiberglass insulation. This will definitely help improve the ability of your RV to handle winterizing and freezing conditions.

One more thing that you have to keep in mind is to ensure that the black and gray water valves are closed. Note that if you leave the gray valve open, there is a great possibility for a dam of ice to develop behind its nozzle.

Conclusion

As someone who loves to enjoy the great outdoors by driving and riding your RV, you are fully aware that your lifestyle will also expose you to freezing conditions from time to time. Note that if you are not prepared, then your supply of water will be drastically affected, especially if the pipes and hose get frozen.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep the water hose in your RV from freezing. With the tips above, you will become a more knowledgeable RV owner who knows exactly how to handle cold and freezing temperatures.

Last update on 2023-05-06 at 08:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API