How To Keep Water Lines From Freezing In Camper

How to Prevent Water Lines from Freezing in Your Camper

Winter camping can be a thrilling and unique experience, but the cold temperatures can also pose a challenge for your camper`s water lines. If left unprotected, your water lines can easily freeze and burst, causing costly damage. Not to mention, it can leave you without access to water during your camping trip.

To prevent this from happening, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your water lines from freezing.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

The first and most important step is to insulate your pipes. You can purchase foam pipe insulation at your local hardware store, which is a cost-effective and easy solution. Simply wrap the insulation around your water lines and secure it with tape.

Additionally, you can also invest in heat tape specifically designed for RVs. This tape uses a low voltage electrical source to heat the pipes and prevent freezing. You can wrap this tape around your pipes and plug it into an outlet to keep your water lines from freezing.

2. Keep Your Camper Warm

Keeping your camper warm is another crucial step in preventing your water lines from freezing. You should never leave your camper unattended without the heat on when temperatures are below freezing. Make sure to set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain a warm temperature inside your camper.

If you plan on leaving your camper for an extended period, you can also leave the hot water faucet open slightly to allow a constant flow of water, which can prevent freezing. Keep in mind that this may not work in extremely cold temperatures, so it`s best to follow the other steps as well.

3. Use an RV Skirt

An RV skirt is a large piece of fabric that surrounds the bottom of your camper, creating an insulated barrier between the cold air and your water lines. This can be especially helpful for campers with exposed water lines underneath the vehicle.

You can purchase a pre-made RV skirt or make your own using a heavy-duty tarp or thick blankets. Secure the skirt with clamps or weights to keep it in place. Make sure to also leave a small gap for air flow to prevent moisture from building up underneath the skirt.

4. Disconnect and Drain Your Water Lines

If you plan on being away from your camper for an extended period or during extreme cold temperatures, it`s best to disconnect and drain your water lines. This will ensure that there is no water left inside the lines to freeze and cause damage.

Shut off the main water supply to your camper and open all faucets to release any remaining water. This includes the outdoor shower, if you have one. You can also use compressed air to blow out any remaining water in your lines.

5. Use RV Antifreeze

If you prefer to leave your water lines connected, you can add RV antifreeze to your water system to prevent freezing. Make sure to use antifreeze specifically designed for RVs, as regular antifreeze can be harmful if consumed.

Begin by draining your fresh water tank and water lines. Then, pour the antifreeze into your fresh water tank and turn on your water pump. Run each faucet until the pink antifreeze comes out, indicating that the antifreeze has filled the water lines.

6. Install a Heat Pad

If you have a camper with freshwater tanks, a heat pad can help keep the tank from freezing. These pads are specially designed to warm the tank and prevent the water inside from freezing. They can be installed directly on the bottom of the tank and plugged into an electrical outlet.

Make sure to monitor the temperature of your tank and adjust the heat pad accordingly to prevent overheating.

In Conclusion

With the proper precautions, you can safely enjoy winter camping without worrying about your water lines freezing. Insulating your pipes, keeping your camper warm, using an RV skirt, disconnecting and draining your water lines, using antifreeze, and installing a heat pad are all effective methods to prevent your water lines from freezing. Make sure to also regularly check your pipes for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks, to address them before they become bigger problems.