1
Drain & Prepare
Drain accessible freshwater-system components and prepare the plumbing system for winter storage.
Seasonal RV Plumbing Protection
RV Winterization & De-Winterization
Protect your RV plumbing system before freezing weather, then return it to service correctly when camping season begins. MilTech RV provides mobile winterization and de-winterization with attention to the systems that are easy to overlook.
✓ Mobile Service✓ Plumbing Protection✓ Seasonal Startup✓ Owner Education
RV Winterization
Prepare the Plumbing System Before Freezing Weather
Winterization is designed to reduce the risk of freeze damage by removing water from vulnerable plumbing and protecting the system with RV-safe antifreeze where appropriate.
2
Bypass Where Required
Set water-heater bypass valves and other applicable system valves so winterizing fluid goes where it is intended.
3
Protect Plumbing Lines
Introduce RV-safe antifreeze through the plumbing system so vulnerable lines, faucets and fixtures are protected.
4
Fixtures & Drains
Protect faucets, showers, toilet supply lines, traps and other accessible plumbing fixtures.
5
Outside Fixtures
Include exterior showers, spray ports and other easy-to-miss water fixtures when present and accessible.
6
Final Review
Confirm winterization steps are complete and identify any visible plumbing concerns discovered during service.
RV De-Winterization
Return the RV to Service for the Camping Season
De-winterization is more than flushing out the pink antifreeze. It is an opportunity to restore normal valve positions, refill the system and check for obvious leaks or startup concerns.
Flush the Plumbing System
Flush RV antifreeze from the freshwater lines and fixtures.
Restore Valve Positions
Return water-heater bypass and applicable plumbing valves to normal operating positions.
Restore Water Heater Operation
Prepare the water heater for normal use after bypass conditions are corrected and the tank/system is properly filled.
Check Fixtures
Operate faucets, shower, toilet and accessible water fixtures while watching for abnormal flow or leakage.
Check the Water Pump
Verify pump operation and watch for unexpected cycling that may indicate a leak or pressure issue.
Look for Freeze Damage
Watch accessible fittings, valves and lines for leaks that may appear only after the system is pressurized again.
What Winterizing Protects
Focus on the Water-Bearing Components Most Vulnerable to Freezing
Freshwater Lines
Hot and cold plumbing lines, fittings and accessible branches throughout the RV.
Faucets & Showers
Kitchen faucet, bathroom faucet, shower fixtures and outside shower when present.
Toilet & Valves
Water supply to the toilet and other accessible plumbing valves or fixtures.
Water Pump
The pump and nearby plumbing can retain water and should be included in proper winterization.
Traps & Drains
Sink and shower traps need protection because water remains in these low points.
Specialty Water Connections
Ice-maker lines, washer connections, filtration systems and similar items may require additional steps depending on the RV.
Important Limits
Winterization Does Not Protect Everything on the RV
Winterizing the plumbing system is important, but it is not the same as complete seasonal storage preparation.
Winterization Does Not Automatically Cover
- Battery storage and charging strategy
- Roof and sealant condition
- Tire pressure or tire aging
- Rodent prevention
- Fuel-system or generator storage needs
- Interior humidity and moisture control
Some RVs Need Extra Steps
- Ice makers
- Dishwashers
- Washer/dryer systems
- Hydronic heating systems
- Residential refrigerator water lines
- Water filtration or specialty plumbing
Every RV Plumbing Layout Is Different.
Year, make, model, appliance package and aftermarket modifications can change the winterization procedure. Tell us about specialty plumbing or appliances before the appointment.
Common Winterization Mistakes
Small Oversights Can Lead to Expensive Freeze Damage
Forgetting an Outside Shower
Exterior fixtures are easy to overlook and can still hold water.
Wrong Water-Heater Valve Position
Incorrect bypass settings can waste antifreeze or leave parts of the plumbing unprotected.
Missing a Specialty Appliance
Ice makers, washers, dishwashers and other water-fed equipment may require additional steps.
Assuming Draining Is Enough
Low spots, fittings, valves and traps can retain water even after the system appears empty.
Turning On the Water Heater Empty
After de-winterizing, the water heater should not be energized until it is properly configured and filled.
Ignoring a Leak at Spring Startup
A fitting damaged by freezing may not show itself until the plumbing system is pressurized again.
When to Schedule
Plan Before the First Hard Freeze — Not After It
Winterization should be completed before the RV is exposed to freezing conditions. De-winterization should be scheduled when you are ready to return the RV to normal use and freezing risk has passed for your situation.
Fall
Schedule winterization before temperatures create a freeze risk for the RV plumbing system.
Winter Travel
If you are moving between climates, consider where and when the RV will encounter freezing temperatures during travel or storage.
Spring
Schedule de-winterization before your first trip so there is time to address leaks or startup issues discovered during service.
Pricing
Select your RV type to see the starting price for professional mobile RV Winterization & De-Winterization service.
Your Starting Winterization Price
Please Note
Pricing is based on a standard RV plumbing system. Systems or appliances requiring additional winterization procedures are charged separately.
- Ice maker: +$30
- Residential refrigerator water line: +$30
- Dishwasher: +$40
- Washer: +$40
- Washer/Dryer Combo: +$50
- Tankless Water Heater requiring special procedure: +$30–$50
- Aqua-Hot / Hydro-Hot: Included in the $375+ hydronic winterization package
- Additional RV antifreeze: $10 per gallon beyond the included amount
- Difficult access, damaged bypass valves, plumbing repairs, or additional diagnostic work: $150/hour
Before the Appointment
Help Us Prepare for Your RV
Send RV Information
Provide year, make, model and RV type so we can anticipate the plumbing layout.
Tell Us About Specialty Plumbing
Let us know about ice makers, washers, dishwashers, filters, hydronic systems or aftermarket plumbing.
Provide Access
Make sure we can access the water heater, water pump, fixtures and other plumbing areas needed for the service.
Winterization FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I winterize my RV?
Winterize before the RV is exposed to freezing conditions. Waiting until after a hard freeze can allow water trapped in lines, valves and fittings to expand and cause damage.
Is draining the freshwater system enough?
Not always. Low spots, traps, valves, fixtures and specialty water lines can retain water after draining. Proper winterization addresses these vulnerable areas.
Do you use RV antifreeze?
RV-safe plumbing antifreeze is used where appropriate as part of the winterization process. The exact procedure depends on the RV's plumbing design and equipment.
Does the water heater get filled with antifreeze?
Normally the water heater is bypassed as part of the winterization process rather than filled with RV antifreeze. Valve positions and system design must be handled correctly.
Do ice makers, washers and dishwashers need extra winterization steps?
They can. Specialty appliances and water-fed equipment may require additional procedures. Tell us what equipment your RV has before the appointment.
What is included in de-winterization?
Typical de-winterization includes flushing RV antifreeze from the plumbing, restoring applicable valve positions, returning the water system to normal configuration and checking accessible fixtures and plumbing for obvious leaks or operating concerns.
Can you check for leaks when de-winterizing?
Yes. We watch accessible plumbing while the system is returned to service. If a leak or other problem requires additional diagnosis or repair, we will discuss the next step before additional work begins.
Can I turn on my water heater immediately after de-winterizing?
The water heater should not be energized until it has been returned to the correct operating configuration and is properly filled where applicable.
Does winterization cover batteries, roof maintenance and tire storage?
No. Plumbing winterization is only one part of seasonal RV storage. Batteries, roof/sealants, tires, moisture control and other storage concerns are separate maintenance items.
What should I send before scheduling?
Send the RV year, make, model, location and any information about specialty plumbing or appliances such as a washer, dishwasher, ice maker, filtration system or hydronic heating system.
Seasonal RV Service
Protect It Before Winter. Check It Before Spring Travel.
Tell us your RV year, make, model, location and any specialty plumbing equipment. We’ll help determine the correct seasonal service for your RV.