As winter ends, it’s time to de-winterize your RV and prepare it for camping season. If your RV was winterized properly, antifreeze was likely added to the plumbing system and the water heater may have been drained or bypassed.
Follow these simple steps to safely flush your RV water system and get your RV ready for spring travel. If you prefer a visual guide, watch our Red Seal RV Service Technician Roger walk through the process in our easy-to-follow video.
1. Fill the Freshwater Tank
Start by adding water to your RV’s freshwater tank so you can flush antifreeze from the plumbing system.
Before filling:
- Make sure the freshwater tank drain valve is closed
- Add enough water for the water pump to operate
Some RVs use a gravity fill, while others fill through the city water connection.
Roger advises, “it’s a good idea in the springtime to rinse your water tank to clean out the residue that was in there.” He explains that you can rinse your freshwater tank by filling and draining it once or twice to remove any stale water.
2. Flush the Water Pump and Plumbing Lines
Turn on the RV water pump and open a faucet in your RV.
Run the water until:
- The pink antifreeze disappears
- Water runs clear without foam
Flush one tap from the pump to ensure the pump is clear and then change to city water to flush the rest. This procedure aides in reducing water consumption.
3. Connect and Flush City Water
Next, connect your RV to a city water supply and flush the rest of the plumbing system. Run both hot and cold water at each tap until all antifreeze is cleared.
Repeat this process for all fixtures, including:
- Kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Showers
- Exterior showers
This step pushes any remaining antifreeze out of the water lines and ensures antifreeze is removed from the entire RV plumbing system.
4. Prepare the Water Heater
Before filling your RV water heater, check that the drain plug or anode rod is installed.
If your unit has an anode rod, inspect it for corrosion. Replace it if it is heavily worn, as it protects the tank from rust and damage. Order a new anode rod from our online parts store, and have it delivered straight to your home.
“An anode rod is meant to protect the tank from corrosion. Once most of the material is mostly eaten up, throw it away and replace it, otherwise your tank isn’t being protected from corrosion,” Roger explains.
Then switch the water heater bypass valves back to normal operation so water can fill the tank.
Turn on a hot water tap inside the RV and let it run until the air is fully purged and water flows smoothly.
Optional: Sanitize the Freshwater Tank
Sanitizing your RV freshwater system helps remove bacteria that may have developed during winter storage.
To sanitize your system:
- Add an RV tank sanitizer, such as Tank Fresh, to the freshwater tank
- Fill the tank with water
- Let the solution sit for at least one hour
- Drain and flush the system
- Rinse one more time
- Add drinking water freshener to your fresh water tank
This helps ensure your RV drinking water system stays clean and safe for the season.
Get Your RV Ready for Camping Season
Properly de-winterizing your RV protects your plumbing system and ensures everything is ready for your first trip of the year.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, a professional RV service technician can help prepare your RV for spring.
At Fraserway RV, our service team is always ready to help you get your RV road-ready for your next adventure.
Have questions? Reach out to our service department or visit your local dealership. Ready to try on your own? Visit one of our Adventure Stores at our locations across Canada, or simply shop online for all the supplies you will need.
FAQs
What does it mean to de-winterize an RV?
De-winterizing an RV is the process of preparing it for use after winter storage. This typically involves flushing out antifreeze from the plumbing system, reconnecting water lines, checking for leaks, and ensuring all appliances and systems are working properly.
What should you check when de-winterizing your RV?
Key checks include inspecting for leaks, testing the water pump, checking appliances (like the water heater and fridge), examining seals and tires, and ensuring batteries are fully charged and functioning.
Why is my water pressure still low after dewinterizing?
If your water pressure is still low, this may indicate that you have a leak, or that you have a clog. It is best that you bring your RV to our service team to inspect.
When is the right time to dewinterize?
We recommend performing this process 3 to 4 weeks before your first trip. Ensure that weather has risen above freezing before you do so.
How do I prevent damage to my water heater when dewinterizing?
Check that your water heater bypass valve is set back to normal, and that your tank has water before turning it on, otherwise you could damage the heating element.
About Us
Fraserway RV is proud to be Canada’s only national RV dealer group, with 13 locations stretching from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. From routine maintenance to major repairs, our knowledgeable teams specialize in everything RV including sales, service, parts, accessories, and rentals. We help you stay road‑ready and confident wherever your travels take you.
Family‑owned and proudly Canadian since 1969, Fraserway RV is built on decades of experience and a genuine love for the RV lifestyle. Our certified technicians and dedicated service teams are here to support RV owners across the country. Whether you travel in a motorhome, travel trailer, campervan, or truck camper, you can count on our Fraserway to help keep your RV in top shape—so you can continue exploring and adventuring – your way!
