How to De-winterize Your RV Step by Step

Dewinterizing your RV can sound intimidating if you have never done it before, but once you understand the process, it is very manageable. The goal is simple: remove the RV antifreeze, flush and sanitize the water system, reconnect anything that was bypassed for winter, and make sure everything is working properly before camping season begins.

Taking your time matters. A careful spring start-up can help you catch leaks, damaged fittings, or appliance issues before they become a bigger problem at the campground.

Here is a clear step-by-step guide to help you dewinterize your RV.

Before You Start

Make sure overnight temperatures are staying above freezing, ideally for a week or more, before you begin. If a hard frost is still likely, it is better to wait a little longer.

You will likely need:

• A hose rated for drinking water

• A water pressure regulator

• Basic hand tools

• A bucket or towel for small spills

• RV water filter, if you use one

• Household bleach for sanitizing the fresh water tank

• Your RV owner’s manual, if available

Step 1: Inspect the RV First

Before running water through the system, do a quick inspection.

Check:

• The roof and exterior for any visible winter damage

• Water line access points and storage compartments

• The underside of the RV, if accessible, for loose or damaged lines

• The water heater area for anything disconnected or left open during winterizing

This is also a good time to confirm that drain plugs, caps, and low-point drains are in place before introducing water.

Step 2: Reinstall Any Removed Plugs or Filters

If you winterized your RV in the fall, you may have removed or bypassed a few items.

Before flushing the system, check for the following:

• Fresh water drain plug installed

• Low-point drains closed

• Water heater drain plug or anode rod reinstalled

• Water heater bypass valve returned to normal operating position

• Water filter reinstalled, if applicable

This step is important. If one valve is in the wrong position, the system may not pressurize properly or the water heater may not fill.

Step 3: Connect to a Safe Water Source

Hook your RV up to a clean water source using a potable water hose.

It is best to use:

• A drinking water safe hose

• A water pressure regulator

• A filter if you normally use one

Turn the water on slowly. Do not fully pressurize the system all at once.

Step 4: Flush Out the RV Antifreeze

Open the cold water side of the faucet closest to the water intake first. Let it run until the water is clear and there is no trace of pink antifreeze.

Then move through the RV one fixture at a time:

• Kitchen sink

• Bathroom sink

• Shower

• Toilet sprayer, if applicable

• Outdoor shower, if your RV has one

Repeat the process on the hot water side after the water heater has been filled. (See below)

Do not forget any exterior faucets or washing stations. Those are easy to miss.

Step 5: Fill the Water Heater

Before using hot water, make sure the water heater tank is full.

To do this:

• Confirm the bypass valve is set correctly

• Turn on the water supply

• Open a hot water faucet inside the RV

• Wait until water flows steadily without sputtering

Once that happens, the tank is filling or has filled properly.

Never turn on the water heater until you are sure it is full. Running it dry can damage the unit.

Step 6: Check for Leaks

Now that the plumbing system is pressurized, inspect all visible water lines and fittings.

Look under:

• Sinks

• Cabinets near plumbing

• Around the toilet

• The water heater compartment

• The pump area

Watch and listen for:

• Dripping fittings

• Small puddles

• A water pump that keeps cycling when no taps are open

Even a slow drip should be dealt with right away.

Step 7: Sanitize the Fresh Water System

After flushing out the antifreeze, sanitize the system before using it for drinking or cooking.

A common method is:

• Mix about 1/4 cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of fresh water tank capacity with water first

• Pour the diluted bleach mixture into the fresh water tank

• Fill the tank with fresh water

• Run each faucet until you smell bleach

• Let it sit in the system for several hours, or as recommended in your owner’s manual

• Drain the tank and refill with fresh water

• Flush all faucets until the bleach smell is gone

(If your RV manufacturer recommends a different ratio, follow their instructions.)

Step 8: Test the Water Pump

If your RV has an onboard water pump, fill the fresh water tank and switch the pump on.

Then:

• Run water through each fixture

• Confirm the pump builds pressure

• Make sure it shuts off properly

• Listen for unusual noises

This helps ensure the system works even when you are not connected to city water.

Step 9: Check the Toilet and Holding Tank Connections

Flush the toilet a few times and make sure:

• Water flows properly

• The seal is holding water in the bowl

• There are no leaks at the base or behind the fixture

Also inspect your dump valves and sewer connection points while you are there.

Step 10: Test Appliances That Use Water

Finally, check any appliances tied into the water system, such as:

• Water heater

• Ice maker

• Washing machine, if equipped

• Outdoor shower or kitchen sink

Run each one briefly and watch for leaks or poor water flow.

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Dewinterizing your RV is really a process of reconnecting, flushing, checking, and testing. It does not need to be rushed. In fact, the more methodical you are, the better your camping season usually starts.

Once the lines are flushed, the tank is sanitized, and everything is working properly, your RV water system is ready for spring. After that's done, check out our other tips on How to Prepare Your RV for the Summer Season. Then the focus can shift to the much better part of RV life: getting out there and enjoying it!