Is there any need for me to drain down, as recommended during the winter, if I am still using her every weekend and running the engine and heater for 15 minutes twice a week? Thankls
Yes you still do need to drain down because the days the vehicle is not being used the water can still freeze if the temperature plummets below freezing. The ice will expand and the colder it gets the greater the expansion will be and it's this ice expansion that can cause pipes to split along with water pump damage and any other components constantly immersed in freezing water.
We did not drain down one winter, and had to replace the water heater as a result. Expensive.
You must also drain your hot water tank - ours is done by opening a big screw and also an air valve at the water heater cover outside the van. And turn off your electric water heater, in case you plug in to top up the leisure battery with no water left to heat up.
& when you've done all that you will still have water in your system, but as advised by the above leave your taps open so if you do get some minor freezing at least the ice has somewhere to go.
I've had two freeze ups, bathroom inlet pipes blew off as i forgot to leave the taps open.
The second time the water filter next the trauma heater froze in the plastic bowl and exploded, this filter does not drain down in any Motorhome so do be aware of this, quite a few of us on here suffered the same problem but it's a cheap repair less than £10 easy DIY
Its also worth having a drive round up and down a few hills after draining down. This should clear every drop from the system, that will have some kinks and low spots somewhere.
I was once positive id got every dreg out of my system, till i then took the van for an MOT and watched another half a gallon drain out at the garage.
Has anyone used, or know of anyone who has used, the 'blow though' pumps to get the last of the dregs of H20 out of the pipework, that hangs lower in some places than others. These lower parts of pipework are a nuisance for holding a little water. They are air pumps, probably compressed , so one would have to be very carefull regarding pressure. I saw one advertised a couple of winters ago...thats all. Dont know if they are any good,expensive, or anything at all about them? Sounds like a good idea, and it would maybe ensure water free pipework that may turn into a very expensive repair, or replumb. Anyone with any knowledge of them at all?
They work well but it is easy to make your own for a few pence using materials you probably have laying about. Wizard described one he made and posted it on here. A quick search will probably find the post.
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We use our van during winter and just make sure that the heating is left on low to keep everything from getting too cold. Our van is fully winterised down to -20 but there are vans that have exterior piping and these vans could not be left undrained without modifications.
I blow through my pipes with my built in air pump....my mouth.Unship one of the water pipes (my bathroom sprayhead) and have a good puff. It is amazing the amount of water you can shift. One of the good old boys at Oaktree told that a very long time ago. Never had any problems.
Always leave doors and cupboards open and cushions up to let air circulate.
De-humidifiers from Aldi also work wonders. The pellet variaty, not powered.
Saves so much time in the spring when you want to get going.
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Topic: Draining down
