Most motorhomes are not built to withstand freezing temperatures. If a cold front approaches, preventive measures must be taken to prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing. The least expensive and common sense precaution is to fill the tank with fresh water in advance, before disconnecting it from the supply source. Campers who decide to face the cold for long periods must obtain insulation materials for the pipes, available at hardware and specialty stores.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Disconnect the Water Hose
Step 1. Fill the fresh water tank
This way you are sure to have a supply of water after you have disconnected the hose.
Step 2. Disconnect the motorhome water hose
Disconnect it from both the supply tap and the vehicle valve and store it in a frost-free place.
Step 3. Place a warmer on the vehicle's water pump
Power this device by connecting it to the campsite's electricity supply.
If electricity is not available, place several cloths on the pump to insulate it from the cold
Step 4. Cover the water tanks with fabric
Step 5. Put a small lamp in the compartment where the water supplies are located
Place it between the tanks and the pump to protect the system from freezing.
Step 6. Empty the black and gray water tanks
By doing this, you make sure you have plenty of room for waste that accumulates overnight; don't forget to rinse the drain pipes to prevent solid dirt from freezing inside.
Step 7. Close the exhaust manifold valves
This foresight allows you to store water in the tanks.
Step 8. You can use the fresh water supply for ordinary household purposes
Store water to avoid flooding the tanks.
Method 2 of 3: Insulate the Pipe
Step 1. Purchase a heating tape
It is equipped with a thermostat and a resistance that heats up; it is connected to the electrical outlet and when it is in action it increases the temperature of the tube to allow the water to continue flowing.
Step 2. You can purchase one from hardware stores or RV and camping stores
Step 3. Wrap the tape around the tube forming a spiral
Step 4. Let the heating element hang down from the end of the duct
Step 5. Cover the heating tape with foam rubber insulation tubes
It is a special material, specially designed to protect water pipes and you can buy it in the same shop where you bought the tape.
Step 6. Check that the length of the insulation is the same as that of the pipe
You have to protect the entire water supply hose.
Step 7. Wrap the insulation around the duct
Step 8. Secure everything with duct tape
In this way the insulating material remains stationary around the piping and the heating tape.
Method 3 of 3: Open the Water Tap
Step 1. Empty the black and gray water tanks
This simple precaution prevents waste from freezing in containers. It then uses the drain hose to rinse the tanks and pipes, also preventing liquid and solid residues from freezing in the system.
Step 2. Leave the gray water valve open, but close the black water valve
In this way the waste produced during the night flows into the sewer system instead of accumulating in the tanks; closing the black water valve limits bad odors.
Step 3. Open the sink and kitchen faucets
Let a light trickle of water flow, so that its continuous movement in the pipes prevents it from freezing; But be careful not to waste it and wait to put this trick into practice until you go to bed.
