Are you looking for RV winterization services in Myrtle Beach? Keep reading to learn why Cozy Turtle RV should be your top choice.
Why RV Winterizing Matters For Myrtle Beach Campers
Hello! I’m the owner of Cozy Turtle RV Rentals, and I love everything about the RV lifestyle. While many people think of Myrtle Beach as a year-round warm destination, those of us who live here know that winter can bring cold snaps and freezing temperatures, especially at night. For an RV, that’s a serious threat.
When water freezes, it expands. If water is left in your RV’s water lines, water heater tank, or holding tanks, that expansion can cause disastrous damage. You could be looking at cracked fittings, burst pipes, and a ruined plumbing system. Water damage can even spread to your RV’s exterior, leading to costly repairs that ruin your budget for the next camping season.
This post will serve as a simple step-by-step guide to give you an overview of the process. More importantly, I want you to know that I now offer professional RV winterization services. You can save money, avoid stress, and let us handle the hard work for you.
If you want us to handle it for you, you can request winterization through our online form before you store or park your RV for the season.
Who Needs RV Winterizing In Myrtle Beach
Winterizing isn’t just for RVs in snowy climates. If you own an RV in the Myrtle Beach area, this service is for you.
- Local RV Owners: If you keep your travel trailer or motorhome here during the winter months, protecting it from unexpected freezes is crucial.
- Snowbirds & Extended Stay Campers: Are you leaving your RV unattended for a few weeks or months? Don’t risk coming back to a damaged unit. A quick winterization provides peace of mind.
- First-Time RV Owners: If you’re nervous about the process and worried you might miss a drain plug or a low point drain, we’ve got your back.
Even when the RV bug has you dreaming about your next camping trip, you have to protect your investment first. This applies whether you have a traditional tanked water heater system or a modern on-demand system—both need proper attention to avoid damage.
RV Winterizing Step by Step Guide (High Level Overview)
This is a simple overview of how most RVs are winterized. It’s a multi-step process that requires attention to detail. Cozy Turtle offers this service so you do not have to worry about missing a critical step and facing expensive consequences.
Here is the big-picture order of operations:
- Drain the fresh water tank, gray water tank, and black water tank completely at an approved dump station.
- Open all low point drains and remove drain plugs to clear any remaining water from the lines.
- Bypass the water heater. Using a water heater bypass kit prevents you from filling the hot water tank with gallons of unnecessary RV antifreeze.
- Carefully use compressed air to push any trapped water out of all water lines, including outdoor showers and exterior faucets.
- Introduce non-toxic RV antifreeze into the plumbing system, P-traps, and holding tanks to protect them.
When you schedule your winterization with me, I follow a consistent, detailed checklist to ensure nothing gets missed.
Protecting Your Water System With RV Antifreeze
Using the right kind of antifreeze is non-negotiable. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and should never, ever be used in your RV’s plumbing system. We only use non-toxic, liquid RV antifreeze specifically designed for potable water systems.
We run RV antifreeze through the system in a couple of ways:
- We use the RV’s onboard water pump or a dedicated siphoning kit to draw antifreeze from its container directly into the water lines.
- We then pour antifreeze into each sink drain, shower drain, and down the toilet. This protects the P-traps and termination valves from freezing.
- Finally, we add a small amount to the black and gray water tanks to protect the seals and help prevent costly damage from any residual water freezing.
Knowing the exact amount of RV antifreeze to use is important. We calculate it based on your RV’s size and the complexity of its plumbing system to ensure complete protection without waste.
Gray Water Tanks, Black Water Tank, and Holding Tanks Care
Your gray water tanks hold wastewater from sinks and showers, while the black water tank holds waste from the toilet. These must be completely emptied at a dump station before the winterization process begins.
We take care of this properly by:
- Using a quality drain hose to ensure a clean and sanitary process.
- Making sure the termination valves are fully closed after draining to prevent any leaks.
- Adding antifreeze to the holding tanks, which helps extend the life of the rubber seals and prevents any remaining droplets from freezing and causing cracks.
During this process, we also keep an eye out for any leaks or slow-draining issues. If we spot something concerning, we’ll let you know so you can schedule a visit with RV repair shops or a service center.
Low Point Drains, Drain Plugs, and Anode Rods
Properly draining every last drop of water is the goal. That’s where low point drains and the water heater anode rod come into play.
Clearing Low Point Drains For Winter
Low point drains are, as the name suggests, the lowest points in your RV’s plumbing system where water can collect. We open these drain plugs to let gravity do its work. To be extra thorough, we may use compressed air to push any stubborn water out. We check all the hidden places where water can sit, like the wet bay, rear storage compartments, and under kitchen cabinet areas. Sometimes these drain plugs are in tight spots, so we use tools like a cordless power drill attachment or socket wrench to access them easily.
Water Heater Maintenance and Anode Rod Care
The water heater requires special attention. We start by turning off the water heater’s heating element. Then, we open the pressure relief valve to release pressure before removing the drain plug to drain the hot water tank completely.
We also inspect and remove the anode rod. This rod is designed to corrode over time to protect the tank itself from rust. We’ll check its condition and recommend a replacement if it’s worn down. Many RV owners prefer to have a professional handle the water heater tank due to the risks of high water pressure and hot water if it’s not done correctly.
Using Compressed Air Safely On Your Plumbing System
We use compressed air as part of our process to ensure all water is blown out of the lines before adding antifreeze. However, this must be done safely.
We always:
- Set the air pressure correctly at the control panel, usually much lower than standard house pressure (around 40-50 PSI), to avoid damaging your plumbing.
- Protect delicate parts like inline water filters, washing machines, ice makers, and kitchen sink sprayers, which can be damaged by high pressure.
- Blow out the water lines gently, opening one faucet at a time to methodically clear the system.
We follow the RV owner’s manual and established industry best practices to avoid costly mistakes.
Key Winterizing Spots RV Owners Often Forget
When you winterize your RV alone, it’s easy to miss a spot. This is especially true for first-time RV owners. Our checklist ensures we cover these commonly forgotten areas:
- Outdoor shower and exterior faucets.
- The convenience center or wet bay hookups.
- P-traps under the kitchen cabinet and bathroom vanity sinks.
- Water lines that run along cold exterior walls inside cupboard doors.
- Special appliances like washing machines, ice makers, and dishwashers in larger rigs.
Missing just one of these can lead to a burst pipe and significant damage. Our thoroughness helps you avoid costly repairs when the next camping season rolls around.
Travel Trailer and Motorhome Friendly Services
Our professional winterization services are available for all types of RVs. We work on:
- Travel trailers
- Fifth wheels
- Class A, B, and C motorhomes
- Seasonal and stationary units
The process is slightly different depending on the RV’s layout, the location of the gray water tank, and access to low point drains and service panels. We bring our own tools and equipment, including an air compressor, cleaning wand, and all necessary supplies. When we’re done, we leave your site clean by rinsing the surrounding ground to remove any dirt or residue.
Professional RV Winterizing vs DIY: How We Help You Save Money
Doing it yourself might seem cheaper at first, but the costs can add up. DIY requires you to buy RV antifreeze, an air compressor, a water heater bypass kit, a siphoning kit, and other tools.
More importantly, a single mistake can lead to frozen water in pipes, broken fittings, or damage that far exceeds the base cost of a professional service. We help you save money by doing it right the first time. We:
- Double-check each step and ensure antifreeze runs through every line.
- Check control panel indicators and convenience center valves.
- Confirm that all drain plugs and low point drains are properly closed when we are finished.
Think of professional winterization as a small investment that protects your much larger investment and prevents big repair bills later.
How Our RV Winterization Service Works In Myrtle Beach
I’ve made the process as simple as possible. Here’s how it works:
- You request winterization through our online Winterization Request Form on the Cozy Turtle RV Rentals website.
- You share details about your RV, including its type, whether it has a tanked water heater, any extra appliances, or special setups.
- We schedule a time and location to meet you at your campsite, storage facility, or wherever your RV is parked.
- We complete the full winterization service while you relax, watch, or run errands.
- You get a summary of the work we performed, with notes on the water heater, anode rod, and holding tanks. If we see anything concerning that requires a specialist, we’ll recommend follow-up with a service center or RV repair shops. For issues beyond standard winterizing, we can connect you with our partners at Bish’s RV Mobile Service.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Winterizing
- How much RV antifreeze do you use in my RV? It depends on the size and layout of your RV, but typically between 2-4 gallons. We use just enough to protect the entire system, including all P-traps.
- Can I stay in my RV after winterization? No. Once we run antifreeze through the system, you cannot use the water faucets, shower, or toilet until the RV is de-winterized.
- What if the temperatures drop suddenly before my appointment? Give us a call. We can offer tips to protect your RV in the short term and will do our best to move your appointment up.
- Do you also de-winterize my RV in the spring? Yes! We can help you flush the system and get it ready for your first trip of the season.
- What if my RV has special water filters or ice makers? Let us know on the form. We follow specific procedures to bypass or remove filters and ensure appliances are protected, so your control panel stays clear of warning lights.
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Book Your Professional RV Winterizing Service With Cozy Turtle
Whether you are brand new to RV ownership or a long-time RVer, we make winterizing simple and stress-free. We know exactly where to pour antifreeze and how to protect your water lines, water heater, gray water tanks, and black water tank. We use the right tools—like compressed air, a cleaning wand, and a socket wrench—to access every part of your system.
Ready to protect your RV this winter? Book your professional RV winterization with Cozy Turtle today. Fill out our Winterization Request Form to reserve your spot before temperatures drop.
Your stress-free winter starts here. We will handle the details so you can look forward to your next camping trip.
