How to install and use RV winterizing kit？
The first autumn I owned my RV, a sense of dread washed over me. I live in a place where temperatures plummet below freezing, and the thought of my RV’s water pipes freezing and bursting was a constant worry. I remember watching videos about the "traditional" winterizing method: pouring gallons of sticky, pink antifreeze into the freshwater tank and running it through every faucet. The process seemed incredibly messy, and I hated the idea of that chemical taste lingering in my water lines for months.
This fear and frustration are common for RV owners. You worry that one missed step will lead to a catastrophic, expensive repair bill come spring. The alternative, using gallons of antifreeze, feels like a chore. It stains surfaces, it's a hassle to flush out completely, and honestly, I never felt comfortable with the idea of that stuff sitting in the pipes my family drinks from, even if it's rated as "non-toxic." It felt like there had to be a better, cleaner, and more professional way to do the job.
The solution is surprisingly simple and affordable: a blowout adapter winterizing kit. This small brass fitting allows you to use compressed air to completely clear every drop of water from your plumbing system. It's a faster, cleaner, and ultimately safer method that eliminates the need for antifreeze in your water lines. Once I learned how to use this tool, winterizing my RV went from a dreaded, messy chore to a quick, satisfying 20-minute task that gives me total peace of mind all winter long.
To install and use an RV winterizing kit, first, drain all water tanks and bypass the water heater. Then, screw the blowout adapter into your RV's city water inlet and attach an air compressor hose. With the compressor set to a low pressure (under 40 PSI), open the adapter's valve and then go inside to open one faucet at a time until only air blows out. Repeat this for all faucets, the toilet, and showers to clear the entire system.
What exactly is an RV winterizing kit?
When I first heard the term "winterizing kit," I pictured a complex set of tubes and valves that required a permanent, complicated installation near my water pump. The name itself sounded intimidating and made the process seem like a job for a professional RV technician, not a weekend DIY-er like me.
This confusion can lead to procrastination or making the task much harder than it needs to be. Many people stick with the messy antifreeze method simply because they think the "air blowout" method requires modifying their RV's plumbing. They imagine cutting pipes and installing T-junctions, a prospect that's understandably scary for most owners. This misunderstanding prevents them from discovering a far superior technique.
In reality, the most common and effective type of RV winterizing kit is a simple blowout adapter. It’s a small, solid brass fitting with two ends: one that screws into your city water inlet (just like your freshwater hose) and another that connects to a standard air compressor. A good kit, like the one from Boltigen, includes an integrated shut-off valve, giving you precise control over the airflow. It's not a permanent installation; it's a tool you use for a few minutes once a year.
An RV winterizing kit, often called a blowout adapter, is a tool that connects an air compressor to your RV's city water inlet. It allows you to use low-pressure air to force all the water out of your plumbing lines, preventing them from freezing and bursting during the winter.
Now that you know it's just a simple adapter, let's look at why its components are so effective.
Dive Deeper: Understanding the Tool
This small device revolutionizes the winterizing process. Let's compare the two primary methods.
The Old Way: RV Antifreeze
This involves bypassing and draining your water heater, then pumping 2-3 gallons of special pink RV antifreeze through every single water line until you see pink fluid coming out of every faucet, shower head, and toilet. It's effective but messy, time-consuming to flush in the spring, and can leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
The Modern Way: Blowout Adapter
This method uses air to do the same job. By blowing all the water out, you remove the risk of freezing without introducing any chemicals into your plumbing. It's faster to do, and there's no flushing required in the spring. Your water is fresh from the first trip.
| Feature | Blowout Adapter Method | Antifreeze Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness | No mess, no chemicals | Messy, pink fluid can stain |
| Time to Winterize | 15-25 minutes | 30-45 minutes |
| Spring Prep | None, just de-winterize | Extensive flushing of lines |
| Water Taste | Fresh immediately | Can have a chemical aftertaste |
| Recurring Cost | None (one-time tool purchase) | Annual cost for antifreeze |
How do you install the winterizing kit?
The word "install" often makes RV owners nervous. I certainly was. I thought I would have to find my water pump, cut the PEX tubing, and permanently splice in a new valve. The thought of taking a knife to my RV's plumbing and potentially creating a leak was the main reason I hesitated to try the air blowout method for a whole season.
This fear of a major "installation" is the biggest hurdle for most people. The risk of doing it wrong and causing a leak that could damage your RV's floor and walls seems high. Sticking with the messy but familiar antifreeze seems like the safer bet. It feels less invasive than performing what sounds like RV surgery.
But here’s the game-changing secret: there is no permanent installation. "Installing" the Boltigen winterizing kit is as simple as screwing in your garden hose. You simply attach the fitting to the city water inlet on the outside of your RV. It’s a temporary connection that you make for the 20 minutes it takes to winterize, and then you remove it. It's completely non-invasive and requires zero modifications to your RV.
To install the winterizing kit, you simply screw the brass fitting directly onto your RV's city water inlet port. Then, connect your air compressor's hose to the quick-connect plug on the other end of the fitting. There are no permanent modifications required.
With the adapter connected, you are ready for the main event. Here’s how to prepare and perform the simple steps.
Dive Deeper: Preparation and Connection
Proper preparation is key to a successful blowout.
Step 1: Prepare Your RV Water System
Before connecting any air, you need to prep your RV. This is a critical checklist to follow.
- Drain All Tanks: Completely drain your fresh water tank, grey water tank, and black water tank.
- Bypass Water Heater: This is crucial. You do not want to blow air into your water heater tank. Locate the three valves on the back of your water heater and turn them to the "bypass" position. Then, open the pressure relief valve and remove the anode rod/drain plug to drain the heater tank completely.
Step 2: The Physical Connection
- Attach the Adapter: Screw the Boltigen adapter onto the city water inlet. Hand-tight is sufficient.
- Connect Air Hose: Attach your air compressor hose to the quick-connect fitting on the adapter.
- Set Compressor Pressure: VERY IMPORTANT: Set the regulator on your air compressor to a low pressure, between 20 and 40 PSI. Never exceed 40 PSI, as this could damage your RV's plumbing.
| Preparation Step | Action | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drain Tanks | Open all drain valves | Removes the bulk of the water from the system. |
| 2. bypass Water Heater | Turn valves, drain heater | Protects the water heater from damage and saves time. |
| 3. Connect Kit | Screw onto city water inlet | Creates the sealed connection for the air. |
| 4. Set Pressure | Regulate compressor to <40 PSI | Prevents damage to fragile PEX pipes and fittings. |
What is the step-by-step process for using the kit?
My first time using an air compressor on my RV, I was nervous. I had the adapter connected and the compressor running, but I hesitated. What if I used too much pressure? What if I missed a faucet? I had this vision of a pipe exploding behind a wall where I couldn't see it.
This fear of doing damage is the final mental block. Using compressed air feels powerful, and it's easy to imagine it going wrong if you don't have a clear, step-by-step plan. You might rush the process or use too much pressure, which are the only two ways this simple job can turn into a mistake. A methodical approach is essential for ensuring every line is cleared safely and completely.
The process is safe and foolproof when you follow a simple sequence. With the air compressor set below 40 PSI and connected, you open the shut-off valve on the Boltigen adapter to let air into the system. Then, you simply walk through your RV and open one faucet at a time, starting with the one furthest away. You let the air run until the water stops sputtering and only air comes out, then you close it and move to the next one. This systematic approach ensures every inch of your plumbing is protected.
To use the kit, set your air compressor to under 40 PSI. Open the valve on the adapter, then go inside and open the hot and cold lines of the farthest faucet. Once it blows only air, close it and move to the next faucet, shower, and toilet, repeating the process until every line is clear.
Here is a helpful video that walks you through the general process of winterizing your RV plumbing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3-Jj6E7u-U
Let's break down that sequence into a detailed checklist.
Dive Deeper: The Blowout Checklist
Follow these steps in order for a perfect winterization.
The Interior Walkthrough
- Start Furthest Away: Begin at the faucet furthest from the city water inlet (usually the bathroom or kitchen sink).
- Open Faucets: Open the hot water valve first. Let the air push the water out until it sputters and then blows only air. This may take 30-60 seconds. Close it. Now open the cold water valve and do the same.
- Move Systematically: Move to the next closest faucet (e.g., shower) and repeat the hot/cold process.
- Flush the Toilet: Hold the toilet flush pedal down until the water is cleared from the line and only air comes out.
- Don't Forget Outside: Remember to clear the lines for any outdoor shower or kitchen you may have.
Final Steps
- Recap: Once all lines are blown out, it can be a good idea to go back to the first faucet for a quick second blast to ensure any residual water is gone.
- Pour Antifreeze in Drains: Finally, pour a cup of RV antifreeze down each sink drain, the shower drain, and into the toilet bowl to protect the P-traps and the toilet seal.
Get Your RV Ready For Winter the Easy Way
Winterizing your RV doesn't have to be a messy, stressful chore. With the Boltigen Blowout Adapter Winterizing Kit, you can protect your investment quickly, cleanly, and with complete confidence.
- Shop on our Official Website: https://www.boltigen.com/products/rv-winterizing-kit-water-line-blowout-adapter-fitting-with-shut-off-valve-1
- Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Boltigen-Upgraded-Winterizing-Compressor-Sprinkler/dp/B0DDKK3W9Y/
Conclusion
Learning how to properly install and use an RV winterizing blowout adapter is one of the most empowering DIY skills an owner can have. By following a simple process of preparing your system, connecting the adapter, and systematically blowing out each line with low-pressure air, you can eliminate the mess and uncertainty of using antifreeze. This method is faster, cleaner, and gives you absolute certainty that your RV’s plumbing is safe, ensuring you're ready to hit the road the moment spring arrives.