WINTERIZING A WATER SYSTEM (NO WATER HEATER)
This post covers how to best prepare your water system for cold temperatures if you do not have a hot water heater. If your van has a water system with a Webasto water heater, please watch this video.

If you have any questions about the procedures covered in this video, please reach out to our service and warranty department at [email protected].

To learn more about taking care of your van, check out our How-To video series here.

*Outside Van is not responsible for damage resulting from improper winterization. This serves only as a guide to basic procedures.

The main consideration in winterizing your water system is to prevent freezing damage to the fresh water lines, drain lines, holding tanks, shower, sink mixers, and the water pump.

 

To winterize your water tank, take the following steps:

Step 1: Make sure your water pump is off and open all the water faucets

Step 2:  Open the drain valve for the water tank, which is usually located on the driver or passenger side wheel boxes. Make sure you park the van on level ground. If a level surface is not avail­able, park the van facing slightly uphill until water draining ceases and then point the van downhill to drain the remaining water.

Step 3:  After the water has stopped running open your exterior shower mixer valve and sink faucet.

Step 4: Apply at least 30 psi of air pressure at the blow off valve. This can be accomplished at a service station if no air compressor is available. Be sure all drain valves and faucets are open. Once all water flow stops, you can stop using compressor.

Step 5: Remove and store the exterior shower hoses.

Step 6: Turn the water pump on briefly to pump out any remaining water. There should be very little water if the tank is drained.

Step 7: Remove the water pump filter and drain it.

You’re all done! Remember to remove any items (food, cosmetics, etc.) from the vehicle that may be damaged by freezing, or may damage the van if a container breaks.

 

To restore service to your water system, take the following steps:

Step 1: Close the drain valves, water faucets, and fresh water tank drain.

Step 2: Add water to the fresh water tank.

Step 3: Turn on the water pump.

Step 4: Open and close faucet valves one at a time until water runs out of all faucets

Step 5. Turn off water pump. At this point all your water system is operational. If done improperly, check your shower, sink mixer and water pump first as they will be the first to fail.

 

If you have any questions about the procedures covered in this video, please reach out to our service and warranty department at [email protected].