North Texas winters are mild compared to the northern states, but temperatures do drop below freezing — sometimes significantly. A single hard freeze can burst water lines, crack the water pump, and damage the water heater if your RV isn't properly winterized. Here's how to do it right.

When to Winterize

In North Texas, winterize when overnight temperatures are consistently forecast to drop below 32°F. Don't wait for a hard freeze warning — by then it may be too late.

If you use your RV year-round, you can de-winterize for a trip and re-winterize afterward, but it's more work than simply protecting the system for the season.

Method 1: Compressed Air Blow-Out

This method uses compressed air to push water out of all the lines. It's effective and leaves no antifreeze taste in the system.

What you need: An air compressor capable of 30–50 PSI, and an RV blow-out plug (a fitting that connects your compressor to the city water inlet).

Steps:

1. Turn off the water heater and let it cool completely
2. Drain the water heater by removing the drain plug or anode rod
3. Drain the fresh water tank
4. Close the water heater bypass valves (if equipped) to isolate the water heater
5. Connect the blow-out plug to the city water inlet
6. Open one faucet at a time (hot and cold separately) and blow air through until no water sprays out — start with the farthest fixtures and work toward the inlet
7. Flush the toilet until no water comes out
8. Blow out the outside shower (if equipped)
9. Pour a small amount of RV antifreeze into each drain trap to protect the P-traps

Important: Don't exceed 50 PSI — higher pressure can damage fittings and valves.

Method 2: RV Antifreeze

This method pumps pink RV antifreeze through all the lines. It's more thorough than compressed air for complex plumbing systems.

What you need: 2–3 gallons of pink RV antifreeze (non-toxic, propylene glycol-based — NOT automotive antifreeze), and a hand pump or winterization kit.

Steps:

1. Turn off and drain the water heater
2. Drain the fresh water tank
3. Bypass the water heater using the bypass valves
4. Connect the antifreeze pump to the fresh water intake
5. Open each faucet (hot and cold) until pink antifreeze flows out — start farthest from the pump
6. Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears
7. Pour antifreeze directly into each drain to protect the P-traps
8. Pour a cup of antifreeze into the toilet bowl

Note: Never use automotive antifreeze in your RV plumbing — it's toxic. Use only pink RV-specific antifreeze.

Don't Forget These Often-Missed Items

• Ice maker: Disconnect the water supply and blow out the line
• Washing machine: Run the drain cycle, then blow out the water supply lines
• Outside shower: Blow out or fill with antifreeze
• Water filter housing: Remove the filter and drain the housing
• Icemaker water line in the refrigerator: Disconnect and blow out

Battery Care During Storage

Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and accelerate self-discharge. Before storage:

• Fully charge all batteries
• Connect to a battery maintainer (trickle charger) to prevent discharge
• Or disconnect the batteries and store in a climate-controlled space

A battery that freezes while discharged is permanently damaged.

Mobile Winterization Service in North Texas

Done Right RV Repair offers mobile winterization service throughout North Texas. Our RVTI Master Certified technician will properly winterize your entire system — water lines, water heater, tanks, and more — at your location.

Call us or request service online before the first freeze.