Draining down your Caravan ready for the Winter

Draining down is the best form of defense against frost damage, but it's important to make sure the system is fully emptied, just a small amount of water trapped in a tap head can cause costly damage. All your caravan accessories are worth looking after.

Drain down procedure:

Start by opening all caravan taps (for mixer taps ensure the lever is with the central position to allow both cold and hot water to drain).

Open all drain valves and remove any drainage plugs (keep the plugs in a safe place), keeping in mind the external plug for older water heaters.

The shower head is best removed and shaken free of water.

For those who have an interior caravan water tank, there should be some means of drainage and/or removal. Remove any caravan filters and save them so that you can reuse them when you sterilize the system in spring (some sterilization treatment damages the filter). For those who have an on-board pump, run it for a couple moments to clear it water, most good caravan pumps may be run dry for a couple of minutes without any problem - check your handbook for details. Your external submersible pump can be shaken free from water.

Don’t forget your Aquaroll or other portable water container, drain it and permit it to dry thoroughly to prevent mould growth.
Finally, one of the most effective methods for achieving full drain down would be to empty the system, on your last stay away before leaving open any drainage points before towing home. A final journey permits the last drops water to exit the system. Be aware, however, that it's illegal to release water on the highway.

On more recent water heating systems, there’s a simple draincock; move mixer taps to the centre position and then leave open; if the ‘van comes with an internal freshwater tank, don’t forget to empty it fully; leave waste outlets open but use stocking-type covers to prevent insects getting in; removing any water filter is a good idea. They can usually be re-used the following season.

If you are in any doubt about what to do you should consult your user manual or speak to your friendly park manager or send an email to 'Technical Tom' at Leisureshopdirect.com.