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You can tackle five core RV winterizing tasks yourself: drain the holding tanks, drain and bypass the water heater, purge approved water lines, protect the pump and fixtures, and add RV antifreeze to drain traps and the toilet as directed. These jobs form the plumbing portion of some $400 winter-prep packages, though your dealer’s price and included services will vary.

Your biggest challenge is finding every place water remains. An outside shower, refrigerator water valve, or washer hookup needs its own attention, even after pink antifreeze reaches your kitchen faucet.

Before buying supplies, find the winterizing instructions for your exact RV and its water-fed appliances. You might already have a water-heater bypass and pump suction hose installed. Plan your work before freezing weather arrives, and leave time to get help with an unfamiliar valve or appliance.

1) Drain and Flush Holding Tanks With a Camco RhinoFLEX Sewer Hose

Camco RhinoFLEX 20-Ft Complete RV Sewer Hose Kit
Camco RhinoFLEX 20-Ft Complete RV Sewer Hose Kit
$69.99
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11/10/2026 05:15 pm GMT
An RV owner connects a sewer hose at an outdoor dump station.

Start by emptying your black and gray holding tanks at an approved dump station, using a compatible Camco RhinoFLEX sewer hose to contain the discharge. Check your hose, fittings, and seals before opening either tank valve.

  1. Put on disposable gloves and secure both hose connections.
  2. Empty the black tank first.
  3. Rinse the black tank using your RV’s approved procedure, keeping the discharge valve positioned as instructed.
  4. Empty the gray tank to help rinse waste through the sewer hose.
  5. Close the tank valves, drain and rinse your hose, and secure the termination cap.

Use a dedicated nonpotable hose for the black-tank flush. Stay beside the RV while flushing so you can stop the water before the tank overfills.

Inspect your termination valves for leaks and drain any removable sewer fittings before storage. Your black-tank flush inlet also needs a separate winterizing procedure because its plumbing is separate from the faucet supply lines.

After storing your sewer equipment and washing your hands, disconnect city water and drain the freshwater tank. Open the hot- and cold-water low-point drains and faucets as your manual directs. Keep your water pump off during this gravity-draining stage.

2) Drain and Bypass the Water Heater With a Compatible Camco Bypass Kit