Freezing Water Lines

[iMaki]

So, my 2018 Flagstaff Microlite travel trailer has a cold weather package which should protect water in tanks and plumbing from freezing in mid-teens temperatures, BUT what about the outdoor kitchen? There’s a water line to an outdoor sink that has no inline shutoff to protect this unheated area. Why would manufacturers do this? It’s either fully protected for cold weather or not, right? Only thing I can think of is to put a small electric heater inside outdoor kitchen to keep it above freezing. Any other ideas? Thx in advance.

[MSHappyCampers]

I would put one of these 200 watt heaters in the outdoor kitchen.


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lasko-100...eater/16503222

[nothermark]

The same problem exists with outside showers. I put made a foam panel that fits between the faucet knobs and cover to trap heat from inside.

[FatChance]

Yes, you need a heat source to protect any water lines. Insulation only holds in existing heat, it does not create it.

[Ray,IN]

The most effective, long-term solution is to install a manual shut-off valve in both water lines to the outside kitchen, inside the trailer where it will not freeze. This means you must drain and winterize the outside kitchen, then close the valves.
Of course if you use that kitchen during winter, my solution is not a solution.

[ernest917]

The forecast here (Sommerville, TX) is for freezing temps the next 2-3 nites so I've unhooked my water hose, drained and stored it; turned on my tank heaters; and placed a small ceramic heater in my water manifold compartment..... I think I'm good to go now.....

[dexters]

Originally Posted by iMaki

So, my 2018 Flagstaff Microlite travel trailer has a cold weather package which should protect water in tanks and plumbing from freezing in mid-teens temperatures, BUT what about the outdoor kitchen? There’s a water line to an outdoor sink that has no inline shutoff to protect this unheated area. Why would manufacturers do this? It’s either fully protected for cold weather or not, right? Only thing I can think of is to put a small electric heater inside outdoor kitchen to keep it above freezing. Any other ideas? Thx in advance.

Use an air compressor to blow out the water.

Open water drain valves.

Drain water from hot water heater.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by ernest917

The forecast here (Sommerville, TX) is for freezing temps the next 2-3 nites so I've unhooked my water hose, drained and stored it; turned on my tank heaters; and placed a small ceramic heater in my water manifold compartment..... I think I'm good to go now.....

When nighttime lows stay above 27° and daytime highs are in 50 or above, your lines or tanks will not freeze. Since you are heating the interior, lows could even be less. Keep in mind lows only last a few hours of the early morning.

[charliez]

Just remove all the water form the lines and faucets. Plastic lines and faucet is all that will be left and those don't care about cold temps.


Drain it and blow it out with air. Not 150 psi, but small enough to get the job done.

[Podivin]

Originally Posted by FatChance

Yes, you need a heat source to protect any water lines. Insulation only holds in existing heat, it does not create it.

I think this answer should be highlighted.

If the temps stay in the mid teens and/or below freezing for days at a time, the lines WILL freeze regardless of the 'winter package' in the RV.
Insulation slows heat transfer, which is not really the same as keeping something warm. Basically it buys you a few hours before things start to freeze.

You need to be prepared with a heat source in the RV for the long cold stretches, or as suggested above, do a proper winterization on the water lines and tanks.

[grindstone01]

We full time and don't worry about water lines freezing until we reach the low 20's (22F this morning). I installed a garage type light fixture above the water pump and fresh water tank with a 25' cord attached. On cold nights, I can pull out the cord and plug it into a near by pedestal for heat. We don't use the inefficient camper furnace, so the storage compartments aren't heated.