Camco RV Pump Converter Winterizing Kit (Antifreeze not included)

A water heater by-pass kit allows the plumbing system to bypass the hot water heater, reducing the amount of anti-freeze required by 6-12 gallons. Some RV’s come equipped with this by-pass system, but if your RV doesn’t have one, we recommend you install one. It’s a one-time installation.  

Other winterizing aids - Other items that are handy time and effort savers in winterizing your RV include:

• Compressed Air Adapter (Blow-out Plug)
• Antifreeze Hand Pump, or
• Pump Converter Kit

Preparation:

• If you have any inline water filters (don’t forget the icemaker) remove them and by-pass or drain the lines before starting.
• Drain the fresh water holding tank.
• Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. Clean the black tank with a wand.
• Drain the water heater. CAUTION: Never drain when hot or under pressure. (Make sure electric element (if equipped) is turned off.)
• Open all hot and cold faucets; don't forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
• Locate and open low point drain lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
• Close all drains and close all faucets.
• By-pass the water heater.

If you have an air compressor available, do the following:

• Install a Blow-out Plug to the city water inlet.
• Apply compressed air, keeping the pressure less than 30 lbs/sq inch.
• Open each faucet, one valve at a time, allowing the compressed air to force the water out of the line. Don't forget the shower, outdoor shower and toilet.
• Remove the drain plug from the hot water tank and allow the compressed air to blow out the remaining water. Reinstall drain plug.

Add Antifreeze:

Antifreeze may be added to the system a couple of ways (adding several gallons to the fresh water tank and pumping through the system is a third way, but requires several additional gallons of antifreeze).

1.     Use an Antifreeze Hand Pump attached to the city water inlet.

2.     Install a Pump Converter Kit. This is a one-time installation. 

Method 1.

• The Hand Pump kit has a plastic pick-up tube to be inserted into the antifreeze jug and a tube to be attached to the city water inlet.
• When attached, begin pumping to pressurize the system. An assistant is needed to open and drain faucets inside the RV.

Method 2.

• A Pump Converter kit consists of a diverter valve installed in the water line going to the fresh water pump and a pick-up tube to be inserted into a gallon of RV antifreeze. Turning on the water pump will then siphon antifreeze into the system. (Some RV's may come equipped with this feature)
• Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system.

Procedure:

• Starting with the closest faucet slowly open each hot and cold valve until antifreeze appears.
• Repeat on all faucets from the closest to farthest away. Don't forget the outside shower.
• Replace antifreeze jug as required.
• Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
• Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure.
• Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain.
• Pour a few cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
• Make sure all faucets are closed.
• Consult your owner manuals for winterizing ice makers and washing machines.