forgot to winterize...and drain the lines before the cold set in

[lloyd cicetti]

My 13ft egg has been on an RV lot, unused for months and since it's new, I am not in the habit of draining the lines before winter....what should I do at this point? If the lines are frozen, can the addition of fluids defreeze them. What happens when you forget to drain before winter?

[Darwin Maring]

Hard to say what has happened. May have broke some lines.

You could put a heater inside the camper, open the cabinets and spaces where lines are present and wait a while B4 blowing out the lines.

Then when you blow them out, have someone inside to look for leaks and you look outside for leeks.

Then add some RV Antifreze and when summer comes, look again for RED leeks this time.

One thing is that the plastic lines may not have ruptured (Just buldged) if you're lucky.

[BAMA & Pachyderm Posse]

GOOD ADVICE I USE A HEATER EVERY YEAR WITH CABNET DOORS OPEN,

[MikeCM]

Lloyd, I agree that heating up the water lines is the best solution at this time. Be careful that the lines are defrosted before blowing slush with ice chunks through. I would remove the faucet screens, and shower heads before putting any pressure on the line. I also agree that the lines themselves will likely only buldge, but be careful to check all connections (elbows, tees, and shower handle hoses). Unfortunately you will not be sure until spring, be careful when using water for the first time. Check everywhere again with focus on the connections.

If you have a hot water heater, do not try to get the anode out until defrosted. I would focus on the hot water heater first ($600 vs. $3 for a Tee, and $30 for a faucet or shower head.

This is a time where patience is key. Get the heat on and let it run with as much of the plumbing exposed as possible. Keep direct heat on the water heater as possible for as long as possible.

Good luck

Mike