How Do You Drain Down A Static Caravan?

Numerous static caravan owners pack up for the season in the winter, returning in the spring when the weather improves. During the winter, several caravan parks even close.

The cold can cause harm to static caravans that aren’t used, such as flooding or water escaping. Frozen pipes, condensation, mildew, and wildlife infestations are all issues individuals face after leaving their static caravan for the winter.

You must safeguard your static caravan from wear and tear before leaving it unattended for an extended amount of time. Draining it down is one technique to accomplish this.

The term “caravan drain down” is commonly heard in caravan parks worldwide, but as a new caravan owner, you may be confused about what this duty includes.

Drain downs for caravans do precisely what they claim. Drain down is the process of removing all water and fluid from your caravan’s pipes and plumbing in preparation for the winter.

This is done to avoid your caravan from being damaged by freezing water, resulting in costly repairs. Draining your caravan should be a top priority a few weeks to a month before the cold weather arrives.

Most parks will have rules and standards for static caravan owners regarding caravan drain downs.

To conduct a Caravan drain down, consider the following steps. You can secure the caravan and keep it in pristine condition over the winter holiday if you follow these precautions.

The first step is to turn off the water supply. A water pump is usually linked from the outside of most static caravans. To stop the water supply, disconnect it after turning it off.

Open the drain down taps which are usually located underneath the caravan. There may be many sets of drain-down taps, so keep an eye out. Once you’ve found them, either unscrew them to access the taps or entirely remove them to be thorough. Also, make sure to remove any non-return valves, as these can prevent water from draining properly.

Turn on all of the faucets in your static caravan until they’re bone dry. This applies to kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and any other faucets. Make careful you run the cold and hot taps at the same time. The water will flow directly into the ground underneath the trailer from the drain down taps.

Turn on the shower and flush the toilet until they are empty. Be sure to remove the showerhead and pipe as much as possible to allow for thorough draining.

If feasible, blast through the pipes with compressed air to confirm that all water has been eliminated. This is especially critical if you anticipate bitterly cold weather during the winter.

Fill plug holes with non-toxic anti-freeze to bind with any remaining water droplets in the pipes. Even after being blown through, U-bends in the plumbing system can be difficult to clean. Anti-freeze is a failsafe way to treat any residual water molecules in the pipes and prevent them from freezing and causing harm.

The final and most crucial step is to shut and lock all windows and doors to keep the cold out and limit the possibility of water freezing in the mobile home.

What Happens If Your Caravan Isn't Drained?

What Happens If Your Caravan Isn’t Drained Down?

If you don’t drain your caravan, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with water damage after the winter vacation. There is a risk of freezing and expanding if water or fluid is left in the pipes over the winter. This could lead to burst pipes, which will require replacement when you return.

Furthermore, as the water in the system melts, it leaks out via the broken pipes, flooding your mobile home and inflicting often irreversible water damage.

In the best-case situation, failing to drain your caravan would result in a few water stains and a hefty repair expense; however, in the worst-case scenario, your caravan may become utterly unusable and result in a claim on your caravan insurance.

Is It Necessary To Drain Down The Caravan Yourself?

In a nutshell, no. Many holiday home parks provide winterising services, which usually involve a drain down, to assist you in preparing your caravan for the colder months.

Our site charges £25 for their designated plumber to do this for, which also includes an insurance element – any issues or leaks when your water is back on and he’ll take care of them for you.

However, most park operators will only offer advice and direction rather than completing the caravan drain down for you, so it’s important learning the basics first and then ask for help when and where you need it.

Why Should A Static Caravan Be Drained Down?

The major reasons for draining your static caravan are to protect your home’s boiler parts, pipes, and appliances. Draining a static motorhome is necessary because water freezing in pipes and boilers can cause catastrophic harm.

If you don’t drain down, you’ll have to pay a lot of money for repairs. Major boiler components may begin to split, pipes may be damaged internally or externally, and toilet cisterns may fracture and flood onto the floor, causing significant damage.

What Are The Most Important Areas To Drain Down On A Caravan?

Your main priority should be the boiler and external drain down points. Paying close supervision to them will prevent any bursts over the winter.

How Can You Drain A Static Caravan Quickly?

How Can You Drain A Static Caravan Quickly?

Draining a static caravan entails more than just removing any excess water from your pipes and boiler. It’s also about preventing dampness and water damage. In addition to draining the system, you can take the following steps:

Place moisture traps or salt bowls in each room to capture moisture in the air.

Allowing air to flow by keeping all interior doors and cabinets open.

Clean and empty your refrigerator, then leave the door slightly ajar.

Taking out the cushions and pillows, standing them up in the living room and wrapping them with a dust sheet to keep them dry and mold-free.

After you’ve drained your taps, leave them open.

Batteries on gadgets such as TV remotes and alarm clocks should be removed in the winter since they may corrode.

Gas cylinders should be removed and stored in a cool, well-ventilated area, preferably not in the caravan.

Summary

Most importantly, if you’re going away for an extended amount of time over the winter, consider hiring a professional to do your caravan drain down. If you can’t afford or don’t want to do this, make sure you follow the steps included in this article and ensure that you hire a company (or park) and ask them what they do and how they do it.

Ask if you can watch what they’re doing, and ask for recommendations on what to look out for if you need to do it yourself in the future.



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