What To Know
- Continue pouring until the antifreeze reaches the ice maker and flows out of the water dispenser in the refrigerator door.
- Turn on the water supply valve and run water through the ice maker and water dispenser in the refrigerator door for a few minutes.
Winterizing your RV is crucial to protect it from the harsh winter elements. One essential component that requires attention is the refrigerator ice maker. By following these comprehensive instructions, you can ensure your RV refrigerator ice maker remains in top condition throughout the cold season.
Materials You’ll Need
- RV antifreeze
- Bucket or container
- Funnel
- Screwdriver or wrench
- Towels
- Gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve connected to the ice maker and turn it off. This will prevent water from flowing into the ice maker during the winterization process.
2. Remove the Ice Bin
Open the refrigerator door and remove the ice bin. Wash and dry the bin thoroughly and store it in a safe place.
3. Disconnect the Water Line
Using a screwdriver or wrench, disconnect the water line from the back of the ice maker. Place a towel underneath to catch any dripping water.
4. Pour RV Antifreeze into the Water Line
Insert a funnel into the disconnected water line and slowly pour RV antifreeze into it. Continue pouring until the antifreeze reaches the ice maker and flows out of the water dispenser in the refrigerator door.
5. Cycle the Ice Maker
Turn on the ice maker and let it cycle through a few times. This will circulate the antifreeze throughout the ice maker system.
6. Reconnect the Water Line
Once the ice maker has cycled through a few times, turn it off and reconnect the water line. Tighten the connection securely.
7. Run Water Through the System
Turn on the water supply valve and run water through the ice maker and water dispenser in the refrigerator door for a few minutes. This will ensure that all the antifreeze has been flushed out.
8. Empty the Water Reservoir
Locate the water reservoir in the back of the refrigerator and empty it by removing the drain plug.
9. Clean the Refrigerator
Wipe down the interior of the refrigerator, including the shelves, drawers, and door gaskets, with a clean cloth.
10. Leave the Refrigerator Door Open
Leave the refrigerator door open slightly to allow air to circulate and prevent mold growth.
Additional Tips
- Use only RV-approved antifreeze specifically designed for winterizing water systems.
- Wear gloves when handling antifreeze, as it can be irritating to the skin.
- If you have a dual-water system, make sure to winterize both the fresh and city water lines.
- If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, contact a qualified RV technician for assistance.
Winterizing Your RV Refrigerator Ice Maker: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this comprehensive guide, we provide detailed instructions on how to winterize your RV refrigerator ice maker and ensure its longevity during the cold season. Follow these steps to protect your ice maker from freezing and potential damage.
Why Winterize Your RV Refrigerator Ice Maker?
Winterizing your RV refrigerator ice maker is essential to prevent freezing and damage during the winter months. Water left in the ice maker can freeze and expand, causing cracks or leaks. By winterizing the ice maker, you can prevent these issues and ensure its proper functioning when the warm weather returns.
Materials Required
To winterize your RV refrigerator ice maker, you will need the following materials:
- RV antifreeze
- Bucket or container
- Funnel
- Screwdriver or wrench
- Towels
- Gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Turn Off Water Supply: Locate the water supply valve connected to the ice maker and turn it off.
2. Remove Ice Bin: Open the refrigerator door and remove the ice bin. Wash and dry the bin thoroughly and store it in a safe place.
3. Disconnect Water Line: Using a screwdriver or wrench, disconnect the water line from the back of the ice maker. Place a towel underneath to catch any dripping water.
4. Pour RV Antifreeze into Water Line: Insert a funnel into the disconnected water line and slowly pour RV antifreeze into it. Continue pouring until the antifreeze reaches the ice maker and flows out of the water dispenser in the refrigerator door.
5. Cycle Ice Maker: Turn on the ice maker and let it cycle through a few times. This will circulate the antifreeze throughout the ice maker system.
6. Reconnect Water Line: Once the ice maker has cycled through a few times, turn it off and reconnect the water line. Tighten the connection securely.
7. Run Water Through System: Turn on the water supply valve and run water through the ice maker and water dispenser in the refrigerator door for a few minutes. This will ensure that all the antifreeze has been flushed out.
8. Empty Water Reservoir: Locate the water reservoir in the back of the refrigerator and empty it by removing the drain plug.
9. Clean Refrigerator: Wipe down the interior of the refrigerator, including the shelves, drawers, and door gaskets, with a clean cloth.
10. Leave Refrigerator Door Open: Leave the refrigerator door open slightly to allow air to circulate and prevent mold growth.
Additional Tips
- Use only RV-approved antifreeze specifically designed for winterizing water systems.
- Wear gloves when handling antifreeze, as it can be irritating to the skin.
- If you have a dual-water system, make sure to winterize both the fresh and city water lines.
- If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, contact a qualified RV technician for assistance.
Key Points:
Winterizing your RV refrigerator ice maker is a crucial step in preparing your RV for the cold season. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your ice maker remains in good condition and is ready to use when the warm weather returns. Remember to use the correct materials and follow the instructions carefully to prevent any damage to your RV’s refrigeration system.
Common Questions and Answers
1. What type of antifreeze should I use to winterize my RV refrigerator ice maker?
Use only RV-approved antifreeze specifically designed for winterizing water systems. Regular antifreeze used in vehicles can damage the ice maker and other components of your RV’s refrigeration system.
2. How often should I winterize my RV refrigerator ice maker?
Winterize your RV refrigerator ice maker before storing your RV for the winter or if you anticipate temperatures below freezing.
3. Can I use compressed air to blow out the water lines instead of using antifreeze?
Yes, you can use compressed air to blow out the water lines, but it is not as effective as using antifreeze. Compressed air may not remove all the water from the lines, which could lead to freezing and damage.
