Frozen Pipes? Here’s What to Do (And What Not to Do!)
- Cody Welch
- Mar 8
- 2 min read
Winter RVing can be a magical experience—until you wake up to frozen pipes and no running water! If your RV’s plumbing has iced over, don’t panic. Here’s what you should and should NOT do to safely thaw your pipes and prevent long-term damage.
🚨 First Things First: Is It Just Frozen, or Is It Busted?
Before attempting to thaw your pipes, check for signs of leaks or bursts:
✅ Listen for dripping water when turning faucets on.
✅ Look under sinks and inside storage bays for puddles.
✅ Check your freshwater tank and connections for cracks.
If you see any leaks or broken pipes, shut off your water supply immediately to avoid further damage!
✅ What TO DO If Your Pipes Are Frozen
1️⃣ Open Faucets & Relieve Pressure
Turn on both hot and cold faucets to relieve built-up pressure and allow water to flow once thawed.
2️⃣ Warm Up Your RV Interior
Crank up the heat! If you have a furnace, set it to 65-70°F and open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes.
3️⃣ Use Gentle Heat Sources
Target the frozen sections of your plumbing with safe heat sources:
🔥 Portable space heaters (aim toward affected areas)
🔥 Hairdryers (on low heat, move it slowly along the pipe)
🔥 Heating pads or electric blankets (wrap them around exposed pipes)
🔥 Heat tape (a great long-term prevention tool!)
4️⃣ Warm the Underbelly & Storage Bays
If your pipes run underneath the RV, use a heat lamp or heater in the storage bay to warm them up.
5️⃣ Thaw External Hoses & Connections
If your water hose is frozen, disconnect it and bring it inside to thaw. Consider switching to a heated water hose for extreme cold conditions.
❌ What NOT to Do (Avoid Costly Damage!)
🚫 DO NOT Use Open Flames – Torches, lighters, or propane heaters can melt pipes or cause fires.
🚫 DO NOT Pour Boiling Water on Pipes – The sudden temperature change can crack plastic pipes.
🚫 DO NOT Leave Space Heaters Unattended – Always monitor portable heaters to prevent fire hazards.
🚫 DO NOT Force Faucets to Run – If the pipes are frozen solid, too much pressure can cause bursts.
🛠️ How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Next Time
✔️ Insulate Your Pipes & Storage Bays – Use foam pipe insulation, RV skirting, and heating pads.
✔️ Keep Water Moving – Let a small trickle of water run overnight to prevent freezing.
✔️ Use a Heated Water Hose – This is a game-changer for full-time winter RVers!
✔️ Add Heat Tape to Vulnerable Areas – Works great on exterior pipes and tanks.
✔️ Keep Your RV Warm – Maintain an interior temp of at least 55°F.
💡 Need Help? Welch’s Mobile RV Repair Has You Covered!
If your pipes are frozen, leaking, or you need help winterizing your RV, we’re here to help.
📍 Serving Central Iowa 🔧 On-Site Mobile RV Repair 📞 (515) 240-0020
Click below to book today!
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