What happens to all water during the winterization of an entire RV water system?

During the winterization of an RV water system, replacing all the water with antifreeze is an essential step to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage to the plumbing. When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to cracked pipes and fixtures, resulting in costly repairs. By using non-toxic RV antifreeze that is safe for plumbing systems, the antifreeze circulates and protects the components from the harsh winter temperatures.

This process involves draining any remaining water from the system and running antifreeze through all faucets, showers, and flush mechanisms, ensuring that every part of the plumbing system contains antifreeze. This measure effectively safeguards the system until it is time to use the RV again, typically in the warmer seasons.

In contrast, completely treating the water would not address the risks associated with freezing temperatures, and simply draining the water without replacing it with antifreeze would leave the system vulnerable. Allowing water to remain in the system could lead to severe damage when temperatures drop. Therefore, replacing the water with antifreeze is the safest and most effective method during winterization.