Dear Gary,
Please tell me the best way to winterize a washer/dryer combo. Thanks! —Jack
Dear Jack,
That’s what I like: short and to the point!
The procedure that works best with all washer/dryer combos is to simply drain all the water from the machine and turn off the water supply at the spigot for the washer fresh water inlet. If there is no shut-off valve dedicated to the washer, it is best to have one installed.
Leaving the machine completely void of water and isolated from the rest of the fresh water system will enable you to use RV antifreeze in the remainder of the system, if necessary.
For the fresh water plumbing system, there are two winterizing methods: the dry method and the wet method. It is usually the depth of the expected winter that determines which way to go. I recommend the wet method (using RV antifreeze) if many days of below-freezing temperatures are expected, and the dry method if the expected temp stays above freezing for the most part.
Either way, with the washer/dryer totally isolated by a shut-off valve and no moisture in the machine, there will be no freezing problems. Plus, it is not recommended to use RV anti-freeze in some washer/dryer combos. So dry and isolated are your two operative words.
Read more from Gary Bunzer at the RVdoctor.com. See Gary’s videos about RV repair and maintenance.
##RVT923
I don’t have a washer but wanted to know how you did it. I see absolutely no advise. Years ago I serviced appliances for a long distance moving co. We drained the hoses,had an adapter to blow air into the water valves. Disconnected the hoses from the wAter pump and drained any low points I never had a claim for my work but I also serviced incoming appliances that had not been prepared. I saw lots of problems including no vent dryers and refrigerat ers with icemakers. If it has water,chances are it will freeze.
I don’t see how that answers the question. How do you drain the unit of water ?
I’d be concerned that traps, solenoids etc might not be COMPLETELY drained of water if only air is used (and then be damaged during a freeze). RV antifreeze is relatively cheap and, it works well.
Agreed! Use RV Anti Freeze in your Washer. Even just a little run through the washers pump will protect it from freezing and Cracking the pump mechanism.
I’ve done this for years in my washer and have never had a problem. The biggest thing is to make sure you thoroughly RINSE the machine, prior to using it, to get all the pink anti-freeze out. I then use an old White towel to run a load and make sure the pink is gone. Requires a few rinse cycles to get it all out, but it does work well.
The manual for my stacked washer recommends adding about a quart or more of rv antifreeze in the washer’s tub (after draining all fresh water lines) and turn on the spin cycle for a minute or so.
I’d first consider that it would be rare if it went down to 32 degrees or colder INSIDE the rv.
Ron’s answer makes the most sense to me.