Before you begin
Gather the equipment recommended in your owner’s manual, work in a safe and well-lit area, and check campground rules before using shared utilities or facilities.
Step-by-step instructions
1 Step 1
Inspect the RV for rodent activity, damaged hoses, leaks, cracked fittings and weather-related roof or seal damage before adding water.
2 Step 2
Confirm the water heater is off and cold. Reconnect plumbing components that were disconnected for winter storage.
3 Step 3
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to flush RV potable-system antifreeze from every fixture and appliance, collecting and disposing of waste as locally required.
4 Step 4
Restore water-heater bypass valves to the correct operating position only after the winterizing fluid has been cleared as required.
5 Step 5
Fill the fresh-water system with potable water and pressurize slowly while checking fittings, drains and appliances for leaks.
6 Step 6
Sanitize the fresh-water system according to the RV maker’s instructions before drinking from it.
7 Step 7
Fill the water heater completely and purge air according to its manual before switching on electric or gas heating.
8 Step 8
Test the pump, toilet, faucets, shower, waste valves, smoke and CO alarms, propane detector and GFCI outlets.
9 Step 9
Inspect tires, lights, brakes, hitch and emergency equipment before the first trip.
Detailed Canadian RV guide
The following practical details expand on the quick steps above. Equipment differs between motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers and truck campers; use the instructions for your particular RV and components whenever they differ.
Start with a careful exterior inspection
Before reconnecting water, inspect for rodent damage, cracked fittings, split hoses, loose seals, roof leaks and winter storm damage. Check tires and batteries according to their manuals. Look beneath the RV for drips or damaged underbelly panels.
Do not immediately pressurize plumbing if you see a cracked water-heater housing or disconnected pipe. Repair known freeze damage first.
Restore valves and water-heater configuration
Review the checklist from fall winterization. Close low-point drains, restore bypass valves and reinstall water-heater drain plugs or anodes as required. Replace filters that were removed, but delay installing a new cartridge if your sanitizing procedure requires it.
Confirm the water heater is full and purged of air before turning on electric or propane heating. Energizing an empty heater can destroy its heating element.
Flush antifreeze or reconnect after air blowout
Use potable water to fill the fresh tank or connect regulated city water. Open each cold and hot fixture in turn until flow is clear and steady. Flush the toilet, outside shower and any accessory lines, following appliance-specific procedures.
Collect and dispose of initial discharge in an appropriate place. Even RV plumbing antifreeze should not be released indiscriminately into lakes, streams or storm drains.
Leak test under pressure
Run the pump and watch for unexpected cycling, which may indicate a leak. Check under sinks, around the toilet, at the pump strainer, water-heater connections and exterior fittings. Then test the city-water inlet with a regulator if fitted.
If a connection leaks, shut off the supply and relieve pressure before tightening or repairing it. A hidden leak can soak flooring and insulation quickly.
Sanitize and test equipment
Sanitize the fresh-water system when recommended by the manufacturer, especially after extended storage. Check appliance operation, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, propane detectors, brakes, lights and emergency equipment.
Before the first trip, take a short local test outing. It is much easier to address a dripping faucet, dead battery or stuck slide near home than at a remote campsite.
Spring start-up in Canada
Wait until overnight temperatures are reliably above freezing before flushing the system. Check for cracks and leaks as you pressurize, and sanitize the tank before the first trip.
Spring checklist
- Wait for reliably above-freezing nights.
- Flush antifreeze and sanitize the fresh-water tank.
- Pressurize slowly and check for leaks.
- Inspect tires, brakes and lights.
- Test appliances before the first trip.
What if I find a leak?
Turn off the pump and water, identify the source and repair it before travel.
Hands-on repair steps: see our winterizing guide, including spring de-winterizing.
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