Balloon method for draining motorhome water pipes

Spanish outlet El Motor has described a method for removing residual water from the water system of a motorhome or caravan before winter using an ordinary balloon. The method takes less than 20 minutes and does not require a compressor. The balloon is inflated, placed over the tap outlet and squeezed so that air pressure pushes water out of pipes and taps. Beforehand, the tank must be drained, all taps opened to a mid-position between hot and cold, the shower head removed and emptied, the toilet flushed several times and the pump briefly run dry. Siphons, filters, non-return valves and the water heater must also be emptied. According to the publication, the method suits simple systems, but in complex circuits a balloon generates less pressure than a compressor. Some drainage system manufacturers recommend using compressed air at a maximum pressure of 1 bar.