A balloon protects motorhomes from winter damage

Before winter, the water system in a motorhome or caravan must be fully drained. Residual water in taps, hoses and tanks can freeze and cause burst pipes, leaking fittings or deposits in the water tank. According to ProMobil, preparing the water system for frost takes about 20 minutes. If no compressor is available, an inflated balloon can be pressed over the tap outlet to push remaining water out of the fitting and adjacent pipes. The system should also be cleaned, all taps and valves opened, the shower head removed and siphons, filters and check valves checked. TÜV Nord recommends closing gas cylinders and disconnecting them from the hose for the winter, checking connections for leaks and verifying tyre pressure and fluid levels.