Frozen water tank

[KSB]

I had to leave town abruptly and at home we are having a sudden deep cold snap. I forgot to remove the water from my van like an idiot. How much trouble am I looking at when I get back. I am pretty sure eveything is going to freeze solid and it was about half full.



Ken

[86Scotty]

Cold water plumbing only or full RV (hot water, toilet, etc.)?

If your hot water heater freezes you could be looking at a new one. Your city water inlet and toilet valve if you have one are very prone to freezing, neither expensive.

Water pumps are pretty tough if the housing doesn't crack.

Don't worry too much about it. You could come home and have no problems whatsoever.

[BUFFALO]

Is there an external drain valve?
Maybe a local member could help you out?

[Twoxentrix]

What layout do you have & where in the van is the tank located?

Mine has a drain for the tank underneath & below the tanks location. This valve is accessible under the van, and is pretty easy to spot. I suspect all the SM's would have the same. BUT, I also have a valve located inside (prior to the line going through the floor) which I have to open first - maybe you don't have the one on the interior??? Or maybe it's already in the 'open' position ???

[gahamby]

Where's the vehicle located?

[kbeefy]

The tank itself and pex tubing will likely be fine.
Any plastic or metal fittings or valves could get damaged, depending upon how cold and for how long.

[hansk]

One other area to check is your gray water drain pipe. I had drained my water lines but forgot to fully drain the gray water. The black abs pipe under the frame cracked when the water in it froze. Argh.

[Heizenberg]

Originally Posted by KSB

I had to leave town abruptly and at home we are having a sudden deep cold snap. I forgot to remove the water from my van like an idiot. How much trouble am I looking at when I get back. I am pretty sure eveything is going to freeze solid and it was about half full.



Ken

Sorry to hear that. This is exactly the reason I opted for a dry SM. Carry all my water in containers, which removes all worries when winterizing.

Wish you the best going forward.

[KSB]

Originally Posted by kbeefy

The tank itself and pex tubing will likely be fine.
Any plastic or metal fittings or valves could get damaged, depending upon how cold and for how long.

Update, so you are right there seems to be no issues with the pipes leaking. The whole plumbing system froze solid, but I dont see any leaks anywhere.

When I turned on the pump it fired up but there was no pressure. Turns out when the water froze in the pump the ice pushed the check value (its like a disc piston) with so much force it got stuck/wedged. So it was no longer moving up and down like it should. So I had to take the whole pump unit off and disassemble the bottom part if it and pop loose the check valve. Works now.

I was dumb for not draining the water during winter, which is super easy as there is a dump valve right next to the main tank.

Thanks for your replied.

KB

[doublevan2]

Just some input on this - and I know some may have an issue posting their "general" location - but if users would post where they are located - it might help someone with an issue find a "local" member who might speed up your diagnosis and repair of an issue ?

I know - it's a personal choice and I get that -