Frost-proof yard water hydrants help protect water lines in freezing temperatures.
Frost-proof hydrants
Many campgrounds in colder climates are equipped with frost-proof yard hydrants. I learned this on a recent trip to North Carolina. I was unfamiliar with the hydrant, but quickly learned. it was not until the second day that I read the note on our welcome documents about a warning for freezing temperatures overnight. The resulting recommendation was to disconnect the water supply line and close the hydrant to stop the flow of water. These were all new concepts to me but I quickly learned.
Overnight temperatures in the twenties left me with a water supply line frozen solid and a cracked water filter.
Pumping action brings the water to the surface at which point it establishes prime (sending water to your rig). Closing the clamp down and disconnecting the water line, allows the water to drop (below the frost line).
Simple idea but crucial to make sure that your don’t wake up to frozen water supply lines. Frost-proof yard water hydrants help protect water lines in freezing temperatures.
Keep the water moving
If the water supply remains at the surface, it helps to keep the water moving. I have found some sites that leave the hose bib slightly opened and the water at a slow drip.
Even when doing this, it is advisable to use the supply lines to fill the onboard freshwater tank long before temperatures drop below freezing.
Allow heat to reach inside pipes
Anther tip is to keep the doors to your base cabinets open overnight. The heat generated by your furnace can help keep the undercabinet pipes warm and the inside water lines in your rig from freezing.
An all-weather rig will help when the temperatures drop, but in any setup there are steps that can be taken to keep you operational and enjoying the open road.
