Key Takeaways
● In order to unfreeze the pipes in a travel trailer, you will need to use a blowdryer
● The best way to thaw out the frozen RV pipes is from the inside out
● If there is a lot of ice build-up, you may need to use a hacksaw or an ax to break it up
There is nothing worse than going for a hot shower or a cup of coffee in your travel trailer only to discover that the pipes are frozen. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re already cold and just want the chance to warm up. So how can you unfreeze the pipes?
It’s really simple, and there are several different methods you can implement. You can use a heater or heat tape, a hair dryer, or call out a plumber if things are looking really bad. Buying a heated hose can also be a lifesaver during those really crisp winter months.
In this guide, we take you through everything you could ever want (and need) to know about frozen pipes and how to get them back to normal while you’re traveling the winter roads.
Table of Contents
Tips for Unfreezing the Pipes in a Travel Trailer
If you have already found that the pipes are frozen, there is NO need to panic. We have several quick and easy tricks to help you thaw them out and get them back to running normally.
Use a Heater
The first method is to use a space heater. If you have one available, aim it towards the pipes that seem to be frozen. You want to be CAREFUL with this method, as you don’t want to overheat the travel trailer or start a fire.
Use Heat Tape
If you don’t have a space heater, you can use heat tape. This is an electrical heating element that will THAW the pipes without overdoing it. You can find heat tape at any hardware store.[1]
Pro Tip: When you are using heat tape, less is more. You might be surprised by how much even a small strip of heat tape can do.
Use a Hair Dryer or a Heat Gun
If you have a hair dryer, aim it at the pipe and turn it on to the HIGHEST setting. You can also use a heat gun, although this is a little more dangerous as it can get too hot. Again, you don’t want to overdo it and start a fire.
This can be a LENGTHY method to thaw frozen pipes, but the slow pace is good for preventing damage to the pipework while cold-weather camping.
Call a Professional
If you’re really not sure what you’re doing or the pipes are in a BAD state, it’s always best to call in a professional. They will know exactly what to do and will be able to get the job done QUICKLY and safely.
How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
Prevention is often the best recipe for success, and if you can STOP your pipes from freezing up in the first place, you’ll be on the way to a much less stressful winter.
Here is our BEST advice for keeping those pipes ice-free so that you can keep enjoying those toasty morning showers.
Improve the Insulation in Your RV
One of the best ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to improve the insulation in your travel trailer. This will help keep the heat IN and the cold OUT, and your pipes will be much less likely to freeze.
Winterize Your RV
If you’re going to be traveling in areas where the temperatures are known to DROP below freezing, it’s a good idea to winterize your travel trailer.
This means draining all the water from the pipes and ADDING antifreeze to them. This will keep the water from freezing and causing damage to the pipes.
Use a Heated Water Hose
If you know you’re going to be in an area with freezing temperatures, it’s a GOOD idea to invest in a heated water hose. These are specifically designed to PREVENT the water from freezing, even in the most extreme conditions.
Get an Electric Tank Heater
Another way to keep your travel trailer pipes from freezing is to INVEST in an electric tank heater. This will help keep the water in your travel trailer’s fresh water tank from freezing, and the pipes will also be less likely to freeze.
Why Do Travel Trailer Pipes Freeze?
Now that we’ve gone over some ways to PREVENT travel trailer pipes from freezing, let’s talk about WHY they freeze in the first place.
The most common reason travel trailer pipes freeze is because of the COLD weather. When the temperatures outside start to DROP, the water in the pipes can FREEZE.
Another reason travel trailer pipes may freeze is because of POOR insulation. If the travel trailer isn’t properly insulated, the cold air can seep in and cause the water in the pipes to freeze.
Finally, travel trailer pipes may freeze because of a LEAK. If there is a leak in the travel trailer, the water can start to freeze and then the pipes will freeze as well.
What Damage Do Frozen Pipes Cause an RV?
Frozen travel trailer pipes can cause a LOT of damage. First, the water in the pipes can start to expand and then burst the pipes. This can cause water damage to the travel trailer itself and be very costly to repair.
Another problem that a frozen pipe can cause is MOLD and mildew. If the travel trailer gets wet from a burst pipe, mold and MILDEW can start to grow. This can be a health hazard, and it can also damage the travel trailer.
Finally, frozen travel trailer pipes can cause the plumbing system to FAIL. If the pipes burst, it can damage the plumbing system and cause it to fail. This can be very costly to repair, and it can also be very dangerous.
Pro Tip: Travel trailer owners should take steps to prevent their pipes from freezing, and they should also know how to thaw them out if they do freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Unfreeze Pipes in a Travel Trailer?
It depends on how frozen the pipes are. If they are only slightly frozen, it may only take a few minutes to thaw them out.
However, if the pipes are completely frozen, it may take a few hours to thaw them out.
Does Hot Salt Water Unfreeze Travel Trailer Pipes?
Yes, hot salt water can help to unfreeze travel trailer pipes. However, it’s important to make sure that the hot water is not too hot, as this can damage the pipes.
To Conclude
Frozen travel trailer pipes can be a big problem. They can CAUSE water damage, mold and mildew, and they can even cause the plumbing system to fail.
However, there are some things you can do to PREVENT your pipes from freezing, and there are also some things you can do to thaw them out if they do freeze.
By following these simple steps, you can prevent your travel trailer pipes from freezing and keep your travel trailer in good condition. We hope this guide has been able to help you prepare for your next journey.
