One of the benefits of owning an RV is that you can enjoy your vehicle year-round. Typically, the interior of your RV is well-equipped to enjoy during any season. Still, if you are unprepared, colder exterior temperatures can become an issue for water supply lines and sewage pipes. When RVs are exposed to sub-zero temperatures, the water pipes are in danger of freezing. Not only will a frozen pipe stop the flow of water, preventing the use of any appliance that depends on water flow, but a cracked or burst pipe can cause significant water damage leading to costly repairs.

With proper freeze protection measures in place, RV adventures can be enjoyed in the winter.

If you’re planning on using your RV in the winter, you’ll want to keep your RV pipes from freezing and causing damage. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to keep RV pipes from freezing in winter, giving you peace of mind and the opportunity to enjoy your RV all year round.

Key Takeaways

• Exposed RV water pipes are at risk of freezing in cold temperatures
• A self-regulating heating cable system is the best way to prevent frozen RV pipes
• It’s important to utilize the correct heating cable system for RV pipes
• The Kompensator low voltage heating cable system by Heat-Line is engineered specifically for RVs
• Constant-wattage heat tape and other low-quality heating cable systems have several disadvantages and can be dangerous for winterizing RVs

Most RVs, including motorhomes, fifth wheel campers, toy haulers, travel trailers, and most towable campers, come equipped with various plumbing options. The first step in protecting your RV water pipes is identifying all vulnerable water pipes in your particular vehicle. Most come with a freshwater tank as a source for potable water, basic plumbing, a black water tank for toilet waste, and in some cases, a grey water tank for all other wastewater. Many of these tanks come with a tank heater, but many of the water or sewage lines do not, leaving them vulnerable to freezing in colder temperatures. If the water tank requires freeze protection, heating cable can be applied to the tank as well. A heat loss analysis, based on the tank’s size, determines the amount of cable and insulation needed for full freeze protection.

A low-voltage self-regulating heating cable can be installed on RV pipes and hoses to keep RV pipes from freezing during winter travels.

Once you have identified the pipes or tanks that need protection, you can simply install heating cable on the pipes or tank. Kompensator is a low voltage heating cable system specifically designed for freeze protection in RVs. It is pre-assembled and can be connected directly to an RV’s low voltage power supply. Unlike other heating cables on the market, with the low-voltage Kompensator there is no need for power inverters, making a quick and easy installation.

The Kompensator system has several advantages over constant wattage heat tape and other lower-quality heating cables commonly sold in stores or online. Its self-regulating heating cable technology automatically adjusts heat output along its length, increasing heat where needed and reducing it where it is not. This prevents overheating and damage, even when pipes are dry for extended periods. This feature makes it ideal for RV pipes and hoses made of materials like PVC, PEX, ABS, or rubber that are prone to melting under excessive heat. Additionally, Kompensator can be safely overlapped in areas requiring extra protection, such as tanks or valves, and is safe to insulate, which lowers energy consumption and enhances freeze protection.

Kompensator low-voltage heating cable system for RV’s. Complete job ready system supplied with self-regulating heating cable and cordset power lead.

Benefits of Kompensator self-regulating system:

• No need for power inverters
• Safely overlaps where needed
• Safe to insulate
• Energy-efficient
• Supplied with self-regulating heating cable factory terminated
• Complete job ready system
• Easy to install
• Fully CSA-certified in North America for general usage in dry and wet locations
• Compatible with DC and AC voltages
• Compatible with various methods of power generation including battery alternators
• Can be installed on all metallic and non-metallic pipes, tanks and vessels

4 Steps to Keep RV Pipes from Freezing

1. Measure and Prepare

Measure the length and diameter of the pipe or tank that requires heating, and identify any valves or fittings that also need protection. Determine whether the RV uses a 12 V or 24 V power source. If freeze protection is needed for the water tank, Heat-Line can provide a heat loss analysis at no additional cost to determine the necessary heating cable and insulation required. Next, order the Kompensator system with the appropriate length, wattage, and voltage. If you are unsure about what you need, Heat-Line can help with this.

2. Install the System

Kompensator can be run straight along most common RV pipe sizes. To provide extra heat at valves and other fitting areas, simply wrap extra cable there. Install heating cable on tanks as determined by the heat loss analysis. Most RV owners hire a professional to complete the installation although some may prefer to do the installation themselves. (Follow the Installation Instructions for complete and accurate instructions.)

3. Protect the system with insulation

Once the system is installed, you can increase the energy-efficiency even further by adding insulation to the pipe or tank. Insulation may include foil bubble insulations, fibreglass insulations in dry locations or foam insulations outside in wet locations.

4. Connect to Power

Wire the system into the RV’s power source as per the installation instructions. Ensure the power supply is adequate and meets all safety requirements.

If you plan on enjoying your RV in the winter, using the Kompensator heating cable system will ensure that you no longer have to worry about frozen RV water pipes, sewage pipes or water tanks.