Your RV’s plumbing system has several components that help deliver fresh water throughout your camper, but one of the simplest and most important features is often overlooked: the low point drain.
Low point drains are designed to remove water from your RV’s freshwater lines. Knowing where they are located and when to use them can help make winterizing, dewinterizing, and general RV maintenance much easier.
What Are Low Point Drains on an RV?
Low point drains are small valves that allow you to drain the remaining water from your RV’s hot and cold water lines.
Your RV’s freshwater tank has a drain that removes water from the tank, but it does not completely empty the plumbing system. Water can still remain inside the pipes that run to:
- Kitchen faucets
- Bathroom sinks
- Showers
- Outdoor showers
- Water connections throughout the RV
Because these drains are located at the lowest points of the plumbing system, gravity helps remove the remaining water from your lines.
This makes them especially important when temperatures drop because water left inside your plumbing can freeze and potentially damage your RV’s pipes and fittings.
When Should You Use Your RV Low Point Drains?
There are a few key times when using your low point drains is recommended.
1. Winterizing Your RV
One of the most common times to use low point drains is when preparing your RV for winter storage.
Before freezing temperatures arrive, you want to remove as much water as possible from your plumbing system. Water trapped inside your lines can freeze, expand, and cause damage.
The general process includes:
- Turning off your water pump
- Opening your faucets
- Opening the hot and cold low point drains
- Allowing the remaining water to drain from the system
- Adding RV antifreeze if required for your winterization process
Draining your lines before adding antifreeze helps remove excess water and allows the antifreeze to better protect your plumbing system.
2. Dewinterizing Your RV in the Spring
When camping season arrives again, your low point drains are useful for getting your RV ready for your first trip. If your RV was winterized with antifreeze, opening the low point drains helps remove any remaining antifreeze from the plumbing system.
After draining, you can flush the system with fresh water by running your faucets until the water is clear and ready for use.
This is an important step before using your RV’s water system for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.
3. After Camping or Before Storage
Some RV owners also use their low point drains after trips, especially if the RV will sit unused for a while.
Removing leftover water from the plumbing system can help keep your water lines fresh and prepare your RV for storage.
If you are storing your RV during colder months, draining your lines is especially important.
How to Use Low Point Drains on Your RV
Using your RV’s low point drains is a simple process.
Follow these basic steps:
Step 1: Turn Off Your Water Pump
Before opening your drains, turn off your RV’s water pump.
The water pump pressurizes your freshwater system, so shutting it off prevents the pump from continuing to push water through the lines while you are draining them.
Step 2: Open Your Faucets
Next, open your RV’s faucets.
This allows air to enter the plumbing system, helping water drain more easily.
Without opening your faucets, water may not flow as efficiently because the plumbing system can hold pressure.
Open both:
- Hot water faucets
- Cold water faucets
Step 3: Open the Low Point Drain Valves
Locate your low point drain valves and open them.
Most RVs will have two separate drains:
🔴 Red line or valve: Hot water line
🔵 Blue line or valve: Cold water line
Allow the water to drain completely before closing the valves.
Once finished, make sure the drains are closed before using your RV’s water system again.
Where Are RV Low Point Drains Located?
The location of your low point drains depends on your RV’s design.
Fifth Wheels
On many fifth wheels, low point drains may be located inside a compartment or protected area of the RV.
Some four-season fifth wheels place plumbing components in enclosed spaces to help protect them from changing temperatures.
Travel Trailers
On many travel trailers, low point drains are usually located underneath the RV.
You may see two small valves or tubes extending below the camper near the lowest point of the plumbing system.
Because every RV is built differently, your owner’s manual is the best resource for finding the exact location of your drains.
Do All RVs Have Low Point Drains?
Most modern RVs are equipped with low point drains, but their location and design can vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
Some RVs use simple exterior valves, while others may have drains located inside compartments or behind access panels.
If you are unsure where yours are located, a dealership service department can help you identify them and explain how they work.
Why Low Point Drains Matter for RV Maintenance
Low point drains may seem like a small feature, but they play an important role in maintaining your RV’s plumbing system.
Taking a few minutes to properly drain your water lines can help:
- Protect your plumbing during freezing temperatures
- Make winterizing and dewinterizing easier
- Remove leftover water from your system
- Prepare your RV for storage
- Keep your freshwater system maintained
Understanding these simple RV maintenance steps gives you more confidence as an RV owner and helps you spend less time troubleshooting problems.
