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Subject Topic: frozen..? Post Reply Post New Topic
29/1/2011 at 1:43pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
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Hello everyone.

OK - I put my hands up to being a complete muppet over this..

I put my caravan into storage after the summer last year, fully anticipating using it again before winter. For various reasons I didn't get to take it out again and it wasn't until after the big freeze at Christmas that I realised I hadn't drained it. So I'm fully expecting the worse...

I'm planning to visit the van in the next week or so and would like some advice on what damage I should be looking for and how should I best inspect it without creating more problems.

Any advice humbly received..

Mark


29/1/2011 at 1:47pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
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I forgot to say (if it's of any relevance) that my van is an Avondale Dart (2008), 525/5.


29/1/2011 at 3:32pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: ElddisAvante462 Honda CRV SE2.2 i-Dtec
View romany girl's Profile View Profile   Reply to romany girl Reply   Quote romany girl Quote  
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I would have thought the way forward would be to try everything and inspect for damage or leaks as each system is put into use. Pick a time when you can spend a few hours in your van and be prepared harmed with lots of old towels and shallow trays incase of any leaks.

We have done a through drain off of our van for this year, and are keeping our fingers crossed that everything works when we de-winterise it ready for its service in March.

Last year despite draining off, we suffered a leak from the bathroom tap which turned out to be from not leaving the tap in the 'on' position to allow it to dry out properly, resuling in a wet carpet, and the purchase of an expensive dehumidifyer to try it out.

One way to test is to wrap some toilet tissue around the pipe under the showerroom sink and see if it becomes wet when the tap is used, as you cannot always see if its leaking in such a confined space. Likewise do the same under the kitchen sink tap, as well as checking the pipework as it runs under the seats and into the waterheater, as these are the most vunerable points which are likely to leak and cause a flood inside. The toilet Cassette can be removed and checked using clean water for any leaks, and depending on model, some caravan toilets have an expansion tube with asmall rubber bung that pops out should the pressure build up inside the rinse holding tank due to extremes of tempreture.

Julia

 

 



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Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife

Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!


29/1/2011 at 3:59pm
 Location: Keswick
 Outfit: Bailey
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Just stand and stare. If the water has frozen it will have expanded and maybe something has given somewhere. When the water thaws it simply runs out of the hole so there will be evidence on the floor of the van under the pipes.

Before emptying the toilet cistern flush it a few times and see if anything drains out where it shouldn't.

If you have an inline water filter have a good look at it as it may have split so remove and fit a new one.

If you drain the toilet cistern (my drain is a small rubber pipe you get at via the cassette locker) and loads of water comes out suggesting a full tank then probably there has been no leak.

Have a good look around the taps and shower head for splits.

Once you think everything is ok - test with water but just run one tap at a time.

Phil



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If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe    


29/1/2011 at 4:23pm
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The base of the pump in the toilet cracked on us and i assumed it was damaged by freezing but not sure,fixed it on site in Cornwall with some Araldite borrowed from the site owner about four years ago and its been fine ever since.

Going to check ours next week,drained it all down so all should be ok(fingers and toes crossed)

If you put any water through the system i would drain it again before leaving as it could freeze up if the weather is anything like the last few years we have got some more snow to come,end of Feb when we are at Chatsworth usually.

Andy



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29/1/2011 at 10:54pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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its just a question of luck really.this also applies to when you are caravanning and get a heavy frost at night.we had a solid frozen pump and all drain pipes and water container one night with no damage.

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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


30/1/2011 at 7:45am
 Location: Keswick
 Outfit: Bailey
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"we have got some more snow to come,end of Feb when we are at Chatsworth usually."

It better not!!!!



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If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe    


30/1/2011 at 8:35pm
 Location: washington
 Outfit: fleetwood sonata symphony
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i did the same this winter (somehow forgot to drain the water tank from previous use) and had no damage from the big freeze. more luck than anything else.


30/1/2011 at 9:25pm
 Location: south yorks
 Outfit: None Entered
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Drained onboard tank and boiler but forgot to drain lines and leave taps open, got away with it, phew

You may be lucky.    Hope so

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josiewales



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