How to Drain Down Your Caravan
By Anna Jones,
3rd October 2025, 10 min read
As October arrives, so does the start of drain down season - the time to prepare your caravan for the winter months. Draining down your water system is one of the most important steps in winterisation as it protects your caravan from frozen pipes, leaks and costly water damage caused by long periods of cold and inactivity.
This useful guide explains what drain down is, why it matters, when to do it and how to carry out the process step by step.
What is Drain Down Season?
The words 'drain down season' refer to the period just before and during winter when caravans need to be emptied of water. In draining your system, you eliminate the risk of water freezing inside pipes and tanks. When water freezes it expands which can cause your pipes to crack, damage joints and then cause leaks when the ice thaws.
Why Do I Need to Drain Down My Caravan?
Water damage is one of the most common problems caravan owners face in spring. It is also incredibly expensive to resolve.
Frozen pipes can burst silently in wall cavities meaning you may not even realise it's happened, particularly if the caravan is left vacant. By the time the ice melts, you may be dealing with serious leaks and structural damage.
If you fail to drain down your caravan but have a static caravan insurance policy, you will be liable for any damage caused by frost or poor maintenance.
When Should I Drain Down My Caravan?
Caravans should be fully drained before the temperature drops significantly.
For static caravans, systems must be drained down (empty of water) between the 1st October and 14th March.
If left undrained, it is very unlikely that frost-related damage, corrosion, or water leaks whilst your caravan is unoccupied will be covered by your insurance policy.
Tools and Supplies You Need for Draining Down a Caravan
Before you start the process of draining down your caravan, gather the following items:
- Spanner
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Non-toxic, caravan-safe antifreeze like Star Brite
- Plastic hose/pipe or siphon
- Buckets or containers
- Old newspapers
- Salt or silica gel
- WD-40
A small air compressor for blowing water out of pipes is an optional addition but would be great as a long term investment.
Step-by-Step: How to Drain Down Your Caravan
1. Turn Everything Off
Switch off the heater and isolate your caravan’s water supply.
2. Open Taps
Leave all taps open, including mixer taps by setting them in the middle so both hot and cold feeds drain.
3. Open Drain Valves
Remove all drain plugs. You’ll usually find two under the bath/shower and four beneath the boiler or water heater.
4. Flush Through
Flush the toilet and run taps/showers until water stops. Disconnect shower heads and hoses to let them drain fully.
5. Blow Out Remaining Water
If available use compressed air, otherwise shake the hoses and shower heads to remove droplets.
Remove, rinse, and clean thoroughly. Treat seals with a safe spray such as Thetford Aqua Rinse and leave the blade open.
7. Antifreeze
Pour a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze into toilets, plugholes, and U-bends to displace leftover water. Never use car antifreeze as this is not designed to be used in caravans.
8. Remove Water Filter
Take out the water filter as leaving it in place can risk frost damage. You'll need to remember to replace it in spring.
9. Drain Water Pumps
Run onboard pumps briefly to clear water. Shake out submersible pumps until dry.
10. Empty Containers
Drain and dry your Aquaroll or any portable water carriers.
11. Finish Up
Replace bungs in drain plugs, seal all water inlets/outlets and leave all your taps open to avoid pressure build-up.
Please be aware that you shouldn't drain central heating valves; follow your manufacturer’s handbook for heating system guidance.
If You Find A Frozen Pipe
If in the process of draining down the caravan you come across a frozen pipe you should switch off the water supply and gently thaw the pipe with a hairdryer. To prevent this issue reoccurring, consider fitting self-regulating heat tapes.
Touring Caravans
If you are draining down a touring caravan you should empty the system on your final trip of the season and leave drain points open while towing home. This movement helps shake out the last drops of water.
Please be aware, however, that discharging water on the motorways is illegal. You will need to make sure most of it is drained before you leave the site and start the drive home.
Caravan Insurance
Even with the best preparation, unforeseen damage from severe weather such as storms, fires and floods can still occur. The same goes for theft as your caravan sits idle and unoccupied all winter long. That’s why both our touring and static caravan insurance are designed to give you peace of mind. With a policy from Eversure you'll be covered against costly repairs or replacements.
Final Thoughts
As every caravan is slightly different it is worth checking your handbook for manufacturer guidance specific to the model you own. If you’re not confident about completing the drain down yourself, consider booking a professional drain down service - lots of caravan parks offer this for a small fee.
Taking the time to drain down now means you’ll avoid costly winter damage and ensure your caravan is ready to enjoy when spring arrives.