11 November 24 - The Facts On Winterising Your Static Caravan

The Facts About Static Caravan Winterisation




If you are in the North West or the North Wales area, you can book a drain down or winterisation for your static caravan on 0300 124 6982




Simply undoing your water mains feed and walking away isn't how you do a drain down. In this guide, we hope we can help you get clued up on what a drain down or winterisation actually is.




Winterisation Of Static Caravan North Wales : Winterisation Of Static Caravan North West : Static Caravan Drain Down North West & North Wales




Preparing Your Static Caravan for Winter: Drain Down and Winterisation in North Wales




As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it's crucial to prepare your static caravan to weather the season. Whether you're planning a holiday stay or closing up for winter, arranging a static caravan drain down is a must. With our winterisation service in North Wales and the North West, we’ll handle the drain down, keeping your caravan protected, secure, and in top condition year-round.




Why Drain Down Your Static Caravan?




A drain down involves breaking open water your mains water pipe to protect against freezing temperatures. When water freezes in your caravan’s plumbing, it can cause pipes to burst due to water expansion. Water expands 15% when it freezes and with water freezing at 0 degrees celsius, we can easily see those sorts of drops in North Wales and the North West, and when we do if a drain down isn't done properly, it can create costly water damage. A properly performed drain down safeguards your caravan from winter’s worst while ensuring you’re compliant with your parks regulations and insurance policies terms and conditions.




Do You Need a Static Caravan Drain Down?




Most holiday parks require or strongly recommend a winter drain down. Not only does it keep your caravan in good condition, but it’s also essential for maintaining insurance coverage, as many policies require winter preparation. A drain down minimises the risk of issues like damp, mold, or pipe damage, saving you the disappointment and expense of returning to a damaged caravan in spring.




How to Drain Down Your Static Caravan: Step-by-Step




1. Clean Thoroughly

  • Clean all surfaces, vacuum, and mop floors.

  • Remove perishable food and disinfect the fridge, leaving the door ajar.

  • Remove tinned food to prevent rust marks.

2. Remove Valuables

  • Take out any valuables or electronics. Leave curtains open to show the caravan is empty.

3. Do A Damp Check And Prevent Damp

  • Move soft furnishings to the middle of the room and vacuum-pack bedding.

  • Store curtains in airtight bags to keep them fresh over winter.

4. Switch Off Electricity

  • Unplug appliances and turn off the main power switch in your caravan.

5. Disconnect Gas

  • Turn off the gas and disconnect the bottle if applicable. If your static caravan is on mains gas, you can turn it off at the ECV (Emergency control valve) Verify that no gas remains in the pipes by lighting a hob ring and watching it extinguish.

6. Drain Down Water Pipes

  • Turn off the water supply at the stopcock.

  • Open all taps and drain pipes. Pour anti-freeze down each drain to prevent wildlife from entering.

7. Clear the Roof

  • Remove leaves and debris from the roof and gutters to prevent water buildup.

8. Protect the Exterior

  • Clean exterior walls and windows thoroughly, and wash wax the roof.

9. Secure All Doors and Windows

  • Check window and door seals, and make sure everything is locked securely.

10. Inform the Park

  • Let your park manager know you’ve winterised your caravan. We would recommend you do this in email form so you have evidence rather than verbally telling someone in passing. Check your insurance coverage and park security incase of emergency when you are not on the park. WE operate an emergency call out service for static caravan owners in the North West and North Wales which you can contact directly on 0300 124 6982. We're also proud to be one of the very few static caravan repair and maintenance specialists in the North West and North Wales that are fully insurance backed and approved.




Can I Get a Professional to Handle My Drain Down?




Absolutely! If you’d rather leave it to an expert, our certified technicians can perform a full winterisation. We handle everything from gas disconnections to plumbing and electrical safety checks. Call us at 0300 124 6982 to book your drain down service.




Static Caravan Winterisation Checklist




  • Clean and disinfect surfaces

  • Remove food and valuables

  • Prevent damp by storing soft furnishings securely

  • Turn off electricity and gas

  • Drain all pipes and pour anti-freeze

  • Clean and wax the roof and exterior

  • Lock all windows and doors

  • Inform your holiday park




FAQs About Static Caravan Winterising & Drain Downs




Q - What happens if I skip a drain down?
A - You risk freezing pipes and additional damage beyond that such as flooding out and damp, which can burst and cause extensive water damage. It may also void your insurance.


Q - Can a professional perform the drain down for me?
A - Yes, our certified of insurance approved static caravan maintenance and repair specialists can handle all aspects of winterisation. Contact us on 0300 124 6982 for more information.


Q - Do I need to disconnect my gas?
A - Yes, disconnecting and storing your gas safely is crucial for winterisation. Switch it off at the ECV valve and never disturb your pipe work. We are gas safe and can handle any issues on site with gas at the time should one occur. Take extra precaution and only attempt to switch off your gas supply if it's safe to do so.


Q - How can I prevent damp over winter?
A - Moving soft furnishings to the room centre and storing bedding in vacuum-sealed bags helps minimise dampness.


Q - Will my insurance cover winter damage if I don’t drain down?
A - Many policies require winter preparation, so neglecting it may void your coverage.


Q - How do I know if my pipes are completely drained?
A - Run taps until they stop and add anti-freeze to prevent any residual water from freezing.


Q - Can I leave some food items in my caravan?
A - Perishables should be removed to avoid attracting pests. Non-perishables should be stored with care.


Q - Should I let the park know I’ve winterised?
A - Yes, notifying park management ensures they’re aware of your preparation and can keep an eye on your caravan.




Preparing your static caravan for winter ensures a smooth reopening in spring. Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard—book your drain down with Happy Camper and enjoy peace of mind knowing your holiday home is protected.




Other pages you may be interested in




Static Caravan Drain Down North Wales

Static Caravan Drain Down Book Online

Static Caravan Drain Down




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