January 7, 2025

How to Get Your Caravan Winter Ready

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Now we are approaching winter its time to think about draining down your holiday home for the colder months. This guide will explain the reasons why this is so important, and also offers a helpful guide on how to drain down your caravan/holiday home.

With winter on the horizon, temperatures are starting to drop.🥶 It is crucial to start planning now to prepare your holiday home against any potential damage from freezing temperatures.

If your holiday home is left unattended during the colder months, any liquid in pipes such as boilers and water systems, can freeze and may burst, causing irreversible damage. To prevent this we ask that you carry out a drain down procedure every time you go home in the cooler months.

What is a winter drain down?

A winter drain-down is a critical step in safeguarding your caravan against the harsh effects of freezing weather. It involves draining water systems to prevent pipes, fixtures, and appliances from freezing and potentially bursting. This simple but essential process can save you from costly repairs in the long run.

If you are a new holiday home owner this process might seem quite daunting, but don’t panic! Whether you are a seasoned pro, a new holiday home owner, or just need a refresher on the drain down method, we have created a helpful video (below) to walk you through the process. 

Why do I need to drain down my holiday home?

Draining down your caravan for winter is an important maintenance task to protect your caravan from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. Here are some key reasons why it’s necessary:

  • Freeze protection – Water left in the plumbing system of your caravan can freeze during cold winter weather. When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to burst pipes, damaged water pumps, and other plumbing components. This can result in costly repairs.
  • Avoiding mould and mildew – Standing water in your caravan’s water system can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause health issues and damage to the interior of your caravan. Draining the system helps prevent this.
  • Preventing damage to appliances – Water left in pipes and appliances like water heaters can freeze and cause damage. Additionally, some appliances may have water filters or components that can be adversely affected by freezing.
  • General maintenance – Winterizing your caravan is part of routine maintenance to keep it in good condition. It helps extend the lifespan of your caravan and ensures that it’s ready for use in the spring.

Please note this video is a guide and specifics may vary in your holiday home, if you have any questions please contact your park direct.

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Family owned and operated since 1956,
Holgates Family Group provided outstanding
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01524 701508
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Head Office
Holgates Caravan Parks, Middlebarrow
Plain, Cove Road, Silverdale,
Lancashire LA5 0SH

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