Holgates Squirrel

  Back to news

November 6, 2023

How to Get Your Caravan Winter Ready

Share

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.
  • Battery preservation -Many caravans have batteries that can be negatively impacted by extremely cold temperatures. Draining the caravan ensures that the water systems, which might be connected to the battery, are not exposed to freezing temperatures.
  • 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.

Recommended Reading

Holgates Ribble Valley Holiday Home Sale Show

Are you dreaming of owning your very own countryside retreat …

Read More
Family Holiday Ownership at Holgates Holiday Parks

Holiday Home Owners Share Their Holgates Parks Experience

This spring, we decided to get an insider perspective of …

Read More
lodge life - lodge ownership at Holgates

Lodge Life: Why Own a Luxury Lodge at Holgates Holiday Parks?

Lodge Life: Discover more about the benefits of owning a Luxury Lodge at a Holgates Holiday Parks. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own luxury lodge at Holgates.

Read More

Get social with Holgates

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest

Don't forget to get involved and tag us in your posts #MakeTheDiscovery

Book a holiday

Arrange a park visit

Get in touch

Holgates Family Group Logo

Family owned and operated since 1956,
Holgates Family Group provided outstanding
holiday parks and accommodation to enjoy our
natural locations throughout the year.

01524 701508
info@holgates.co.uk

Head Office
Holgates Caravan Parks, Middlebarrow
Plain, Cove Road, Silverdale,
Lancashire LA5 0SH

Sign up for latest news & offers