RV water filters are easy to overlook during winterization. A cartridge and its housing can retain enough water to freeze, expand, crack the housing, damage seals, or contaminate the system when spring arrives.
Remove the cartridge
Shut off the water supply and relieve pressure before opening a filter housing. Remove the cartridge, drain the housing completely, and discard or store the cartridge according to the filter manufacturer’s instructions. Many used carbon cartridges should be replaced rather than stored for another season.
Use the correct bypass
If the system has a bypass plug, cap, or valve, install it before pumping RV antifreeze. This prevents the cartridge from absorbing antifreeze and keeps the housing from remaining full. Do not operate the water pump with an improperly sealed filter connection.
Inspect the housing and O-ring
Clean the bowl or housing, check for hairline cracks, and inspect the O-ring for flattening, cuts, or dryness. Use only lubricant approved for potable-water-system seals when the manufacturer recommends it.
Do not forget other filters
- Under-sink drinking-water filters
- Whole-coach canister systems
- Refrigerator and ice-maker filters
- External inline hose filters
- Water-pump strainers
Spring restart
Flush all antifreeze from the system, sanitize the freshwater plumbing, reinstall or replace cartridges, check housings for leaks under pressure, and record the installation date for future replacement.
Related RV water-system products
If your current housing or setup no longer meets your needs, see the TrailForge 2-Stage RV Water Filtration System or browse RV Water Systems. For everyday campground-water symptoms, read why campground water tastes bad.