How to Winterise Your Country Comfort Water Heater to Prevent Frost Damage

As the days get shorter and the chill starts to bite, many Australian campers and outdoor enthusiasts begin packing away their gear for the season. Or, if you are braving the cold for some winter camping, you are likely preparing for frosty mornings. Whether you are storing your gear or using it year-round, one critical maintenance task often overlooked until it is too late is winterising your portable hot water system.

Your portable water heater is an investment in comfort. There is nothing worse than pulling your unit out for the first spring trip, hooking it up, and finding water spraying out of a cracked pipe. Learning how to winterise a portable water heater is a simple, quick process that can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs or replacement costs.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the exact steps to prevent frost damage in water heaters, ensuring your Country Comfort unit stays in pristine condition, ready for your next adventure.

Understanding the Risk: Why Frost is the Enemy

It is easy to underestimate the Australian winter. While we might not have the deep freezes of Europe or North America, many parts of Australia, from the Alpine regions and Tasmania to inland deserts and even rural NSW and Victoria, experience overnight temperatures that drop well below freezing.

The science behind the damage is simple but destructive. When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%. Inside the copper pipes and delicate internal components of a portable water heater, there is very little room for this expansion. If water remains in the unit when the mercury drops, the expanding ice acts like a slow-motion explosion. It can split copper heat exchangers, crack regulator assemblies, and burst seals.

Frost damage is not covered under warranty, as it is considered a maintenance issue. This makes winter maintenance for Country Comfort water heaters absolutely vital for every owner.

Signs Your Heater Might Have Frost Damage

If you didn't winterise your unit last year, how do you know if it's damaged? Common signs include:

• Water is leaking from the bottom of the unit when the water source is turned on.

• The unit ignites, but the water pressure is significantly lower than usual.

• Visible bulging or cracks in the copper pipes (if you open the casing).

To avoid this scenario entirely, let’s look at how to prevent it.

Essential Tools for Winterising

You don't need a workshop full of tools to get this job done. You likely have everything you need in your camping kit or garage.

• Adjustable Wrench or Spanner: To disconnect gas and water hoses safely.

• A Bucket: To catch draining water if you are doing this indoors.

• Compressed Air (Optional but Recommended): A small air compressor or even a can of compressed air can help blow out stubborn water droplets.

• Storage Bag: A quality bag or box to keep dust and critters out.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Winterise Your Country Comfort Water Heater

Follow these steps carefully to ensure every drop of water is removed from the system.

Step 1: Disconnect Everything

Safety first. Ensure the gas bottle is turned off completely. Disconnect the gas regulator hose from the heater unit. Next, turn off your water source (whether it's a mains tap or a 12v pump) and disconnect the water inlet hose. Finally, remove the shower hose from the water outlet.

Safety Tip: Always store your gas bottles separately in a well-ventilated area, never inside a sealed container with the heater.

Step 2: Gravity is Your Friend

The simplest way to remove the bulk of the water is by gravity.

1. Take the unit to a suitable drainage area.

2. Turn the temperature and water flow dials to the "Min" and "Max" positions, respectively, to open up the internal valves as much as possible.

3. Unscrew the drainage valve (often a small black cap or plug) located at the bottom of the unit.

4. Tilt the unit back and forth, and side to side. You will see water trickling out. Continue this until the flow stops.

Step 3: Flush the System

Simply draining the unit via gravity might leave small pockets of water in the bends of the copper coils. These small pockets are often where the damage occurs.

• The "Blow Out" Method: If you have access to an air compressor, set it to a low pressure (do not use high pressure as it may damage sensors). Blow air into the water inlet valve. This will force any remaining water out through the outlet and drainage valve.

• The Lung Method: If you are out bush and don't have a compressor, you can try blowing into the inlet valve yourself, though this is less effective than compressed air.

Step 4: Disconnect and Dry Accessories

Don't forget the accessories. Water can freeze inside your shower head and hose, causing them to split.

• Disconnect the shower rose from the hose.

• Shake the hose vigorously to remove all water.

• Open the shower head (if applicable) or shake it out to ensure it is dry.

• Check the washers and O-rings. Winter is a great time to inspect these for wear and tear. If they look perished or cracked, add them to your spring shopping list.

Step 5: Seal and Protect

Once you are confident the unit is bone dry, replace the drainage valve cap. Do not over-tighten it; finger-tight is usually sufficient.

Now, it is time to pack it away. We highly recommend using a protective cover for storage or a padded carry bag. This serves two purposes:

1. It provides a layer of insulation against extreme temperature fluctuations.

2. It stops insects, spiders, and mud wasps from nesting inside the gas burners or vents, a common cause of ignition failure after long periods of storage.

Step 6: Store in a Dry Location

Where you keep the unit is just as important as how you prep it.

• Avoid: Damp garden sheds where moisture can corrode the battery box contacts.

• Avoid: Leaving it mounted permanently on the side of a camper trailer without a cover, exposed to the elements.

• Ideal: Store inside your home, garage, or caravan in a dry cupboard.

Specific Tips for Winter Camping

If you aren't packing up for the season but are actually using your heater during winter trips, you need to be extra vigilant.

The Golden Rule of Winter Camping:
Never leave water in the unit overnight if temperatures are expected to drop near freezing.

It takes very little time for the small volume of water in the heat exchanger to freeze. If you are camping in frost-prone areas:

1. Disconnect the water and gas each night before you go to bed.

2. Drain the unit completely using the gravity method mentioned above.

3. Bring the unit inside your tent, caravan, or vehicle for the night. The ambient temperature inside will keep it safe.

4. Re-connect it in the morning for your hot shower.

It might seem like a hassle to do this every evening, but it is far better than waking up to a burst heater and no hot water for the rest of your trip.

Why Country Comfort Water Heaters are Built for Durability

While no water heater is immune to physics and freezing water, Country Comfort water heaters are designed with the rugged Australian environment in mind. We use high-quality copper internals and robust commercial-grade components that offer superior longevity compared to cheaper alternatives.

However, even the toughest equipment needs care. By following this maintenance routine, you ensure that your unit remains efficient and safe. Proper maintenance also helps you retain your unit's resale value should you ever decide to upgrade.

Common Winterisation Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, we have seen it all. Here are a few "don'ts" to keep in mind:

• Don't rely on "Insulation only": Wrapping a towel around a water-filled heater won't prevent it from freezing if the temperature drops low enough for long enough. Draining is the only 100% effective method.

• Don't use anti-freeze: Unlike car radiators or large RV plumbing systems, you should not pump automotive anti-freeze into a portable shower unit that you use for bathing. It is toxic and difficult to fully flush out.

• Don't forget the batteries: If you are storing the unit for months, remove the D-cell batteries. Batteries can leak over time, corroding the terminals and ruining the ignition box.

Taking 10 minutes to winterise your portable water heater is one of the smartest things you can do as an owner. It prevents frost damage and ensures that, when the first warm weekend of spring arrives, your gear is ready to go immediately.

Remember to prevent frost damage in water heaters by draining, drying, and storing themcorrectly. It is a small effort for a lot of peace of mind.

Ready to protect your water heater this winter? Follow our guide and explore our range of accessories to keep your unit in top condition!