RV Low Point Drain Hack That Saves Time and Hassle (And Costs Less Than $12)

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If you’ve ever winterized or de-winterized your RV, or just drained the system after a trip, you know that this involves your low point drains and requires tools and time to remove the plugs. After a few times of crawling under your RV and fumbling with the drain caps, it starts to feel like there must be a better way.

There is. This simple, 2-minute modification swaps the screw-off caps on your low point drains for small ball valves, letting you open and close the drains with a quick turn of the handle.

Why this hack is worth doing

This change eliminates the need for tools every time you drain your lines. It can save time during seasonal maintenance, make it much easier to purge stale water between trips, and, if needed, it’s also a quick way to drop a bit of water weight before hitting the road.

This really should just be a standard feature on all RVs, but that’s RV manufacturing for ya.

Credit for this hack goes out to Ross at the RV Tips & Travels YouTube channel. You can watch him quickly perform this modification in this short.

What you’ll need

• 1 × 1/2 inch NPT mini ball valve that matches your drain’s thread orientation (example: Beduan 1/2″ Mini Ball Valve, 316 stainless)
• PTFE thread tape
• Basic hand tools for removing the existing caps or plugs

Installing the Valves

Step 1 – Check your threads

Most RV low point drains use 1/2 inch NPT threads, but the exact setup can vary. Some rigs have a male threaded stub with a female cap, while others use the opposite. Confirm what you have before ordering to avoid getting the wrong valve or needing extra fittings.

Step 2 – Depressurize the system

Turn off the water pump and disconnect any city water connection. Open a faucet inside to relieve any remaining pressure in the lines.

Step 3 – Remove the existing cap or plug

Unscrew the cap or plug. Expect some water to drain out. If there’s a gasket behind the cap, set it aside.

Step 4 – Prep the valve

Wrap the male threads of your valve with two or three layers of PTFE tape.

Step 5 – Install the valve

Thread the valve on by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once it’s seated, use a wrench to snug it up (just enough to stop leaks).

Step 6 – Check for leaks

Reconnect your water source or turn on the pump, briefly pressurize the system, and check the valve area for drips. If you see any, shut off the water and snug the connection slightly.

Using your new low point drain valves

With the valves in place, draining your lines is as simple as turning the handles. Open both the hot and cold low point valves and open a faucet or two inside to let air in. This speeds up the process and helps the lines drain fully. You can do this during seasonal maintenance, after a trip to clear out old water, or anytime you want to reduce onboard weight.