A static caravan drain down is a cold-weather protection process for the water system when a caravan will be left unused. The right timing and method depend on the caravan, its appliances, park rules, insurer and manufacturer instructions. Do not treat a generic online checklist as a substitute for the exact system guidance or qualified help.
Safety comes first
Do not remove a gas-appliance casing, alter an LPG connection, work on a flue or attempt repairs from an online guide. For a gas smell or suspected carbon-monoxide concern, leave the area and use the correct emergency route for the fuel supplier or emergency service.
What a static caravan drain down is — and is not
A drain down is intended to reduce the risk of water freezing in parts of a caravan's water system while it is unused. It is not a universal maintenance recipe, a gas-safety check or proof that every appliance is protected.
Static caravans, lodge-style units and park homes can have different plumbing layouts, heating arrangements and park requirements. Check the appliance manuals, the park agreement and the insurer's wording for your own unit before deciding what is needed.
Questions to answer before the caravan is left unused
Start with the information that is specific to your caravan and agreement. A park may have its own winterisation, access and inspection rules. An insurer may set conditions for periods when the caravan is vacant. These are practical checks, not assumptions BPCE can make for another operator or policy.
- Will the caravan be occupied, heated or vacant during the colder period?
- What do the park agreement and the caravan insurer say about winter protection and access?
- Which water-heating and space-heating appliances are fitted, and what do their user instructions require?
- Who is responsible for any work on the water system, LPG supply or appliance controls?
Keep the safety boundary clear
Do not remove a gas-appliance casing, alter an LPG connection, touch a flue, adjust boiler pressure or drain a sealed glycol heating system on the strength of generic advice. Those tasks need the right competence for the equipment and the work involved.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas-related emergency, leave the area, avoid flames and electrical switches, and use the emergency contact for the LPG supplier, bulk vessel or cylinder supplier. The natural-gas emergency number is not a substitute for the correct LPG emergency route.
Useful evidence to keep with the caravan
A short written record can make a later conversation clearer. Keep the appliance make and model, the relevant user manuals, any park instructions, insurer correspondence and the date any specialist work was completed. This is useful information; it is not a promise that a particular repair or service will be available.
Questions people ask
When should a static caravan be drained down?
The timing depends on when the caravan will be unused, the park's requirements, the insurer's policy wording and the appliance or system instructions. Some insurers publish winter guidance, but you should follow the requirements that apply to your own caravan and policy rather than a generic date.
Does a drain down replace a gas-safety check or appliance service?
No. A water-system winterisation decision, a gas-safety check and an appliance service are different activities. The correct scope, record and person responsible depend on the caravan, its use and the work being considered.
Can I work on the LPG appliances or heating system myself?
Do not use a generic web guide to open a gas appliance, work on LPG connections, alter a flue, change pressure or drain a sealed heating system. Check the exact appliance instructions and use someone competent for the relevant equipment and task.
Sources used for this guide
- Leisuredays: winter drain-down guidance for static-caravan policyholders
- Gas Safe Register: gas safety for motorhomes and caravans
- Gas Safe Register: what to do in a gas emergency
Published and last substantively updated: 26 October 2026. External sources are provided for context; always follow the exact instructions and terms that apply to your own equipment, site and agreement.