How to Service and Winterise a Static Caravan

Keep your static caravan safe, warm and ready for every holiday. This guide covers the annual service checks every owner should make, how to stop damp, and how to winterise and drain down a static caravan before the park closes for winter.

1. Why Servicing and Winterising a Static Caravan Matters

A static caravan isn’t built like a bricks-and-mortar house. The walls are thinner and the pipework is more exposed. The caravan also sits empty for weeks at a time over winter. On the Lincolnshire coast, cold snaps and wind off the North Sea can freeze any water left in the system overnight.

Regular servicing and winterising help to:

Prevent burst pipes and water damage when temperatures drop
Spot damp early, before it spreads into wall panels and flooring
Keep gas and electrical appliances working safely
Protect your insurance cover, as many policies exclude frost damage if the caravan wasn’t drained down
Keep the resale value up when you come to sell or upgrade

Most owners book an annual service before the season starts and winterise the caravan when the park closes. For year-round care between those two jobs, take a look at our guide to static caravan maintenance.

2. Check the Exterior, Roof and Seals

Start every service with a slow walk around the outside of your caravan. The exterior takes the brunt of coastal weather, and most damp problems start with a failed seal.

Look for:

Cracks, dents or lifting panels
Perished or gappy window and door seals
Blocked or loose guttering
Signs of water getting in around roof joints and corners
Damaged skirting, which can let wind and animals under the caravan

Clean the guttering and re-seal any small gaps with a caravan-appropriate sealant. Anything structural, or anything on the roof, is best left to a professional.

3. Check the Chassis, Axle Stands and Levelling

Unlike a touring caravan, a static caravan stays put on its pitch. Even so, the chassis and supports still need an annual check. Ground movement, especially after a wet winter, can put the caravan slightly out of level. That causes sticking doors, cracked panels and water pooling on the roof.

Check that:

Axle stands and corner steadies are secure and sitting firmly on their pads
There is no heavy rust on the chassis rails
Doors and windows open and close smoothly, which is a quick sign the caravan is still level
The skirting is intact and ventilation gaps are clear

If the caravan looks out of level, ask your park team to re-level it rather than adjusting the stands yourself.

4. Book a Gas Safety Check

Your cooker, heater, water heater and central heating (if fitted) all run on gas, so gas safety is the most important part of any static caravan service.

An annual gas safety check should be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It will usually include:

Checking pipework and connections for leaks
Testing the hob, oven, fire and boiler or water heater
Checking flues and ventilation are clear
Making sure safety devices and regulators are working correctly

Never block the fixed ventilation grilles in your caravan, even in winter. They are there to keep you safe.

5. Test the Electrics and Safety Alarms

Next, check the electrical system and safety equipment:

Test the RCD (trip switch) using its test button
Check sockets, switches and lighting for faults or scorch marks
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries where needed
Check that the fire extinguisher is in date and the fire blanket is accessible

Any electrical repairs or upgrades should be carried out by a qualified electrician.

6. How to Stop Damp in a Static Caravan

Damp is the most common problem found during a static caravan service, and it is much easier to prevent than to fix. It usually comes from two sources: water getting in through a failed seal, or condensation building up inside.

Signs of damp to look out for:

Soft, spongy or discoloured wall panels, especially under windows
A musty smell when you first open up the caravan
Black mould spots in corners, wardrobes or behind furniture
Bubbling wallpaper or lifting panel edges

How to stop condensation in a static caravan

Open windows and use extractor fans when cooking or showering
Leave interior doors, wardrobes and cupboards slightly open to let air circulate
Avoid drying washing indoors
Use a moisture trap or dehumidifier crystals when the caravan is closed up

If you find a soft patch, report it early. Damp caught quickly is usually a simple re-seal. Damp left over winter can mean replacing panels.

7. How to Winterise a Static Caravan

When the season ends, your caravan needs to be shut down properly. Winterising a static caravan protects it from frost, damp and pests while it stands empty, and it is usually a condition of your insurance.

Plan to winterise before the first hard frost. For most owners that means as soon as your park closes for the season. Your park team can confirm this season’s closing date.

How to drain down a static caravan for winter

Draining down removes all the water from the pipes, taps, boiler or water heater and toilet, so there is nothing left to freeze and split the pipework. The exact process varies by manufacturer, so always check your caravan’s handbook first. A typical drain-down looks like this:

Turn off the water supply at the stopcock and switch off the water heater or boiler.
Open all hot and cold taps, including the shower, and leave them open.
Open the drain valves, usually found under the caravan or near the water heater, and let the system empty completely.
Flush the toilet until the cistern is empty, then hold the flush open to drain any remaining water.
Drain the water heater or boiler using its drain valve, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Blow through the pipes with a low-pressure air pump if recommended for your model, to clear any water trapped in low points.
Leave the taps open over winter so any water left in the system can expand without splitting the pipes.

Leave a note on the sink to remind yourself, or the park team, that the caravan has been drained down.

How to drain down a static caravan with central heating

If your caravan has a wet central heating system, it needs extra care. Some systems are filled with antifreeze and don’t need draining. Others must be drained along with the water system. Check your handbook or ask a qualified engineer, as draining a heating system incorrectly can damage the boiler.

How to stop static caravan pipes freezing

Draining down is the only reliable way to stop static caravan pipes freezing over winter. If you plan to use the caravan during a cold snap before the park closes:

Lag any exposed pipework under the caravan
Keep the heating on a low, frost-protection setting while you’re there
Keep the skirting intact so cold wind can’t reach the pipes underneath
Drain down again before you leave if frost is forecast

How to shut down a static caravan for winter

Once the water system is drained, finish the shutdown:

Empty the fridge and freezer, clean them and leave the doors propped open
Remove all food, including sealed tins and dry goods, which can attract mice
Take soft furnishings, bedding and towels home, or store them in sealed vacuum bags
Turn off the gas at the bottle or supply, and switch off the electricity at the mains
Close curtains or blinds to keep your caravan private and protect furnishings from sunlight
Lock all windows, doors and external storage, and take valuables home

8. Draining Down Yourself vs Using the Park Service

Many owners are happy to drain down themselves once they have been shown how. Others prefer the peace of mind of letting a professional do it, especially if they live some distance from the coast.

Doing it yourself costs nothing but your time. Booking a drain-down through the park or a local engineer usually carries a small fee, and you know it has been done properly. Ask your park team what options are available.

9. Getting Your Static Caravan Ready for Spring

When the park reopens, reverse the winter shutdown:

Close all taps and drain valves before turning the water back on
Turn on the water slowly and check under the caravan and around fittings for leaks
Turn on the gas and electricity, then test every appliance
Air the caravan thoroughly and check for any signs of damp or pests
Book your annual gas safety check before your first stay if it isn’t already done

10. How Long Does a Static Caravan Last?

A well looked after static caravan can last 20 years or more. How long it can stay on its pitch, though, depends on your park’s rules and the site licence. Regular servicing and correct winterising are what keep a caravan in good condition across that lifespan. They also protect its value when you decide to upgrade or sell.

If you’re thinking ahead, our guide to the best time to sell a static caravan explains how condition, age and the time left on your licence affect the price you achieve.

Why Regular Servicing Matters

Servicing and winterising your static caravan each year is the simplest way to protect your holiday home, keep your family safe and avoid costly surprises in spring. A few hours at the end of each season means you can arrive next year, turn the key and start your holiday straight away.

If you’re thinking about ownership, browse our static caravans for sale in Lincolnshire or read our guide on how to buy a static caravan. You can also find out how to insure your static caravan, including what cover you need over the closed season.

Summary

Servicing a static caravan means checking the exterior, seals, chassis, gas, electrics and safety alarms every year, and dealing with damp early. Winterising it means draining down the water system, shutting off the gas and electricity, and clearing out food and soft furnishings before the park closes.

Explore our holiday parks in Ingoldmells and our quieter holiday parks in Chapel St Leonards. If you have questions about looking after your holiday home, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to drain down a static caravan?

Draining down yourself costs nothing but your time. A professional drain-down arranged through your park or a local engineer usually costs a modest fixed fee, which varies by park and caravan. It’s worth asking your park team what they charge before the season ends.

Do I need to drain down my static caravan?

Yes, if the caravan will be left empty over winter. Water left in the pipes can freeze, expand and split the pipework or damage the boiler. Most insurers also exclude frost damage if the caravan wasn’t drained down.

When should I winterise my static caravan?

Winterise your static caravan as soon as you’ve finished using it for the season, and before the first hard frost. For most owners that is when the park closes, typically in late autumn.

Do you need to drain static caravan central heating in winter?

It depends on the system. Some wet central heating systems contain antifreeze and should not be drained. Others must be drained down along with the water system. Check your handbook or ask a qualified engineer.

Can you leave bedding in a caravan over winter?

It’s best not to. Bedding, cushions and towels can absorb moisture and develop mould or attract pests. Take them home or store them in sealed vacuum bags.

How can I keep my static caravan warm in winter?

If your park allows winter use, keep the heating on a low setting and close curtains in the evening to keep heat in. Draught-proof doors and windows, and check that the skirting is intact. Good insulation and double glazing make the biggest difference over time.