When the temperatures drop, one of the biggest threats to any static caravan is frozen pipework. A single cold snap can cause water trapped within pipes to expand, split plastic fittings, and lead to costly repairs when spring returns. That’s why drain-downs are essential for every caravan owner—especially if your holiday home sits unused through the colder months.
Traditionally, a winter drain-down meant either paying a specialist or spending a long afternoon manually blowing water out of pipes. But in recent years, more owners have turned to a smarter, quicker, DIY-friendly solution: the Floe drain-down system.
In this post, we’ll explore what the Floe system is, how it works, and why it’s becoming a must-have tool for protecting static caravans.
What Is the Floe Drain-Down System?
The Floe system is a compact, pressurised unit designed to flush water out of a caravan’s plumbing system using controlled bursts of air. Instead of relying on gravity or manual pumping, the Floe system creates consistent air pressure that forces water from pipes, mixer taps, shower heads, and onboard appliances.
It’s designed to make the process simpler, quicker, and more thorough than traditional methods—and most importantly, it eliminates the guesswork of whether your system is fully empty.
Why Draining Down Matters
While caravans are built with holiday living in mind, their pipework is often more vulnerable than that of a brick-and-mortar home. Here’s why owners take drain-down seriously:
1. Prevents Frozen Pipes
Water expands as it freezes, which can easily crack:
Pipework
Tap cartridges
Toilet valves
Shower mixers
Water heaters
A single failed component can cause leaks and water damage once thawed.
2. Saves Money and Stress
Repairing freeze damage can cost hundreds—sometimes thousands—of pounds, especially if the issue goes unnoticed.
How the Floe System Works
The Floe system connects to your caravan’s water inlet or internal plumbing. Once fitted, you simply:
Switch off the water and open all taps.
Attach the Floe unit to your caravan’s inlet or a specific flushing point.
Run the system, letting controlled bursts of air push water out.
Work through each tap, one at a time, until only dry air emerges.
Flush toilet lines and showers, ensuring every part of the system is clear.
Most users report that a complete drain-down takes 20–40 minutes, far quicker than traditional methods.
Key Benefits of a Floe Drain-Down System
✔ Easy for static caravan owners
No specialist knowledge needed—just follow the instructions.
✔ Reusable year after year
A one-time purchase that quickly pays for itself compared to annual drain-down fees.
✔ More thorough than gravity draining
Air pressure removes lingering pockets of water that otherwise remain trapped.
✔ Great for all-season caravans
Even if you visit occasionally in winter, it’s easy to drain down after each stay.
✔ Safe for modern plumbing
The system uses controlled pressure designed specifically for static caravan pipework.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Open taps fully and switch mixers between hot and cold while flushing.
Don’t forget the shower head—water often collects in the hose.
Flush external water points, if fitted.
Remove water filters before using the Floe system.
Leave taps open after finishing, allowing ventilation.
Floe have some really helpful videos on their YouTube Channel.
We can supply and install Floe’s for our holiday home owners.
If you’re dreaming of caravan holidays surrounded by peaceful woodland, breathtaking views, and easy access to popular spots like Keswick, North Lakes is the ideal choice. As one of the most welcoming and well-equipped Lake District holiday parks, we offer the perfect mix of comfort, location, and lifestyle.
The best way to appreciate what makes our park so special is to see it for yourself. Browse our range of static caravans and luxury lodges currently available for sale, and when something catches your eye, contact our friendly team to arrange a viewing at a time that suits you. Your perfect holiday home in the Lake District could be just around the corner.
