Let’s Talk About Camco Blow Out Plug
The Camco Blow Out Plug is a simple yet essential tool for anyone who owns an RV or boat. Designed by Camco, this little device promises to completely clear water lines, preventing damage from freezing during winter storage or disuse. For a mere $3.95, it’s a potentially huge money-saver.
My reason for looking into this product stems from a near-disaster last winter. I failed to properly winterize my travel trailer, and a small section of pipe burst. The resulting water damage was a headache and a costly repair. This year, I vowed to do things right, and the Camco Blow Out Plug seemed like a vital piece of the puzzle.
Upon opening the small plastic bag containing the plug, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It’s a solid, seemingly durable brass fitting with a standard male garden hose thread on one end and an air valve stem (like you’d find on a tire) on the other. It’s small and lightweight, which is exactly what I want from something like this.
I considered a few alternatives, including more elaborate winterizing kits that include antifreeze and pumps. Ultimately, I opted for the Camco Blow Out Plug because of its straightforwardness and the fact that I already owned an air compressor. It seemed like the most efficient and cost-effective solution for my needs.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It’s a very basic tool. I hoped its simplicity would translate to reliability and effectiveness.
Real-World Testing: Putting Camco Blow Out Plug to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Camco Blow Out Plug took place in my driveway as I prepared my RV for winter storage. I connected the plug to the city water inlet on my RV, opened all the faucets and low point drains, and then attached my air compressor. The process was surprisingly simple.
The air compressor hissed to life, and I could immediately hear air rushing through the RV’s plumbing. Water began to sputter and spray from the open faucets, followed by a steady stream of air. It was very satisfying to see the water being forced out. I continued the process until only air was coming out of all the fixtures.
The Camco Blow Out Plug performed flawlessly during this initial test. There were no leaks or issues with the connection. I did have to experiment with the air pressure to find the right balance. Too much pressure felt risky, while too little wasn’t effective at clearing the lines.
Extended Use & Reliability
I’ve now used the Camco Blow Out Plug twice – once for winterizing and once for de-winterizing in the spring. Both times, it has performed exactly as expected. It’s a no-frills tool that does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
After several months in storage, the plug shows no signs of wear or tear. The brass is still bright and shiny. The air valve stem is still in perfect condition. Given its solid construction, I expect it to last for many years.
Maintenance is non-existent. There is really nothing to clean or maintain. I just wipe it down with a cloth before storing it away. This simple tool has far exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Camco Blow Out Plug
Specifications
- The Camco Blow Out Plug features solid brass construction for durability and resistance to corrosion. Brass is an excellent choice for plumbing fittings, ensuring a long lifespan.
- It uses standard male garden hose threads for easy connection to city water inlets on RVs and boats. This universal thread size makes it compatible with virtually any RV or boat.
- It incorporates an air valve stem for connection to an air compressor. This is a standard Schrader valve, the same type used on car tires, making it easy to use with any common air compressor.
- The plug is designed to operate with a maximum air pressure of 40 PSI. It is important not to exceed this pressure to avoid damaging the RV’s plumbing.
The specifications are simple, but they are perfectly suited for the task at hand. The brass construction ensures longevity, while the standard fittings make it universally compatible. The pressure rating is a crucial safety feature.
Performance & Functionality
The Camco Blow Out Plug performs its primary function – clearing water lines – exceptionally well. When used correctly, it effectively removes water from the plumbing system, minimizing the risk of freezing damage.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. There are no complicated procedures or adjustments required. Simply connect, open the faucets, and apply air pressure. Its weakness, if any, is that it requires an air compressor, which some RV owners may not have readily available.
The Camco Blow Out Plug meets and exceeds my expectations. It’s a reliable and effective tool for winterizing my RV.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Camco Blow Out Plug is incredibly basic, but functional. The solid brass construction feels robust.
It is a lightweight and compact tool. There is virtually no learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Camco Blow Out Plug’s solid brass construction ensures excellent durability. With proper care, it should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe down after each use is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Camco Blow Out Plug doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options available or needed. Its simplicity is part of its appeal.
It is compatible with any standard air compressor and any RV or boat with a standard garden hose threaded city water inlet. This makes it universally applicable.
Pros and Cons of Camco Blow Out Plug
Pros
- Extremely affordable: At under $4, it’s a small investment that can prevent costly damage.
- Simple and easy to use: Requires no special skills or tools beyond an air compressor.
- Durable brass construction: Built to last for many years of reliable service.
- Effective at clearing water lines: Significantly reduces the risk of freezing damage.
- Universally compatible: Works with any RV or boat with a standard city water inlet.
Cons
- Requires an air compressor, which may not be readily available to all users.
- Maximum pressure of 40 PSI requires careful monitoring to avoid damage.
Who Should Buy Camco Blow Out Plug?
The Camco Blow Out Plug is perfect for RV owners, boat owners, and anyone with seasonal plumbing systems that need to be winterized. It’s especially beneficial for those who live in areas with freezing temperatures.
Those who should skip this product might include people who live in year-round warm climates where winterizing is not necessary. Also, individuals who prefer to use antifreeze as their primary winterizing method might not find this product essential, although it can still be a useful supplement.
A must-have accessory for the Camco Blow Out Plug is a reliable air compressor with an adjustable pressure regulator. It’s also a good idea to have a pressure gauge handy to ensure that you don’t exceed the recommended 40 PSI.
Conclusion on Camco Blow Out Plug
The Camco Blow Out Plug is a surprisingly effective and incredibly affordable tool for winterizing RVs and boats. Its simple design and durable construction make it a reliable choice for anyone looking to protect their plumbing from freezing damage.
The price of $3.95 is more than justified. The potential savings from preventing burst pipes far outweigh the minimal cost of the plug.
I would absolutely recommend the Camco Blow Out Plug to any RV or boat owner looking for an easy and effective way to winterize their plumbing system. It’s a small investment that can provide significant peace of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get a Camco Blow Out Plug and protect your investment today!