Automotive vs. RV antifreeze

Go with the RV Antifreeze

OK, so it is a small amount but what happens if we all start using it in small amounts as a way to dump some leftover automotive anti-freeze. I think the issue is that a lot of small amounts a big amount makes and once you get started it may continue and then a problem pops up. So points well taken but it is not a very good idea to do it.

Got er solved for ya. Since cash is no biggie may I suggest you buy about three 1/2 gallons of Vodka and pour er in the traps. Should work A O K? Belive it or not I winterized my boats water system with it for 10 years or more. Come spring I'd pour about three galls of orange juice in the fresh water tank and call all my pals for a boat waxing party.

Grandpere wrote:

Y-Guy wrote:
Scott you are completely wrong. From the EPA, "Antifreeze is toxic to humans and animals. Waste antifreeze contains heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium in high enough levels to potentially make it a regulated hazardous waste, so most states strictly regulate antifreeze disposal."

Do you want that stuff in your water system or environment? It is totally irresponsible to dump any amount down the sewer.

I did not know that, that is why I asked. I will be using RV antifreeze and hope for the best.

Keep in mind RV "antifreeze" actually will freeze to some extent. It will turn to a mush at about -20*F and to a solid at about-50*F in full concentration. It will freeze at higher temperatures when mixed with water.

The big difference between RV antifreeze and water is that the RV antifreeze doesn't expand when it freezes. Most damage is done when water expands and breaks things as it freezes.

We've been using RV antifreeze in full concentration in fresh water lines and P traps for many years. The coldest it gets around us is -30*F and that's unusual.

Dale.Traveling wrote:
A quiet, sensible voice in the crowd.

Another option would be to use a vacuum cleaner, reversing the hose, and blow out the traps. Dewater the coach, potable and waste.

Now a new question - are the chemicals sold to hide tank orders safe for the environment?

If you empty the p-traps, be sure and use the stoppers. Smells from gray tank will permeate the RV.

Formaldehyde for instance dumped in sewers?

And don't forget those outside shower fixtures.........

If you blow out your lines. Why not empty your holding tanks & buy a gallon of RV antifreeze is cheap . Put a small amout in your traps, Don't forget the your Trap on your close washer. AND FORGET IT. Did this for years .

OK, I bought some RV antifreeze from Walmart supposedly good to -50 degrees. I hope it will be that good, last thing I need is busted pipes. Thanks all for your input.

naturist wrote:
$12-$15 a gallon vs. $2-$4 a gallon . . . seems like a no-brainer to me.

Yeah - really don't understand the debate. I get the Wal*Mart brand for $3.47 per gallon, pre-mixed ("diluted" if you prefer). I've been using it for years in my pool because it's half the cost of stuff labeled "pool antifreeze" (which is the same thing). Good to -50F. Why mess around with automotive stuff?

To ScottG, Redguard and dcbrewer. I hope you have read at least the messages here and have changed your mind about deposing of toxic chemicals(anti-freeze included) and protecting our underground water supplies. I remember when everyone buried gas and diesel tanks because that was the "right" thing to do. Now communities are spending Millions to mitigate contaminated water supplies from those underground tanks.

Grandpere.. Perhaps you have a different supplier of RV type antifreeze than the rest of us. All rv type that I have seen is sold as UN diluted and rated as
-50 or -20 . so using 2 cups or so in each trap will give you adequate protection. A gallon might last you 2 or 3 years . Try sourcing your purchase at home improvement stores, hardware stores, convenience stores and the usual wal Mart and K mart . Good luck . BTW around my neck of the woods the RV stuff
is about 4 bucks a gal