Automotive vs. RV antifreeze

RoadAbode wrote:
As we age we learn that the way we do some jobs change. We learn new ways to do old things. In the end, using the right product will be better for all.

So let's learn about why automotive antifreeze should not be put into our sewer systems or watersheds:
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. Antifreeze generators and state and local programs should not dump spent antifreeze on land or discharge it into a sanitary sewer, storm drain, ditch, dry well, or septic system; dumping antifreeze can cause serious water quality problems and might harm people, pets, or wildlife.

Is wastewater treated? Yes, it is treated in order to reduce the hazards of the infectious agents that are in it. Waste water is not treated with the intention of neutralizing industrial chemicals, and in fact, disposal of industrial chemicals will frequently cause harm to the equipment that is used to treat waste water.

It is very naive (and dangerous) to assume that all of our waste water treatment plants are set up to neutralize any substance that someone chooses to dump into a septic or sewer system.

Please remember that waste water that goes into a SEPTIC system is NOT treated, it is merely filtered through dirt. That filtration will NOT remove any kind of industrial chemicals.
Also keep in mind that runoff into storm sewers is usually not treated, it just runs into the nearest river or lake. So, whatever is dumped on the ground either winds up in the ground water or gets washed into the nearest body of surface water.
Waste that goes into a municipal sewer system IS treated. The treatment may involve nothing more than aeration,settling, and filtration, or it may include chemical decontamination for biologicals. It may or may not be able to deal with (neutralize or filter out) industrial chemicals or drugs.

Dr Quick wrote:
Since RV antifreeze is about 1/3 the cost of Vehicle antifreeze, WHY would even consider using it?

I asked because I cannot find the undiluted RV antifreeze I used in our TTs, and I was worried about this diluted stuff not keeping the p traps from freezing since the water in there will dilute the rv antifreeze even more.

Since RV antifreeze is about 1/3 the cost of Vehicle antifreeze, WHY would even consider using it?

Where I live, you are not allowed to dump any automotive antifreeze in storm drains or down your sink drain. Big fine if they catch you. As mentioned, not all treatment plants are capable of treating antifreeze. If in doubt, call your sewage treatment company and ask.

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.

AS mentioned the pink stuff is MUCH cheaper. And with it. Your traps will be in no danger at all. First it won't freeze solid and expand. Second. You quite possibly could do with out it any way, as expansion is what bursts the pipes, and with BOTH ends of the traps open. Whatever is in there will have room to expand into the empty pipes. Like everything in nature. Expansion follows the path of least resistance.

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

wa8yxm wrote:
Technically I guess you could but it would be better if you did not, Anything you can do to reduce the toxicity of your waste, epically when it cost less to do the right thing, is a good thing.

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?

RoadAbode wrote:
As we age we learn that the way we do some jobs change. We learn new ways to do old things. In the end, using the right product will be better for all.

So let's learn about why automotive antifreeze should not be put into our sewer systems or watersheds:
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. Antifreeze generators and state and local programs should not dump spent antifreeze on land or discharge it into a sanitary sewer, storm drain, ditch, dry well, or septic system; dumping antifreeze can cause serious water quality problems and might harm people, pets, or wildlife.

Is wastewater treated? Yes, it is treated in order to reduce the hazards of the infectious agents that are in it. Waste water is not treated with the intention of neutralizing industrial chemicals, and in fact, disposal of industrial chemicals will frequently cause harm to the equipment that is used to treat waste water.

It is very naive (and dangerous) to assume that all of our waste water treatment plants are set up to neutralize any substance that someone chooses to dump into a septic or sewer system.

While your information is accurate for waste antifreeze, it's less so when used in the application as stated. The absence of the heavy metals completely changes the situation. EG is completely bioderagable in a waste water treatment plant.

Automotive anti-freeze is the potion of choice of two ladies one from Alabama and the other from Georgia ....they got rid of their kin that way...a little insurance money...

oh those southern belles!!!

My thinking is the Rv park doesn't want the stuff in its septic system when you do to drain it .( they aren't treating it) PLUS The fact It cost more should be a non starter but I quess if thats all you have some think why drive to the store to get the Right stuff and do the job right?
Always enlightening to see all the opinions here. We humans truly get what we deserve :-/