Holding tanks in cold weather

MitchF150 wrote:
I"m pretty sure JK was just talking about putting the windshield fluid in the holding tanks ONLY.. ;)

Mitch

First, folks need to know what they are doing/talking about before they give advice, Second, they need to be real clear when they give advice as to what they are saying. Third, windshield washer fluid is toxic....why get it anywhere near your rv....if you are winterizing properly using the pink stuff the issue is already resolved. No need for anything else.

wilcamp wrote:
I pour some RV antifreeze in each of the sink/shower drains, to fill the P-traps and run some into the gray-water tank(s). Another gallon goes down the toilet. I don't worry about the cost of RV antifreeze vs. blue windshield washer fluid, this is an affordable insurance policy against the cost of potential damage from freezing/thawing. This is part of the assumed cost of RV ownership and the protection of our investment in this form of recreation.

This is what I do. Just good insurance.

Use the pink stuff, the drain valves need to stay wet or the seals will leak later

When you put the pink stuff RV antifreeze in your into your water lines, enough will flow down the drains into your holding tanks. The real danger with freezing are the water lines since they have limited expansion capability. A holding tank with a little bit of water in it has a whole lot of expansion capability.

I"m pretty sure JK was just talking about putting the windshield fluid in the holding tanks ONLY.. ;)

Mitch

Never use toxic anti-freeze in your RV systems. The "pink stuff" is safe for drinking water systems and at only $3.47 a gallon at my local Walmart it would be cheap at twice the price vs. the cost of repairs caused by freezing....don't be a dummy...use the pink stuff.

CASE CLOSED !

I pour some RV antifreeze in each of the sink/shower drains, to fill the P-traps and run some into the gray-water tank(s). Another gallon goes down the toilet. I don't worry about the cost of RV antifreeze vs. blue windshield washer fluid, this is an affordable insurance policy against the cost of potential damage from freezing/thawing. This is part of the assumed cost of RV ownership and the protection of our investment in this form of recreation.

Whats it going to hurt leaving the black or gray tanks dry? Think about it, if the tank is cleaned its just a plastic tank setting around and it doesn't care if its wet or not. Whats leaving 2 or 10 gallons in a 50 gal gray tank going to do, sure if conditions are right the little bit of moisture might evaporate keeping the inside of the tank a little wet but without the right conditions there is a hole lot of plastic not touching the water.

As for leaving liquids in the tank if its not full say 1/2 full there is plenty of room for freezing water to expand so there won't be any problem. The problem can come from freezing around the gate valve as most tanks let water into the exit pipe, freezing here can damage the gate valve and even the sewer pipe when it expands. If you must keep some water in the tanks then add the appropriate amount of anti freeze. I say save your money and leave the tanks dry.

jk31668 wrote:
blue windshield washer fluid is cheaper and works the same

I wouldn't put it my water lines it's poison.

blue windshield washer fluid is cheaper and works the same