Toilet question

IMO, they have diluted the so-called -20F washer fluid to the point where it is not much better than colored water. We have it freeze up in our vehicles' windshield washers all the time, at temps well above 0F. I now use the purple "-35F" stuff; how long till they dilute that too. :)

bb_94401, thanks for the info. Those of us with septic tanks will find this kind of info very valuable.

Wayne

Reddog1 wrote:
Is the washer fluid any more harmful to septic systems than regular RV anti-freeze?

Wayne

Neither one is particularly harmful to a septic system under the conditions most would use. The sludge in the bottom has bacteria that can utilize either methanol or propylene glycol as a carbon source for energy. Most of the biodegradation of these two chemicals would occur in the drainfield soil where bacteria near the top and deep in the soil. Degradation rate depends on many factors, but you'd be hard pressed to find these in the soil come spring time.

For example, dumping 20 gallons of black tank liquid containing 1:1 diluted washer fluid (~20-25% methanol) into my small 1000 gallon septic tank dilutes the methanol to 0.4-0.5% by volume where it would have minimal effect on the bacteria in the septic tank or drainfield. Typically for methanol to prevent bacterial growth requires concentrations above 10% by volume. To kill bacteria usually requires concentration in the greater than the 30-50% methanol range (depending on the microorganism). Septic tank volume turns over every one to two weeks depending on the size of the household and water availability, so these very water soluble chemicals are rapidly dispersed and degraded.

Had cassette toilet in previous small camper, hated it. Side on top never shut completely so when you lift it too clear tab that hooks it in place and it's very full.......Well, not very sanitary. Pulling tank to winterize was a pain to drain the fill level tube and be sure the stool line was empty and had antifreeze in it. We just user wag bags when took cold and call it good. No muss, no fuss and no worries. JMPO

I use the Cleanwaste dry waste system and have had no problems what so ever.If you already have the toilet it would be a breeze to use. I only use this as a "night time" solution when I am too cold or lazy to make the hike to the CG rest room, but have never had a problem. It might be worth a try. Pretty cheap experiment.

Is the washer fluid any more harmful to septic systems than regular RV anti-freeze?

Wayne

Drain valves are in my heated basement, easy to open and are about 1.5 feet from the outlet.

KOA site for Revelstoke shows May 1 to Oct 1. Still worth a call.

2x the comment to use generous amounts of blue windshield washer / de-icer, if you go that route. It doesn't protect well if diluted too much.

We have lots of -20F washer fluid (~ 37% % methanol) in the stores around here. As can be seen below once diluted 1:1 it only protects to 10F; a 1:2 dilution only protects to ~20F



Once in BC or Alberta, we usually stop by Canadian Tire and pickup a gallon or two of the -45C (-50F) washer fluid (~ 50% methanol) for the truck wiper system.

If you use that in your toilet / black tank, it gives you a little more room prior to freezing as seen below.

Mike Hohnstein wrote:
Dealt with winter/RV/toilet issues for years. Flush liberally with blue windshield washer fluid, plastic 5 gallon bucket fits under the termination outlet, couple three trips to the road side bath room takes care of things. Works for me with the truck camper and the motor homes I've owned.

Thought of that as well, would save looking for a dump station.

Dealt with winter/RV/toilet issues for years. Flush liberally with blue windshield washer fluid, plastic 5 gallon bucket fits under the termination outlet, couple three trips to the road side bath room takes care of things. Works for me with the truck camper and the motor homes I've owned.

I would love a cassette toilet as for what I use the tcer for it would be ideal, problem is the conversion to a cassette would be a lot of work. NL is now offering a cassette option on new units..... if I upgrade I know what I will get.

Another option is a Natures Head composting toilet. The company emailed me saying it would work in a wet bath.