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Sewer

SBrooks72
Explorer
Explorer
Hey all, I am on assignment in Louisville, Ky. My sewer line is frozen. Artic package my A**. Question: will antifreeze bust thru the ice and free it up? A fellow Rv'er on this and dear friend said salt would be worth a try but locals say it will ruin my holding tabks.
TIA,
Brooks
16 REPLIES 16

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
ECones wrote:
jfkmk wrote:
2oldman wrote:
No, but a well-placed hair dryer might 'unthaw' it.
Seems to me it's "unthawed" right now.
Nicely played ... LOL
Yes.
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SolidAxleDurang
Explorer
Explorer
When camping in freezing conditions, no tank valve (gray or black) should be left open. Only open the valve when the tank is full and ready to dump. Then ensure slickly hose is fully emptied (pickup to drain if necessary); then close valves again.
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ECones
Explorer
Explorer
jfkmk wrote:
2oldman wrote:
No, but a well-placed hair dryer might 'unthaw' it.


Seems to me it's "unthawed" right now.


Nicely played ... LOL

beemerphile1
Explorer
Explorer
Exactly where is it frozen? Are you using the furnace or electric heaters?
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Y-Guy
Moderator
Moderator
Brooks look around, check inside your kitchen cabinets see if there is an opening, probably at the back, that leads to the underside of the RV. Might be able to use a fan to force some warmer air down there during the day.

Where are your tanks located? Under the garage portion?

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Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
Sounds like somebody is leaving waste tank drain valve open....otherwise why would it freeze ????

Are you sure freezing is issue OR cable pull has separated from valve??
Is it time for your medication or mine?


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Strabo
Explorer
Explorer
Just a thought but it may be clogged from toilet paper and not frozen.
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DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
Just curious? Are you staying at the KOA in Clarksville, Indiana? I talked to the manager there about their winter workers that stay there and how they protect their campers from freezing and such. Good people there, the management. Let them know what happened. They may lend you an extra hair dryer or two.

jfkmk
Explorer
Explorer
2oldman wrote:
No, but a well-placed hair dryer might 'unthaw' it.


Seems to me it's "unthawed" right now.

Houston_Remodel
Explorer
Explorer
Start with the hottest water you can pour down the tank, and lots of it. The more thermal energy you add the better. While the hot water is doing its magic from the inside, the hair dryer is working from the outside.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.
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SBrooks72
Explorer
Explorer
Yes, valves and tanks are enclosed. Pretty much screwed til weather is above freezing.

coolbreeze01
Explorer
Explorer
Really nothing for salt to harm, the valves are stainless, but I would try a $10 heat gun first. Mine from Harbor Freight really throws out the heat. Good luck.
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Oasisbob
Explorer
Explorer
Salt is a corosive and hard on your sever valves. As previously suggested a har dryer mcht do it. Then figure out why it froze. Need more slope?
Oasis Bob
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Y-Guy
Moderator
Moderator
Brooks I've read about using about 3 gallons of RV antifreeze, one guy said try to get it warm before you dump it in. Recall saying dump 1/2 gallon down the kitchen, bathroom and shower, follow by 1/2 gallon of boiling water down each of the drain followed by another 1/2 gallon of antifreeze. Other say use a couple boxes of table salt and hot water.

Are your tanks enclosed at all or totally exposed? Are you running the propane heat? Might keep the fan on and the cabinets open to air circulates.

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2007 Winnebago Sightseer 35J

2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon