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TnTtravelers's avatar
TnTtravelers
Explorer
Oct 08, 2015

Freezing poop?

Thought that subject description would get your attention, ha ha :)

I will be storing my fifth wheel camper, after winterizing with antifreeze in the plumbing lines. The trailer will be stored without the heater on but I plan on periodically using it to catch a few hours of sleep between the long shifts at my winter job (heater on at those times). It occurred to me that while I'm staying in the trailer at these times, I will be likely needing the toilet, so I figure I will keep a jug of water in my car for flushing. Temp lows in the area the trailer will be stored can drop to single digits to slightly below zero.

My question is, is there any issue with freezing in the tank when I'm not there and the heater is off? I would think that the open area above the liquid level should be enough for freeze expansion, but not sure. Also of concern might be the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, but like I said, I'd assume the open area above the liquid level should allow ice to expand above, but not sure. I will probably add a little rv antifreeze to the waste tank but probably wont be able to add enough to be 100% protected. Does anyone know if this is a safe idea? Is freezing even an issue to be concerned with in the waste tank?
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Dec 18, 2015
    If I was in your shoes, I'd use a "whirlaway" or leave the valve open, and worry about it when the snow melts.

    Yeah, my reply is about as rediclous, pathetic, and gross as the subject question.
  • milo's avatar
    milo
    Explorer II
    Dec 18, 2015
    Here's what we do when we use the 5er when it's winterized!!!.. We take a plastic bag like a Walmart or Target bag and line a small plastic container like a short 4 or 5 inch high ice cream tub and set it in the toilet and do our business. Then all you have to do is tie it up and dispose of it like you would do after you pick up after your poochie dog. If it's an add liquid only use .... we just add some antifreeze to it. Works for us.
  • tpi's avatar
    tpi
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2015
    I'd also use the RV antifreeze to flush. As I recall it is a bit expensive in the eastern Sierra area. I buy it when traveling to Utah or Colorado at Walmart. Richfield UT WM had a pretty decent sale going a week or so ago, stuff was piled up by the entry door. Anyway tip here is to look for it in your travels if you can't find it reasonably priced close to home.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Oct 09, 2015
    gbopp wrote:
    I would keep a few gallons of antifreeze in the bathroom for flushing.
    If you will be using the shower, another plan is needed.


    I would (did in fact) do the same thing.
  • bearwayne's avatar
    bearwayne
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2015
    A composting toilet might be appropriate in this situation such as This (Nature's Head) or This (Air Head) which both require 12V for air circulation and venting. Alternately, there are composting toilets which use no power and basically consist of a seat with a bucket lined with a plastic bag. After each use, peat moss is placed on top of the waste. I haven't used any of these, but supposedly they don't smell and once full, the bag can be discarded, and a new one placed in the bucket. No water, no freezing. With the first two, you would need to prevent the urine from freezing, perhaps by emptying the jug when leaving each morning.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Oct 09, 2015
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Use windshield washer fluid.


    Alcohol based. Would probably destroy the seals in the gate valves.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Oct 09, 2015
    Rock salt is somewhat corrosive to many metals, but does not cause any harm to PVC, ABS, or rubber, so far as I know. For that matter, urine is also somewhat corrosive to some metals. Chemically, rock salt is sodium chloride—it's table salt that hasn't been as thoroughly refined. You can store table salt in a plastic shaker indefinitely and it won't harm the plastic one bit.

    A saturated solution of rock salt and water freezes at -6°F. Calcium chloride lowers the freezing point considerably more. (Most anything dissolved in water will depress the freezing point to some degree; that's how antifreeze solutions prevent water from freezing.)
  • loggenrock's avatar
    loggenrock
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2015
    RV antifreeze doesn't work like radiator antifreeze.. The pink stuff will freeze, or at least turn to slush. What it WON'T do is expand when it does freeze. It is intended to replace water in lines/tanks, not lower the freezing point of water. Diluting it 50/50, or any such combination, will not work. The water will still freeze and expand - that's where the damage to plumbing comes from. You can use it to flush your toilet by pouring some in after use. Holding tank will still solidify, but shouldn't burst. Get the propylene glycol stuff, NOT the less-expensive, alcohol-based (read: FLAMMABLE) variety. Last thing you want is a waste tank filled with flammable liquid! ST

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