Freezing poop?

[TnTtravelers]

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?

[AllegroD]

Keep it simple. A couple gallons of RV antifreeze to start and flushing with RV antifreeze (not water) will solve you problem. Read the label. get the pink that is rated to your low temp.

[DrewE]

I've read of people using rock salt to keep the holding tank contents from freezing.

Flushing with straight water with nothing resembling antifreeze would be a bad idea. I would tend to guess that the tank itself would survive without damage, but the plumbing between the tank and the drain valve could easily freeze and burst and cause a delayed nasty mess and repair bill.

[Johno02]

plastic garbage bag with kitty litter placed in toilet bowl. replace occasionally.

[TnTtravelers]

Do you think 100% antifreeze is appropriate? Not sure how that would work with the chemical as far as smell is concerned, hmmm, but I guess it would at least be safer on the plumbing. Thanks, I'll look for sales on antifreeze.

[jplante4]

TnTtravelers wrote:
Okay, thanks. I wont be needing the shower so that's not an issue.

Do you think that mixing 50/50 antifreeze for my "flush water" would be sufficient? Straight antifreeze? It would be kind of expensive, but not as expensive as propane and/or repairs.

You can usually find the pink stuff on sale in larger quantities this time of year. I've seen it for 99 cents a gallon in the discount stores. Look around and buy a few cases. Even if you need 40 gallons, at normal prices, that's $80. Less than an hour of shop time in my local RV shop.

[drcook]

maybe one of those porta-potties that use disposable plastic bags might be in order.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Reliance-Fold-to-Go-Toilet/1204577.uts?productVariantId=2870290&srcco...

this is an EXAMPLE of what I mean, not the one I am suggesting. using one of these would prevent a frozen and split tank.

[TnTtravelers]

Okay, thanks. I wont be needing the shower so that's not an issue.

Do you think that mixing 50/50 antifreeze for my "flush water" would be sufficient? Straight antifreeze? It would be kind of expensive, but not as expensive as propane and/or repairs.

[gbopp]

I would keep a few gallons of antifreeze in the bathroom for flushing.
If you will be using the shower, another plan is needed.

[Dr_Quick]

When water freezes it expands to the side also, which could cause a problem with pressure on sides of tank splitting, or also in drain line breaking just before valve.
Our previous trailer had what appeared to be a repair to the grey water line where I assumed it had broken in the past. We never did have a problem with it, but when I parked the trailer over the winter I left tank valves open.