Using Automotive Antifreeze in Black Grey Water Drains

[Pops_R]

Is there any harm in using the Automotive antifreeze in the gray water drains?

I understand it is toxic and why why we use RV Antifreeze to winterize, but do not know if there is any concerns to damage to drain seals, drain lines using automotive antifreeze

We are full timers and in snow country this year. It has had some colder than normal winter days dropping below zero and resulting it the gray water lines freezing.

I only need to pour anti freeze into the gray water drains so just wondering it is safe for the gray water plumbing and such to use the automotive brand over the RV antifreeze

[SaltiDawg]

Huntindog wrote:
...
As for taking it to a recycle center.... Good luck with taking black tank contents there.

I'm quite comfortable that nobody suggested doing so. Some of us pointed out that used motor car fluids should be recycled/disposed of as hazardous waste... and do not use auto anti-freeze in a trailer waste system.

[Huntindog]

It is all about drains. The stuff starts out in toilets, sinks, and showers which all have drains. Then it goes into the black/grey tanks which also have drains.
As for taking it to a recycle center.... Good luck with taking black tank contents there.

[ktmrfs]

straight auto antifreeze isn't going to do you much good. Freezing point is about 8F. Freezing point drops when mixed with water. Lowest freezing point is around 50/50.

And like others said, don't use it. RV antifreeze is non toxic, and less expensive.

[lanerd]

2oldman wrote:

lanerd wrote:
In either case, the operative word is "drains".

I'm still not sure what he means by drains. Judging by his 2nd post, I guess that's the tanks.

I don't know. He doesn't seem concerned about the tanks.... He only mentions valves, drains, lines... of course all that is related to the tanks and to use one, you have to use the other.

To me, drains are the pipings, p-trap, etc. But, I can see where tanks, valves, lines could be included in that.

Ron

[SaltiDawg]

BillyW wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:

doughere wrote:

full_mosey wrote:
How/where do you legally/morally discharge the toxic automotive antifreeze?

HTH;
John

I take it to my local county recycling center.

As do I.

Same with old motor oil.

After you remove it from your black/grey tank?

Nope, only seconded the answer to the question as to where one disposes of "toxic automotive antifreeze" FROM ANY SOURCE.

[2oldman]

lanerd wrote:
In either case, the operative word is "drains".

I'm still not sure what he means by drains. Judging by his 2nd post, I guess that's the tanks.

[sammytoo]

wa8yxm wrote:

Oh, also the Auto stuff ... Some cities don't like that in their sewer system, and it can damage septic as well, the pink, not so much.

They don't like it down their drains for the same reason they don't want motor oil,diesel fuel or gasoline. It is hazardous waste . Please don't dump it in anybodies drain.

[TurnThePage]

SaltiDawg wrote:

doughere wrote:

full_mosey wrote:
How/where do you legally/morally discharge the toxic automotive antifreeze?

HTH;
John

I take it to my local county recycling center.

As do I.

Same with old motor oil.

After you remove it from your black/grey tank?

[lanerd]

But Jim, we're answering the OP's question. If you need to comment on someone else's replies, you need to point that out. I agree with you, the stuff will eventually end up in the gray/black tanks and then into a sewer some place.

But the fact remains, the OP was asking about drains...in his title he indicates black and gray water drains but his last sentence specifies only gray water drains. In either case, the operative word is "drains".

Ron

[wa8yxm]

I keep seeing this thread but I keep wondering "What are they thinking"

Last time I priced automotive Antifreeze the best price was over 5.00/gallon

Last time I priced "Pink Stuff" (About the same time, in fact the very same day) The worst price was about 3.00/gallon

Why would you want to dump more money down the drain than you have to? I mean,, Makes no sense to me to use the more expensive stuff when the cheap stuff is just as good.

Now, for the record, there is a reason not to pink the radiator.

Oh, also the Auto stuff ... Some cities don't like that in their sewer system, and it can damage septic as well, the pink, not so much.

[dougrainer]

GordonThree wrote:
Automotive antifreeze can have propelyne or ethelyne in it, which are also components of many plastics. It's possible to have a reaction between the antifreeze and plastic parts, leading to destruction of those plastic parts.

Aqua Hot systems use Propylene and have NO problems with the plastic lines. Doug

[owenssailor]

One more comment to say don't do it. It is both illegal and immoral.

[GordonThree]

I first heard of the issue researching liquid cooling of computers.

I found a more RV relevant article here: http://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/-11059-1.html

Sorry, can't make clickys from the phone.

[RLS7201]

GordonThree wrote:
Automotive antifreeze can have propelyne or ethelyne in it, which are also components of many plastics. It's possible to have a reaction between the antifreeze and plastic parts, leading to destruction of those plastic parts.

Interesting thought. I would like to be better informed about ethylene/propylene glycol and plastics. Can you link us to a site that would document the indicated chemistry.

Thanks
Richard