Many RV owners who live in rural areas often wonder if it is safe to dump the antifreeze from their RV into their septic or sewer system.
Generally, it is safe. RVs only require a few gallons of antifreeze, and adding that to a 1,000-gallon tank shouldn’t pose any issues with your septic system.
However, you should avoid overloading your septic system with antifreeze because that could kill off the helpful bacteria that keep your system running as it should.
Here we will discuss how much RV antifreeze is safe to add to your septic system and address other common concerns that RVers have about adding or draining antifreeze.
What is RV Antifreeze?
The main component in RV antifreeze is propylene glycol. It is non-toxic, non-hazardous, and safe for the environment.
It is safe to be used in all plumbing systems within your RV and is non-toxic if ingested in small quantities by humans, but it is known. The main component, propylene glycol, is used in a variety of products besides antifreeze.
It can be found in various food items such as shelf-stable juice, artificial tears, and hand sanitiser.
RV Antifreeze is safe to use with your septic tank and should not cause any problems. Adding a few gallons to your septic tank each year should not cause any issues with your components, and it will also allow all the good bacteria within the system to survive and thrive.
Is RV Antifreeze the Same as Regular Antifreeze?
No, RV Antifreeze is not the same as the antifreeze you use in your car or truck.
Traditional antifreeze contains ethylene glycol. It is very poisonous and should never be dumped on the ground or any place where animals may consume it. It is also not safe to put in your septic or sewer systems.
It will damage your system and kill off all the good bacteria inside that can cause harm to your components. It also has been known to cause the overgrowth of the biomass of the drain field.
Traditional antifreeze is only meant to be put in your automobile’s radiator to prevent your vehicle from overheating. It must be disposed of correctly, and you should never empty it on the ground or inside your septic system.
Remember: The key difference between RV antifreeze and traditional automobile antifreeze is the main component.
RV antifreeze contains non-toxic propylene glycol and has a pink appearance to help indicate that it is non-toxic and safe for the environment.
Traditional antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is toxic and usually has a green, orange, or yellow appearance, depending on what it has been mixed with.
When and How to Use RV Antifreeze
If you plan to go camping during the colder months of the year when temperatures go below freezing or store your RV for a long, you will need to winterize it. This will prevent your water pipes from freezing which can cause leaks and fitting breaks to occur.
By winterizing your RV, you can save some maintenance work throughout the year while your camper is in storage.
To winterize your RV, you will need to dump out the gray and black water tanks. You will also need to drain your fresh water tank and water heater. If you have an inline water filter, you should bypass that and remove it from your system.
The next step is to open the low point drains on your hot and cold water lines, Then turn off all faucets and flush all toilets at the same time. This will force all water out of your plumbing. After your system is clear, it is time to cap the lower point drains.
Turn off all faucets and use a bypass kit to bypass your RV’s water heater.
Once that is completed, you will need to pump the antifreeze through your system.
This can be done using a water pump converter kit. Turn your water pump back on and slowly turn on all faucets until pink antifreeze appears in the sink. Do this with all your sinks, toilets, and showers to ensure antifreeze is throughout your system.
Finally, pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain and flush a cup down your toilets. Close the faucets and turn off all electric water heats to ensure it doesn’t accidentally activate while your RV is in storage.
How Much Antifreeze Should I Use in My RV?
It would be best if you did not use more antifreeze in your RV than you need, no matter your RV size. One of the best ways to avoid using too much antifreeze is by bypassing y our water heater. By doing this, you will only run antifreeze through to your sinks, toilets, and showers.
Most RVs will use between two to three gallons of antifreeze to run through their entire water system. Larger or smaller RVs may vary slightly, but two to three gallons is a good estimate to go by if you are unsure.
Tips for Winterizing Your Septic System
If you have concerns about your septic system freezing during the winter, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this issue.
Allow the Grass to Grow
If you let your grass grow longer during the late summer and early fall season, it will provide your septic system with additional insulation and help hold snow in place. Snow can help to insulate your system and keep it from freezing. However, when you lack snow, compacted snow, or soil, it may cause your septic system to freeze.
Mulch
By adding a layer of mulch over your pipes and tank, you can provide additional insulation. You can use between 8 to 12 inches of straw, leaves, or other loose material to cover your system effectively.
Water
Using more warm or hot water during the cold winter months can help reduce your risk of freezing pipes and sewer systems. You don’t have to leave your water running all the time but using more than usual by washing an extra load of laundry or running the dishwasher more often can be helpful.
Repair All Leaks
By regularly inspecting your pipes and repairing all leaks, including the small ones that seem insignificant, you will help prevent freezing and ensure your septic system always works as it should.
If you plan o be away from home for an extended period, it may be best to have your septic system pump before you leave. If there is nothing in your system, there is nothing there to freeze or cause any damage.
Is it Common for Septic Systems to Freeze?
When the temperature drops below freezing, or there is not enough insulation on your system, it can cause your septic system to freeze. Additionally, if your system is not deep enough in the ground, that can also cause it to freeze.
If you live in an area where you experience freezing weather, you know a dip in the temperature can lead to many issues such as frozen water pipes and septic systems.
If your septic system is not used daily or the line is above the frost level, it can freeze.
There are a few signs you should look for if you are new to living in areas where septic systems are common. If you begin to notice your sinks are no longer draining as they should.
Or your sinks seem to be clogged; it is because they are filled with ice. This will cause your toilets to no longer flush, and your washing machine and other appliances will no longer work.
If you have an issue with your septic system being frozen, do not attempt to pour antifreeze on it, including RV antifreeze and traditional antifreeze. Instead, you should always contact a professional plumber to help you thaw it out.
They have the tools and experience needed to effectively defrost your system and get it back to working as it should.
Are There Alternatives to Using RV Antifreeze?
RV antifreeze will not harm your septic system. But there are other things you can use to help prevent your pipes from freezing. If you are looking for alternate options to RV antifreeze, we have a few suggestions.
you can use washer fluid instead of antifreeze which is a great option if you have plenty.
Washer fluid is also more affordable than RV antifreeze, and it is rated for lower temperatures. While it’s not recommended that you rely solely on washer fluid when winterizing your RV, it is good to use it in a pinch if you are traveling during the winter and do not have any RV antifreeze available.
RV antifreeze is designed to work efficiently and flow through your water system. Over time, your water pump may not work as well if you use washer fluid continuously. Also, washer fluid usually contains methanol and ethylene glycol. These ingredients are both highly toxic, so you should not dump it into your septic system.
If you decide to use washer fluid, drain your traps and all holding tanks.
This will allow you to get the benefits without worrying about damaging your water supply. Be sure to pour a cup of washer fluid down each drain as well as your toilet to ensure the best outcome.
Alternatively, you can also clear out your water system completely. This is a good idea if you are putting your TV in storage. If there is no water or other liquid in the system, there is nothing to freeze.
Where to Buy RV Antifreeze
You can find RV antifreeze at most major retailers in the automotive or camping departments. You can also find an assortment of RV antifreeze brands available online through Amazon. Look for a top-rated brand of RV antifreeze that has plenty of positive reviews to ensure you are purchasing a product that will fully protect your water system.
RV antifreeze is safe to use in septic systems. As long as you use it sparingly and understand the right amount to add, you should not have any issues with your septic or sewer system when you drain the antifreeze from your RV.