RV Antifreeze for drains vs Washer Fluid

[bedrck46]

Think about this.
Many people use RV Antifreeze in their drain traps and toilets.
Instead of wasting good RV antifreeze and flushing it down the drains come springtime consider using winter mixed Windshield Washer Fluid. Years ago when the cost of RV AF was much higher and washer fluid was cheaper I would always use the washer fluid in traps drains and toilet, and never had a problem here in PA/NJ.

Now before anyone says NO WAY consider this. How many times during the winter have you pulled into a convenience store/gas station/truck stop and have seem bottle of washer fluid on racks outside of the store. Have you ever seen a frozen bottle?

I realize that the cost difference may not be as much today as it was 20 years ago but to me I would rather waste something that is cheaper than waste RV antifreeze that can be saved and use again the following year.

[Scoutr2]

Maybe it's just me, but I only use 3 gallons of RV anti-freeze to completely winterize each year, at a cost of less than $10. And as the faucets already drain into the sinks, the pink stuff already fills the traps. So I would have to catch the RV anti-freeze in a container, then go back and put another liquid in the traps. For my time and money, that little bit of anti-freeze is of little consequence.

But hey! If you want to be frugal, more power to ya! Others may think it's a good idea, and that's why this site exists.

[bedrck46]

I agree with you reasons and what works for you.
I however don't use the pink stuff. I use a air compressor to blow out the lines and leave all valves and low point drains open Therefore there is no waste of RV antifreeze. I have used this procedure since the mid 1970's without any problems. And again back then the cost difference was much greater than what it is today. RV AF is cheaper and Washer fluid is more expensive than it was then.

[mike837go]

I'll stick with the pink stuff in the lines and the drains.


Windshield washer fluid is toxic (methanol) and has no place in or about my portable house's water systems!

[Larry G.]

Originally Posted by mike837go

I'll stick with the pink stuff in the lines and the drains.


Windshield washer fluid is toxic (methanol) and has no place in or about my portable house's water systems!

Agree completely.

Been using 'pink' for many years in boats and our RV's. At $2.58gal why experiment? If it was $10gal still would be our choice.

[octane]

I'd rather use something non toxic like RV antifreeze than use a toxic product that might be left in the water tank...

[Scoutr2]

Originally Posted by octane

I'd rather use something non toxic like RV antifreeze than use a toxic product that might be left in the water tank...

I'm pretty sure he said ho only put it in drain traps and the toilet, so it would not enter the water system. But not sure how the alcohol in the washer fluid might act on rubber seals, etc.

I'm with you folks. I'll stick with the product that was designed for this purpose and has proven it works. And we've had some pretty cold winters here when that windshield washer fluid froze up in the lines to the washer jets.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by Scoutr2

...snip... And we've had some pretty cold winters here when that windshield washer fluid froze up in the lines to the washer jets.

The only time I've had washer fluid freeze was the time I used 20F (summer fluid) that came in with an auction lot (didn't look to close at the label).

[bedrck46]

Originally Posted by mike837go

The only time I've had washer fluid freeze was the time I used 20F (summer fluid) that came in with an auction lot (didn't look to close at the label).

That would be expected using summer blend in the winter.

Mike I agree about you saying it is toxic that is why I stated "for drains"

But I also wonder how many millions of gallon's of that toxic mix is sprayed into the air and wind and lands on the car behind them for the next driver to breath in. and the amount that ends up on our roads every winter.

[TWP723]

Aww heck...run some Jack Daniels through the lines!

[Scoutr2]

Originally Posted by TWP723

Aww heck...run some Jack Daniels through the lines!

Only in the toity, and then only after it passes through my bladder.

[bedrck46]

Originally Posted by TWP723

Aww heck...run some Jack Daniels through the lines!

No way Unless you are doing it to the supply lines and I can be under the faucets to catch what comes out.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by TWP723

Aww heck...run some Jack Daniels through the lines!

Now that's even MORE expensive than the RV anti-freeze. And just as drinkable.

[bedrck46]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Now that's even MORE expensive than the RV anti-freeze. And just as drinkable.

Just curious, what does RV antifreeze taste like and would you mix it with the JD or drink both straight? If straight may I recommend using the JD as the chaser

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by bedrck46

Just curious, what does RV antifreeze taste like and would you mix it with the JD or drink both straight? If straight may I recommend using the JD as the chaser

I would describe RV antifreeze as "acrid peppermint with an artificial sweeter-like bitter aftertaste."

JD is more like "Burning liquid charcoal with a hint of sawdust."

Again, in my opinion, neither is fit for human consumption.

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by mike837go

I would describe RV antifreeze as "acrid peppermint with an artificial sweeter-like bitter aftertaste."

JD is more like "Burning liquid charcoal with a hint of sawdust."

Again, in my opinion, neither is fit for human consumption.

Mike, you get an "atta boy" for going out and tasting it. (I would've done the same, but am at work). Now, was that straight up, or on the rocks???

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by bedrck46

... How many times during the winter have you pulled into a convenience store/gas station/truck stop and have seem bottle of washer fluid on racks outside of the store. Have you ever seen a frozen bottle?

It might depend on where you live and what wiper fluid you buy. I see it frozen around here. Had a bottle freeze in my garage last winter.

I just cannot risk it. I have noticed there are two versions of the blue stuff. a summer version and a cold weather version. I do not drive my TV a lot, but at the beginning of winter what is in the tank freezes. Once it warms up, I have to run it out and add the good winter stuff.

In a pinch I would use it. Another option that was done well before antifreeze was invented was a high concentration of salt in water.

[Tunce the traveler]

anyone want to follow my suggestion for the water lines? I would use Rain-X washer fluid in the Ptraps.

[Edd505]

Originally Posted by bedrck46

No way Unless you are doing it to the supply lines and I can be under the faucets to catch what comes out.

That's why they have low point drains.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

Mike, you get an "atta boy" for going out and tasting it. (I would've done the same, but am at work). Now, was that straight up, or on the rocks???

Sorry, I was recalling the taste of each from memory. The taste of RV antifreeze was from wiping my nose and lips after not realizing my hands were contaminated. The JD (neat) I actually paid for at a bar in 1983.

I have also accidently 'tasted', gasoline, two-stroke mix, diesel fuel, SWMBO's perfume, several brands of grease and oil, grinding dust and saw dust. I also don't recommend any of them either. Although SWMBO is quite tasty without the perfume.