Winterization question

RichKitt · 10-09-2021, 03:07 PM

New to this and my first time winterizing a TT. Quick question on winterizing my TT. Do I leave a small amount of antifreeze sitting in the toilet bowl to keep the rubber seal moist. If so, what is the recommended amount. Does it stain the plastic sitting there for what could be 5 to 6 months?

Grumpy · 10-09-2021, 03:09 PM

Yes leave some in the bowl and no it will not permanently stain the bowl. You may have a pink ring when you go to de-winterize, but it will come right off. I always left about a cup.

Racinforthefinish · 10-09-2021, 03:12 PM

Leave about the same amount or just a bit more than what would be the usual water level after flushing. I have never had a permanent stain.

TCNashville · 10-09-2021, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichKitt

New to this and my first time winterizing a TT. Quick question on winterizing my TT. Do I leave a small amount of antifreeze sitting in the toilet bowl to keep the rubber seal moist. If so, what is the recommended amount. Does it stain the plastic sitting there for what could be 5 to 6 months?

If it's going to sit that long, you might add a little extra as the antifreeze will evaporate over time out in the open, but not in your pipes.

NewBlackDak · 10-09-2021, 03:38 PM

I always do this in the toilet. Never had a leaky seal.

https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Toil...24424238&psc=1

RogerR · 10-09-2021, 04:10 PM

Always good to include make, model and year plus brand and model of appliance to bet best advice.

I use a little seal conditioner like NewBlackDak and then a cup or so of pink. Watch out for the cheap stuff that has alcohol. A lot of it will evaporate and leave a much smaller amount of antifreeze in traps and line. The cheap stuff may have alcohol listed and/or say flammable on the label. For a dollar or two more you get better grade that hardly evaporates over the winter.

rkresge · 10-11-2021, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichKitt

New to this and my first time winterizing a TT. Quick question on winterizing my TT. Do I leave a small amount of antifreeze sitting in the toilet bowl to keep the rubber seal moist. If so, what is the recommended amount. Does it stain the plastic sitting there for what could be 5 to 6 months?

There are a couple of YouTube videos showing how to do this, but when winterizing my Dometic Model 310 toilet I remove the seal ring, clean it thoroughly, and coat it with plumber's grease. That way it won't dry out. Antifreeze left in the bowl will just evaporate, so there's not much point in leaving any in there.

Good luck!

Roger

**JFlightRisk** · 10-11-2021, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichKitt

New to this and my first time winterizing a TT. Quick question on winterizing my TT. Do I leave a small amount of antifreeze sitting in the toilet bowl to keep the rubber seal moist. If so, what is the recommended amount. Does it stain the plastic sitting there for what could be 5 to 6 months?

Just a bit of what we do here in NY, I'll drain the lines, tanks, and water heater, bypass it, and blow the system out with low pressure air. Then pump antifreeze through the system, and lastly pour some in all the traps and in the toilet. RV antifreeze will turn slushy in very cold temps, but won't expand like water.

Route 66 Traveler · 10-11-2021, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkresge

Antifreeze left in the bowl will just evaporate, so there's not much point in leaving any in there.

Good luck!

Roger

I cover the bowl with Saran Wrap to keep the antifreeze from evaporating. Just remember to remove it before the next use….

Jagiven · 10-11-2021, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

I cover the bowl with Saran Wrap to keep the antifreeze from evaporating. Just remember to remove it before the next use….

I float a couple drops of mineral oil on top of the antifreeze. Do it to my traps and toilet. Over a day or so, it creates an oil film over the antifreeze.

Do NOT use vegetable oil, as it will leave a nasty greasy mess. Mineral oil, just flushes away cleanly.

TWP723 · 10-12-2021, 06:32 AM

I add a couple ounces of Sea Foam to the cup or so of pink. Keeps it from evaporating.

MontanaRick · 10-12-2021, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerR

Watch out for the cheap stuff that has alcohol. A lot of it will evaporate and leave a much smaller amount of antifreeze in traps and line. The cheap stuff may have alcohol listed and/or say flammable on the label. For a dollar or two more you get better grade that hardly evaporates over the winter.

+1 on this. With the cheap alcohol stuff, it is also much harder to remove the antifreeze odor/taste from your system. The good stuff is propylene glycol based. I've used South/Win brand from Home Depot for years with good luck here in Montana, only costs $1 more per gallon last time I bought.

RichKitt · 10-12-2021, 03:25 PM

Thanks to everyone for their input

joe w · 10-20-2021, 04:30 PM

Don't forget the outdoor shower if equipped!!

RogerR · 10-20-2021, 04:32 PM

I did a few years ago, and installed a new one in the spring!!! Which was not easy as I did not have a pex crimping tool.

thenne1713 · 10-22-2021, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichKitt

New to this and my first time winterizing a TT. Quick question on winterizing my TT. Do I leave a small amount of antifreeze sitting in the toilet bowl to keep the rubber seal moist. If so, what is the recommended amount. Does it stain the plastic sitting there for what could be 5 to 6 months?

Yes, leave AF to keep the seal wet and help prevent gluing itself shut, staining = non-issue

You may also like: