Oops. Forgot to blow out my toilet valve last Fall

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by ardakota

Just my two cents on it. I keep the pink stuff as its so easy to put in and I know it is there if i can physically see it coming out of every valve its supposed to. Second it has alcohol in it as well which would keep bad things from growing in the lines as it sits for a period of time with some warm days through the winter. As cheap as it is the pink just makes sense to me.

I think you mean Propylene Glycol, not alcohol. Totally different stuff.

Several typical MSDS forms attached.

[ardakota]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I think you mean Propylene Glycol, not alcohol. Totally different stuff.

Several typical MSDS forms attached.

Your right the propylene glycol is still a anti microbial and anti fungal substance,

[spower]

I use the pink stuff....pour some in the FW tank, some in the BW tank, then run the pump to pump it through....run sinks and shower until it comes out pink, then flush toilet till pink, and finally pour some down each drain. It all takes about 10 -15 mins. No worries all winter!

[Biolerdad]

Maybe this is a new thread idea, but is the water valve susceptible to freezing easily? We had our camper winterized at dealer and then had to replace it. Did it myself and had to replace again.

[BandJCarm]

Originally Posted by Biolerdad

Maybe this is a new thread idea, but is the water valve susceptible to freezing easily? We had our camper winterized at dealer and then had to replace it. Did it myself and had to replace again.

Yes. I've done 3 of them. If you disconnect it slightly so it dries out, then there's no anti-freeze in it. If you leave it connected, you have to make sure the anti-freeze stays in that coupler enough to not crack. They do crack easily.

[mcarter]

If water is left in them and antifreeze is NOT used there are susceptible to freezing in climates that get cold for extended periods. If you live in FL or TX versus Maine or Vermont that can also effect the freeze vulnerability. I live in TN and blow the lines out every winter, I have never had one freeze.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by mcarter

If water is left in them and antifreeze is NOT used there are susceptible to freezing in climates that get cold for extended periods. If you live in FL or TX versus Maine or Vermont that can also effect the freeze vulnerability. I live in TN and blow the lines out every winter, I have never had one freeze.

Not sure what you consider "extended." The extent of the freezing (after a day or so) is immaterial. Once the ice is formed (usually a day or less, especially at below zero temps), it doesn't matter how much longer the freezing period goes.

The real issue is - can you blow all the air out of your lines? I've done so for over 7 years (and we see -20F to -30F for days, sometimes weeks, in northern Illinois) and haven't had an issue. If you aren't confident that you can get all the water out, then use AF or disconnect the line.

[mcarter]

Well, I'm talking cold for some time, we don't have below zero temps. We have freezing temps. In TN I'm not doing anything different than you, I blow it out and move on.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by mcarter

Well, I'm talking cold for some time, we don't have below zero temps. We have freezing temps. In TN I'm not doing anything different than you, I blow it out and move on.

I'd say a week at -20F is "some time." But after the 1st day, it doesn't matter. The ice doesn't "continue to expand" for the other 6 days.

Maybe I just wasn't clear: After any 24 hr period below freezing, the damage, if any is going to happen, is done. So my point is: "Extended period" doesn't really mean anything.

[EnduroRdr]

Well if we’re going to split hairs here I’ll throw this in from my experience!
To be clear! Below freezing “INSIDE CAMPER” for 24 hrs. May make the difference!
I have a data tracking thermometer. I have left it in my camper running, during a week of cold weather where outside day temps were below freezing like 30ish and nights in low 20’s. I have noticed It may Be the second day before it consistently drops below freezing “inside camper”. Considering the furniture, cabinets, clothes, & other supplies all stored inside tend to hold heat - just saying I have a graph that shows it was second day before it stayed below freezing in my bathroom.