Is Antifreeze OK In A septic?

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Introduction

Is Antifreeze OK In A septic? This is a question that many people have been asking for years. The answer to this question is a big NO. Automotive Antifreeze is not safe for septic systems because it contains ethylene glycol, which can cause corrosion in the septic tank and is also toxic to septic bacteria.

Is Antifreeze OK In A septic?

A healthy Septic bacteria population is essential in the digestion of organic matter in the septic tank. The chemical formula of ethylene glycol is C2H6O. Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid that freezes easily and has the ability to absorb water from the air. It can be used as an antifreeze, solvent, and preservative for food and medicine. Ethylene glycol is also used in paints to keep them from drying out and in plastics to keep them from hardening prematurely. Ethylene glycol is toxic to humans and animals. It can cause skin irritation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, kidney failure, coma and death.

On the other-hand RV Antifreeze is safe for septic systems. It is important to note that RV Antifreeze is not the same as regular automotive antifreeze. It does not contain ethylene glycol. The main active ingredients in RV antifreeze are ethanol and propylene glycol, both of which are safe for septic bacteria and do not corrode the septic pipes.

Is propylene glycol safe for septic systems

Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless and viscous liquid that is used in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. It is also used as an additive in various food and tobacco products. Propylene glycol can be used as an additive in foods to help maintain moisture and freshness, such as in ice cream. It can also be found in cosmetics, medicines, and other products.
Propylene glycol has been classified by the FDA as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food items. Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke and fog effects in theatrical productions. It is often found on the ingredient lists of beverages like Coca-Cola or Pepsi because it has been approved by the FDA for use as a preservative in these products. As a solvent, propylene glycol is used to dissolve flavorings and other ingredients in e-liquids for electronic cigarettes. It also has many other uses too such as:

A humectant (to prevent things from drying out).

A preservative (to keep things from spoiling).

An antifreeze (to keep things from freezing).

Propylene glycol is safe and will not kill septic bacteria which is crucial in the decomposition of sewage waste in the septic system.

How to dispose of antifreeze

The main function of automotive antifreeze is to help maintain an even engine temperature. The most common ways people dispose of antifreeze is by pouring it down the drain or into a storm sewer system. However, this can lead to environmental problems such as groundwater contamination or runoff into lakes, rivers, or oceans which endangers marine life. The best way to dispose of antifreeze is to take it to a recycling center, service station or hazardous waste disposal facility.

Is Antifreeze OK In A septic: FAQs

Disposing of RV antifreeze demands a responsible approach, and dumping it on the ground is strongly discouraged, regardless of its safety variant, such as propylene glycol or the commonly recognized pink RV antifreeze. The more hazardous ethanol-based and ethanol/propylene blend-based alternatives pose environmental risks and should never find their way to the ground. Instead, it is advisable to utilize designated dump stations or recycling facilities for proper disposal. These facilities ensure that the antifreeze, particularly the propylene glycol-based type, is managed safely and doesn’t harm the environment. Embracing eco-friendly practices by utilizing recycling facilities contributes to a sustainable and responsible approach in handling RV antifreeze waste.

Choosing the right antifreeze for septic systems is crucial to ensure the health of beneficial bacteria. Traditional automobile antifreeze containing Ethylene glycol poses a threat, as it is toxic to septic bacteria and can disrupt the system’s balance. On the other hand, RV antifreeze options, typically ethanol and propylene glycol-based, prove to be septic-friendly. Ethanol and propylene glycol are deemed safe for septic bacteria, promoting the system’s optimal function without harmful effects. When winterizing RVs or other applications where antifreeze is necessary, opting for ethanol or propylene glycol-based solutions ensures that the septic environment remains unharmed, maintaining the delicate microbial balance crucial for efficient wastewater treatment in septic systems.

RV antifreeze with a rating of minus 75 degrees Fahrenheit initiates freezing at around +16 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the crucial point at which it solidifies enough to risk bursting is notably colder, reaching either minus 50.

RV antifreeze is generally non-toxic and safe for use in recreational vehicles. It is specifically formulated to prevent freezing in plumbing systems during winter storage.

Pouring old antifreeze down the toilet is not a safe disposal method. Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, contains toxic chemicals that can harm the environment and pose serious health risks if introduced into water and sewage systems. The chemicals in antifreeze can contaminate groundwater, rivers, and oceans, leading to ecological damage and endangering aquatic life.

Furthermore, pouring antifreeze down the drain or into a septic tank can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria responsible for breaking down waste in septic systems. This disruption can result in system malfunctions and environmental contamination.

Additionally, antifreeze poured into a gutter that leads to a storm drain poses a threat to wildlife. Even if diluted, the chemicals in antifreeze can attract animals and prove fatal if ingested.

To properly dispose of old antifreeze, it should be taken to a designated hazardous waste disposal facility. This ensures that it is managed and treated appropriately, minimizing the risk of environmental harm and protecting human and animal health. Remember, proper disposal of hazardous substances like antifreeze is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe environment.

While it may seem tempting to dilute RV and marine antifreeze to reduce its potency for less severe conditions, it’s not advisable. Diluting antifreeze compromises its effectiveness in providing burst protection, even if the dilution is intended to achieve a 50/50 ratio with water. This compromise arises from the fact that manufacturers cannot guarantee the burst protection of any diluted antifreeze product.

Is Antifreeze OK In A septic: Final Thoughts

Winter is a difficult time for septic systems. The cold weather and snow can lead to freezing, which can cause a backup of wastewater in the septic system. This can lead to sewage flooding or even sewage backing up into the house. Freezing during winter can cause septic pipes to burst. It is important to remember that when it comes to plumbing and septic systems, prevention is always better than cure. That’s why it’s best to avoid winter damage by keeping your pipes and septic system clear of snow and ice as much as possible. It’s also important to winterize your septic tanks.

There are many misconceptions about antifreeze. One of them is that automotive antifreeze is safe for septic systems. This is not true. Automotive Antifreeze will damage a septic system. On the other-hand RV antifreeze is safe for septic systems. I recommend that you use RV antifreeze to winterize your septic system.