<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAntifreeze is a catch-all term for any substance that lowers the freezing point of water. This means that even in conditions where water would normally freeze (32 degrees Fahrenheit\/0 degrees Celsius or lower), the water stays a liquid until much colder temperatures are reached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commercially available antifreeze is generally labeled for RV use or automotive use, and the difference is significant. The active ingredient in automotive antifreeze is often ethylene glycol, while in RV antifreeze it\u2019s either ethanol or propylene glycol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While ethylene glycol and propylene glycol may sound similar, they have very different properties. The main difference is the level of toxicity of each. While you shouldn\u2019t go around drinking propylene glycol by any means, you\u2019re much less likely to do any damage by ingesting small quantities. It\u2019s safe enough that it\u2019s included in many cosmetic items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ethylene glycol, on the other hand, is very poisonous despite being very sweet tasting. This is the unfortunate reason many pets get sick after getting into antifreeze in the garage or shed, and it\u2019s something you want to keep far away from your RV\u2019s water supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from being toxic, ethylene glycol is also damaging to a septic system. It has the potential to kill off the good bacteria working in your septic tank while the phosphates in the solution can simultaneously cause an overgrowth of the drain field bed\u2019s biomass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The propylene glycol or ethanol used in RV antifreeze, however, are both safe for your septic system and won\u2019t cause any damage when used in appropriate quantities. In other words, I wouldn\u2019t go dumping a whole bunch of antifreeze in there for the fun of it but you\u2019ll be safe flushing your winterized RV water system, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re not convinced, you can dump small amounts of RV antifreeze on the ground without having a large impact on the environment. You never want to do this with automotive antifreeze, but ethanol and propylene glycol are safe enough in small quantities that you won\u2019t do any damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having said that, the most environmentally conscious approach would be to dump it in a septic system or sewer system so that it\u2019s more contained, and you never want to dump antifreeze directly into a stream or other water source.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNo products found.<\/span>\n\n\n\n
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