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. 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.
Propylene glycol 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: 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.
