I recently purchased a 1983 Hunter 34, and the previous owner used antifreeze in the water holding tank. My question is how do I clean the tank of the antifreeze, so that the water can be used not necessarily for human consumption, but at least for washing dishes and showering? Alsoiin the future to keep the water in the tank from freezing in the winter, is the preferred method to simply drain the holding tank?
antifreeze
- Thread starter zzhunter
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Not enough information.........what kind of antifreeze?. If it was engine coolant type, which I dought unless he was a real moron, open up the tank and clean, if it was a potable water antifreeze....empty, rinse, and refill and you are OK. Need more information on location and winter storage plans
Antifreeze not That Toxic
Antifreeze will kill you but it takes a pretty good dose. It would take about 70 grams to kill a 200# man. But if you flushed the system it would require you to drink a lot of water in a short time to get that dose. After several fills the ethylene glycol would be practically undetectable. There are nontoxic forms. But assuming the worst case flush the system and then use it only for washing etc for a few fills. I definately wouldn't drink or cook with it until I was absolutely sure the system was well flushed.
Antifreeze will kill you but it takes a pretty good dose. It would take about 70 grams to kill a 200# man. But if you flushed the system it would require you to drink a lot of water in a short time to get that dose. After several fills the ethylene glycol would be practically undetectable. There are nontoxic forms. But assuming the worst case flush the system and then use it only for washing etc for a few fills. I definately wouldn't drink or cook with it until I was absolutely sure the system was well flushed.
Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol
have a sweet taste about them and can be detected long after the concentration is below the safe limits. The water should taste just like nice fresh water. If it is at all sweet dump it and flush the pipes again and refill. It's not like it is expensive.
have a sweet taste about them and can be detected long after the concentration is below the safe limits. The water should taste just like nice fresh water. If it is at all sweet dump it and flush the pipes again and refill. It's not like it is expensive.
Surely the antifreeze is the non-toxic. potable
propylene glycol antifreeze that's specifically for fresh water and sanitation systems. It smells and tastes awful, but it won't hurt you. Just cleaning the tank won't get rid of that taste/smell...it's in the plumbing too. Recommissioning the system WILL get rid of it. I've posted the directions for doing that at least a zillion times...most recently within the last week, but I don't remember which forum. A search for "recommission" or "fresh water" should turn it up. Directions for recommissioning and maintaining fresh water systems are also included in the link below, btw.
propylene glycol antifreeze that's specifically for fresh water and sanitation systems. It smells and tastes awful, but it won't hurt you. Just cleaning the tank won't get rid of that taste/smell...it's in the plumbing too. Recommissioning the system WILL get rid of it. I've posted the directions for doing that at least a zillion times...most recently within the last week, but I don't remember which forum. A search for "recommission" or "fresh water" should turn it up. Directions for recommissioning and maintaining fresh water systems are also included in the link below, btw.
Chlorine Bleach and Propylene glycol
I wonder what happens ??? Bleach might chlorinate the antifreeze and make something more toxic!!!!
I wonder what happens ??? Bleach might chlorinate the antifreeze and make something more toxic!!!!
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