Here is a Q & A on Using Windshield Wash in House Water Pipes to Stop Freezing

Posted in keeping pipes from freezing | 7 Comments »

7 Responses

  1. george b Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 11:53 am

    RV antifreeze is the best thing you can use in the pipes.Windshield washer solvent can be toxic and RV antifreeze is not.
    References :

  2. Comrade Beelzebub Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    antifreeze will work fine.
    References :

  3. Michael M Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    no.
    keep the heat on the minimal setting.
    do not try the anti freeze you will be cited by the environmental people.

    even if you need electric heaters to keep it from a freeze.
    References :

  4. Eddie P Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 12:55 pm

    The RV antifreeze that is certified for potable drinking water systems will work fine.
    References :

  5. This Old House Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    Maybe I’m missing something here, but if you drained your pipes there’s nothing inside to freeze. Also, I don’t know how you’d get antifreeze or anything else to circulate through your supply pipes anyway.

    As for drain traps and toilets, I’ve heard that RV anti-freeze is the stuff to use because it is not regarded as toxic. It is different stuff than standard automotive antifreeze.
    References :
    Info about RV antifreeze
    http://www.camco.net/faqwinterization.cfm

  6. Sai Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    You definitely need antifreeze in there, so it can get into drain traps and low points in your pipes. There is antifreeze made especially for this purpose, which is different from RV antifreeze, and different from windshield washer. It’s pink in color, and of course I have no idea whether you can get it wherever you are. Its primary virtue as compared to car antifreeze is that it doesn’t play hell on the environment when you drain it out. As far as using windshield washer… I’d say if where you are has fairly moderate winters that might be OK, but I sure as hell wouldn’t try it here in Maine… Make sure to break all couplings connecting pressure tanks to pipes and pipes to your water pump, and be sure to drain out the pump itself, both from the draining ball valve at the rear and by removing the plug from the bottom. When you antifreeze the toilets, make sure to continue pouring into the bowls until the level starts to fill, and then drops. This will show you when the antifreeze has reached the trap below. Wherever you have ball valves at the disconnected couplings get a little antifreeze in there too and work the valve back and forth. Don’t forget the water heater. You usually have to tip it around some to get the last of the water out. Best of luck.
    References :
    Years of closing down summer homes…

  7. Eddie W Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    windshield washer fluid will not do any good and you definitely can not put it in the water lines because it might be toxic.The RV antifreeze was exactly what you wanted to use
    References :
    27 years in plumbing

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