Is RV antifreeze safe to drink? That’s an interesting question that inspired us to write this post and answer a few other questions relating to consuming and using RV antifreeze.
RV antifreeze is a specialized product, made to be non-toxic for your and your family and pet’s safety.
Here we touch on drinking RV antifreeze, how many gallons you should be using on average, Antifreeze in freshwater tanks, flushing out your water system, and ingesting RV antifreeze.
Related: Is RV Antifreeze Toxic to Animals?
Is RV Antifreeze Safe To Drink?
Do not drink RV antifreeze but it is not toxic or poisonous to humans.
Drinking RV antifreeze is not safe to drink as a beverage but if you happen to drink a small amount of RV antifreeze accidentally it will not harm you like automotive antifreeze.
It’s always a good idea to clear your plumbing lines thoroughly. Protect your RV in winter, and your family during springtime with proper maintenance and care.
Related: Is RV Antifreeze Biodegradable?
Can You Put RV Antifreeze in your Freshwater Tank?
Yes, you can put RV antifreeze in your freshwater tank. You can pour the antifreeze directly into the fresh tank and use the RV’s water pump to pump it throughout the system as too.
It is not a risk to an RV plumbing system or the freshwater that fills your water bottles. That includes drinking the water after the de-winterizing process has occurred.
Related: Will RV Holding Tanks Freeze?
What Happens If You Ingest RV Antifreeze?
You can ingest small amounts of safe, non-toxic, and non-hazardous RV antifreeze.
It won’t kill you.
If you do not get all of the antifreeze out of your RV plumbing, you may notice a slight pinkish color in your water and a difference in taste.
While we don’t suggest drinking any amount of RV antifreeze, it will not harm you.
Related: What Does Antifreeze Look Like On The Ground?
How Do You Flush Antifreeze Out of an RV?
- Turn the water pump on.
- Open all water faucets, including sinks and indoor and outdoor showers.
- Allow water to run through the system for several minutes.
- While the pump is running, flush the toilet a few times.
- When the water comes out clear, close the faucets and turn off the pump.
- Take the water heater out of bypass mode.
- Replace all water filter cartridges that you removed for storage.
- Dump your gray and black water holding tanks at an official dumpsite.
- If there is some RV Antifreeze residue you can pour some baking soda down the drain.
Related: Best Dehumidifier For Winter Storage of RV
How Many Gallons of RV Antifreeze Does it take to Winterize a Camper?
Two to Three Gallons. 2-3 gallons is an average but the amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines.
By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with RV antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six or ten gallons of antifreeze.
Related: Can You Live In An RV In The Winter?
Winterize, DeWinterize, and Be Safe!
So, Is RV Antifreeze Safe To Drink? RV antifreeze, even if it’s a safe, non-toxic, and non-hazardous product, is not for drinking.
RV antifreeze that is made with propylene glycol is far safer than ethanol-based antifreeze. It is labeled as non-toxic and is generally safe when used as directed, though it may be dangerous to animals even in small quantities.
As with any liquid of a chemical make-up, we should always use caution when using and disposing of RV antifreeze.
Be safe out there!
