[Rhodes22-list] Antifreeze alternative question

[Gardner, Douglas L. (LNG-DAY)]

Hi Pamela!  

   Great to hear from you! Yes, that is basically what we do as well.  At
least on the boat.  The camper is a different matter.  When camper camping,
everything is a bit more civilized, and much more 'homelike.'  I still have
difficulty completely rinsing the lines, water heater, and pump. (nothing
goes into the freshwater tanks).  I'm still looking for a better way.  A way
that will allow us to use the water in the tank with piece of mind, without
requiring a lot of work in the spring.  We'll probably still use bottled
water for drinking, but I'd at least like to be able to use the tank water
for cooking and backup drinking water without any concern.  I did find a lot
of people on the net using vodka.  Those against is oppose because it is a
terrible waste of good booze, not because it is bad for the water system.  I
just want to make sure before I try it.  I know that alcohol can attack
certain kinds of parts, and can also degrade lubricants.  I just don't know
if any of that stuff is in the water system!

--Doug

-----Original Message-----
From: Pamela Vana [mailto:pvana@coastalnet.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 12:09 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Antifreeze alternative question


Doug, 

In addition to thorough flushing, there are products such as 'Fresh
Water' that are marketed to remove tank-tastes.  However, I was never
satisfied with the results.

My solution was to use the onboard tankage only for housekeeping, but
always bring along fresh drinking water.  Found some very convenient
collapsible 2-1/2 gal water jugs with an easy-use valve at REI.  We use
these for consumption, and the tankage for everything else.

Regards, Pamela   

"Gardner, Douglas L. (LNG-DAY)" wrote:
> 
> I have a question, and haven't been able to locate an answer on the net...
> 
> I've been concerned about my ability to thoroughly rinse the antifreeze
out
> of my freshwater system in the spring.  I know it isn't toxic in the
> ultradiluted state, but I can never seem to completely rid the system of
the
> aftertaste, and it CAN'T be good for you.  (Cancer worries in 40 years,
> anyone?)
> 
> So.. I'm looking for alternatives. Both for the boat and the camper.
> I've heard of using a gallon of cheap vodka (or other high powered
spirits)
> to winterize the system.  I know that it works, and makes springtime
chores
> more interesting.  My question is will the alcohol deteriorate any of the
> plastic or rubber hoses, seals, or fittings?
> 
> I drained the system in my camper and blew out the hoses with compressed
> air. However, I can't completely empty the pump and some other fittings.
> There is always the fear that there is a low spot where water pools, such
as
> the water inlet hose.
> 
> Thanks for the input,
> 
> --Doug Gardner
> s/v Fretnaught
> 
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