First Time Wintering

Paolo Imberino
Paolo Imberino Forum Participant Posts: 86
edited September 2017 in Motorhomes #1

Like a lot of us I use Thetford Aqua Kem Blue & Toilet Fluid in our motorhome toilet cassette. When I leave the motorhome for 2-3 weeks the toilet cassette will have the chemical mixed with a half inch of water left en situ. 

The question is will it freeze? Should I do anything else regarding the toilet cassette? The rest of the wintering I am now au fait with. 

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Comments

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #2

    We leave our toilet cassette with some water and chemical in. Too our knowledge we've never had a problem. We also drain water tanks down. This will be our 11th winter 😃

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited September 2017 #3

    I empty the cassette completely in very cold weather and drain the holding tank but there may be some left in the tank.

    Although we do tend to use the MH at least once a month.

    Never had a problemwink

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #4

    Does  your  'van  have  a  tank  for  flush  water  ?? 

    If  so  i'd  be  inclined  to  ensure  that  one  is  fully  drained  and  should  you  wish  to  use  the  'van  then  just  carry  a  separate  5 litre  or  so  container.

  • Paolo Imberino
    Paolo Imberino Forum Participant Posts: 86
    edited September 2017 #5

    ABM. The toilet water is fed from the 100l fresh water tank. This tank in the winter will be drained with all taps open and water vale open.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited September 2017 #6
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Paolo Imberino
    Paolo Imberino Forum Participant Posts: 86
    edited September 2017 #7

    Dorset Driver. We had many a cold night in wiltshire last winter where tempetatures reached -°C. Was it a problem? No. 

    Will it be a problem for my motorhome.  No, as long as I am prearmed with the knowledge regarding the toilet cassette from fellow experienced motorhomers. 

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
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    edited September 2017 #8

    That  should  be  perfectly  ok  then  Paolo I.

    if  the  only  water  in  the  cassette  holding  tank  is  just  enough  to 

    dilute  the  'Blue'  then  it  won't  do  any  damage  should  it  freeze.

  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
    500 Comments
    edited September 2017 #9

    I drain the cassette. It's a habit of mine. We have some unpredictable cold nights down to -14C every few years or so. I doubt whether any damage will be done if you left a bit of water and chemical in the cassette. You can buy anti-freeze that is suitable for motorhome water tanks/toilets - don't use van anti-freeze.

  • KeithandMargaret
    KeithandMargaret Forum Participant Posts: 660
    500 Comments
    edited September 2017 #10

    Why not just take the cassette out and put it somewhere you know that won't freeze - like in the garage or shed or under your bed?

  • Paolo Imberino
    Paolo Imberino Forum Participant Posts: 86
    edited September 2017 #11

    KeithandMargaret. What a brilliant idea I thought until the day wiffey uses the toilet without returning the cassette....ooh the mess.

    My gut reaction is with just a half inch of water and thetford toilet chem we'll be fine. If I'm at all concerned then I'll add a dash of toilet antifreeze chemical which is available. 

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited September 2017 #12
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  • Wex
    Wex Forum Participant Posts: 139
    edited September 2017 #13

    A small amount of water in the cassette won't do any harm if it freezes. I live a fair bit north of the A303 and have never had a problem.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited September 2017 #14

    I would have thought the water tank would be more of an issue than the cassette. Not leaving too much water in the tank to allow for expansion would be prudent ISTM. Protection of pump diaphragms and other delicate mechanisms may be a different matter.

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
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    edited September 2017 #15

    Paul, I cannot but wonder why you dont leave your cassette empty when not in use, summer or winter!

    Just lightly lubricate the seal with olive oil.

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
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    edited September 2017 #16

    I would also recommend that over lay-ups IMO it is best not to close the cassette main flap but leave it just off being closed.

    This will help ensure it does not seize up to a level that puts at risk the plastic operating mechanism when you do try to open it, and give the seal a "rest" from part of its compression. 

    I leave mine empty and vented as mentioned that way it is soon dry and any biological life put firmly on hold. 

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #17

    As we live much further north from late October on we empty everything liquid. The cassette is lubricated and left slightly open the water tanks are emptied and if we are not going away for a few weeks we leave the bungs out to air and dry the tanks. We can get a severe frost overnight that has in the past caused damage to the kitchen mixer tap, so taps are also left in the open position once we have drained down. Better to be safe than sorry (and expensive) 

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