How to prevent sewer line from freezing

[Richard6959]

We just moved to Maryland and will be full timing for a while until we find a home. I believe we are prepared for the cold weather with the exception of the sewer line. If I leave my gray tanks open is it enough flow to prevent an ice dam from building up? Or do I need to insulate the line somehow?

[mikebrls]

Originally Posted by Richard6959

We just moved to Maryland and will be full timing for a while until we find a home. I believe we are prepared for the cold weather with the exception of the sewer line. If I leave my gray tanks open is it enough flow to prevent an ice dam from building up? Or do I need to insulate the line somehow?

Not sure but until you find out , you can leave the line connected but keep the valve closed and just empty as needed

[bg71361]

Heat tape! What part of Md?

http://www.acehardware.com/family/in...goryId=1259053

[hankaye]

Richard6959, Howdy;

I've used Black PVC pipe to enclose mine when I lived in Central Utah
and was experiencing sub zero temps on a regular basis. As long as the
sewer line got some sunshine it was fine. Another way is to use some
Dark rain gutter material to enclose the slinky, use one piece to
support it and another to cover it.

hankaye

[bobbecky]

It is best to just leave the valves closed, and only open them to drain the tanks as needed. If it cold enough, regardless of what color the pipe or hose, the pipe will freeze solid. (There is no sunshine at night when it's the coldest)

[Richard6959]

We are currently staying at Bar Harbor near Aberdeen Proving Ground. I have heat tape for the water line, and the insulation tubes to wrap around it. I think when it looks like its going to stay below freezing I will probably shut the valves and drain when necessary. If all else fails, I put some heat on it to thaw it back out I suppose.

[wahoonc]

Sewer line will freeze...

I have one at the house that isn't buried as deep as it should be When temps hit the below 20 for more than a day or two I have to deal with it.

Keep the valve closed and dump when above freezing.

UltraHeat makes a variety of add on heating devices for tanks, valves and heaters.

Aaron

[hankaye]

Richard6959, Howdy;

Had to do a google to 'see' what type of RV you have and it sure
is a nice'un.

I used to live down in St. Mary's Co. and for the low temps. that you will
experience, in a normal winter you should be ok with just keeping the
tanks closed till it's time to dump. If you want a wee bit more piece
of mind then find the clean-out for the shower, should be near the
plumbing run for the water. There is generally a clean-out fitting that has
a removable cap. Unscrew the cap and using a funnel with a large exit hole,
pour about 1/2 of a 32oz. Big Gulp cup of ice melt into the tank. You can
also do the same thing for the Galley tank if you have separate Gray tanks
by removing the top from the under sink vent. The black tank generates
heat from the waste starting to compost itself, or you can dump the same
amount of ice melt into the bowl after you dump it for peace of mind.
I get mine at Wally World. I figured this out when I lived in Central Utah
and kept me from having frozen tanks even in -40* F temps... that stayed
at -0*F for longer than you'll experience in Md.

hankaye

[GaryWT]

I would think that if it is a straight shot and empties each time the water runs you would be fine. If you have the hose set up with a trap so water stays in the hose then you could have and issue. If you tank is big enough you could keep it closed and dump once a day.

[jje1960]

Take a pee, pour some RV anti-freeze!