Winterizing Boats: Propylene Glycol And Ethyl Alcohol Safety

When winterizing boats, it is important to consider the type of antifreeze used to prevent freezing and corrosion. Two common antifreeze chemicals are propylene glycol and ethyl alcohol, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Propylene glycol is non-toxic, odourless, tasteless, biodegradable, and safer for the environment, making it ideal for potable water systems. However, it can be more expensive and may harm certain components in boat engines and plumbing systems. On the other hand, ethyl alcohol is a cheaper alternative, but it can damage PVC plumbing hoses and cause sanitation issues. This article will explore the safety, effectiveness, and potential drawbacks of using propylene glycol and ethyl alcohol for winterizing boats, offering insights into the best practices and products available for boat owners.

Ethyl alcohol can damage PVC plumbing hoses

When it comes to winterizing boats, propylene glycol is often used as a non-toxic, biodegradable, and effective option. It is safe for drinking water systems and engines, providing protection against freeze damage. However, some concerns have been raised about the ethyl alcohol content in certain brands and its potential to attack rubber components within domestic water systems.

While propylene glycol is generally considered a safer alternative to ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic, the combination of propylene glycol with ethyl alcohol warrants further examination. Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, has been known to cause issues with certain materials, including PVC plumbing hoses.

Ethyl alcohol is not very soluble in PVC, but prolonged exposure may lead to negative effects. PVC, or Poly(vinyl chloride), can experience "crazing" or stiffening over time when in contact with ethyl alcohol. This is due to the dissolution of plasticizers, which are substances added to plastics like PVC to increase flexibility, durability, and range of temperature tolerance.

Therefore, while propylene glycol on its own may be safe for winterizing boats, the presence of ethyl alcohol as an additive could potentially damage PVC plumbing hoses and other rubber components. It is important for boat owners to carefully read the labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions of any products they use for winterization to ensure compatibility and avoid potential damage to their vessels.

To avoid issues with PVC plumbing hoses, boat owners should opt for pure propylene glycol products that do not contain ethyl alcohol. These products might be labelled as non-toxic and are designed to be safe for drinking water systems. Additionally, following the manufacturer's dilution instructions is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the winterizing solution.

Propylene glycol is non-toxic and biodegradable

Propylene glycol is a key ingredient in antifreeze, which is used to winterize boats. It is a much safer alternative to ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to humans and marine life. In fact, propylene glycol is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Propylene glycol is often sold to RV and boat owners as a non-toxic antifreeze solution. It is also used in some sanitation systems, cooling systems, and air conditioners. It is important to note that propylene glycol can be harmful to certain materials, such as neoprene, which is commonly used in valves, seals, and impellers. It can also cause internal pitting of the metal cooling jackets in diesel engines. Therefore, it is recommended to use propylene glycol-based antifreeze in drinking water systems and all engines except those with neoprene components.

One advantage of using propylene glycol over ethylene glycol is that it is odorless and tasteless, making it suitable for potable water systems. It also provides excellent freeze protection, with a burst point of -50°F (-46°C) to -100°F (-73°C). This means that it can protect the boat's systems from freezing and bursting in extremely cold temperatures.

When choosing an antifreeze for winterizing a boat, it is important to read the labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some antifreeze products may contain ethyl alcohol, which can damage PVC plumbing hoses and affect the sanitation system's ability to contain odors. Therefore, it is best to choose a propylene glycol-based product that does not contain ethyl alcohol.

In summary, propylene glycol is a non-toxic and biodegradable alternative to ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. While it may be slightly more expensive and can be harmful to certain materials, it is a safer and more environmentally friendly option for winterizing boats, especially in potable water systems.

Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to humans and marine life

Propylene glycol is often used to winterize boats. It is a non-toxic antifreeze that provides cold weather and corrosion protection for drinking water systems and all engines. It is also much less toxic than ethylene glycol.

Ethylene glycol is a highly toxic alcohol commonly found in antifreeze and some industrial solvents. It is a colourless, odourless, sweet-tasting liquid that contributes to accidental ingestion, particularly in children. Ingesting ethylene glycol can be fatal, as it breaks down into toxic compounds in the body. The toxic byproducts first affect the central nervous system, then the heart, and finally the kidneys.

The treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning used to involve getting and keeping the patient drunk with ethanol until their kidneys filtered out all the ethylene glycol. This method was used because the liver converts ethylene glycol into a toxic substance but will work preferentially on ethanol if it is present in the body. Nowadays, the primary treatments for ethylene glycol poisoning are either ethanol or fomepizole and, occasionally, dialysis.

Ethylene glycol is also highly toxic to marine life. However, one source suggests that it undergoes rapid biodegradation in aerobic and anaerobic environments, and is practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms, and does not bioaccumulate in them.

Ethyl alcohol can cause sanitation hoses to lose their ability to contain odours

Winterizing boats is a simple process: add enough glycol to protect against bursting at the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. The type of antifreeze used in winterization includes either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. While ethylene glycol is a good antifreeze/coolant, it is a poison that is deadly to pets and wildlife, making its disposal difficult.

Propylene glycol, on the other hand, is a non-toxic, odourless, tasteless, biodegradable, and safe alternative. It is also slightly more expensive to produce. However, it is important to note that propylene glycol can be harmful to neoprene, a material commonly used in valves, seals, and impellers.

Some antifreeze formulas aimed at the RV market contain ethyl alcohol, which can damage PVC plumbing hoses. This ethyl alcohol can also cause sanitation hoses to lose their ability to contain odours, allowing unpleasant smells to escape into the boat. Therefore, it is recommended to look for products that do not contain ethyl alcohol.

It is also important to follow the manufacturer's dilution ratio instructions carefully when using antifreeze. Products that offer protection at extremely low temperatures may require full-strength usage, while others can be diluted with water at specific ratios. Additionally, it is worth noting that winterizing propylene glycol should not be used in the cooling system of a glycol-cooled engine, as it can lead to internal pitting of the metal cooling jackets.

Propylene glycol can harm components in freshwater and wastewater plumbing systems

Propylene glycol is a popular choice for winterizing boats as it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. It is also tasteless and odorless. However, it is important to note that propylene glycol can be harmful to certain components in freshwater and wastewater plumbing systems.

One of the main concerns with using propylene glycol in plumbing systems is its potential to corrode certain materials. For example, some sources mention that propylene glycol can burst plastics at certain temperatures and that it may not be suitable for thin copper heat exchangers. Additionally, there is a concern that the ethyl alcohol content in some propylene glycol products can attack rubber components within domestic water systems. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully select the appropriate type of antifreeze and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid potential damage to plumbing systems.

The quality and purity of propylene glycol can also play a role in its effectiveness and safety. Some cheaper brands of propylene glycol may contain impurities or other chemicals that can be harmful to plumbing systems. For example, a product that is not pure propylene glycol but a mixture of PG and alcohol may have a lower freezing point and may not provide adequate protection against freezing temperatures. It is recommended to read the labels carefully and choose a reputable brand to ensure the highest quality and purity of propylene glycol.

Furthermore, propylene glycol may interact with certain materials in plumbing systems, such as rubber, seals, or hose materials. While some sources claim that propylene glycol will not harm these components, it is always advisable to consult with plumbing experts or manufacturers to ensure compatibility with specific system components.

To mitigate the potential harm to freshwater and wastewater plumbing systems, it is essential to use propylene glycol in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and industry standards. Proper dilution ratios and application methods are critical to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the product. Additionally, regular maintenance and monitoring of plumbing systems can help identify any potential issues or incompatibilities with propylene glycol, allowing for prompt corrective actions to be taken.

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