Volume in Toilet Trap

[i_am_chris]

Anyone have an idea how much water is in a toilet trap? We were having a debate about methods of winterizing our unheated camp/construction temporary bath-house and one suggestion was using propylene glycol antifreeze in the toilet. Well, since then we got focused on other things, one night of serious freezing and CRACK went the bowl. But, still, we wonder what the volume would be, how much we'd need, etc. Obviously not more than 1.6 gallons (of course right now its a bit of duct tape over the pipe until spring...)

[VALENT]

SHOOT, I wouldnt think more than 2 quarts or so. MAX

[David]

Can you use a plunger to just push half the water out? I wouldn't want antifreeze sitting in the toilet all winter.

[Vector]

We use windshield washer fluid to antifreeze our stuff at the cabin. A couple of cups is all it takes for the toilet (tank drained and most water scooped out of the bowl).

I wouldn't use car antifreeze, just because it's nasty toxic. Windshield washer fluid is mostly just water and methanol, a lot cleaner than ethelyne or propylene glycol. And as antifreeze sits unsealed, it gets really thick and nasty.

[David]

Vector, are you speaking from experience??? ;)

[Vector]

I'm a car guy. I've dealt with antifreeze in various states all too often.

Never in a toilet, however.