Winterizing Lectra/San/MC

[frank]

Our current 1999 C34 Mk2, in addition to the standard holding tank, is equipped with a 2009 LST/MC. Marine Sanitation Unit.
The maintenance instructions re Winter Layup calls for the pumping out of both sides of the treatment tank via the crossover cap and the disconnection of the intake and output hoses.
As an alternative is there any reason why one could not pump into/thru the Lectra/San Unit the standard non- toxic pink RV/Marine minus 40c anti-freeze that is commonly used here to winterize potable water & head systems? Of course in the Spring the anti-freeze would need to be well flushed out. 
Will be interested to hear the expertise of Peggy Hall and others. Thank you,  Frank 

[Peggie Hall]

Any trace of antifreeze or any other chemical that remains in the spring will damage the electrode pack.  The amount of rinsing and flushing required to make sure you remove it all is actually a lot more labor intensive than just following the directions to in the manual. 'Cuz you'll have to clean it out whether you follow the dirctions or put antifreeze it... it's a flow through system--what goes in one chamber pushes an equal amount out of the other chamber--so "pumping out of both sides of the treatment tank via the crossover cap" simply means "flush enough water through it to clean  it out. Then, whether you put antifreeze in it or not, you'd have to vac the water out.  The only thing left to do if you follow the directions is disconnect the plumbing and the wiring, and take it home for the winter.

Next spring, all you have to do is put it back, reconnect the wiring and hoses, put a gallon of brine into it...and use it. 

So tell me how putting antifreeze in it is really any easier than following the directions for winterizing it?

[frank]

Thank you Peggy. I am OK with flushing and pumping out the unit. The challenge for this particular installation will be disconnecting and then later reconnecting the input hose from the unit due to its inaccessibility. The anti -freeze option and robust spring flushout may be the lesser evil!  Frank

[Peggie Hall]

In that case, what you need are these li'l gadgets that make disconnecting and reconnecting plumbing easy:

http://www.turncouple.com/

I didn't realize that the developer is trying to sell the patent...here's a PDF that shows it as PVC fittings for use in santiation and water systems) http://www.turncouple.com/Turncouple%20in%20Marine%20Use.pdf  with a phone number that might provide a source to buy a couple of 'em to install in your LS plumbing.

[frank]

Thank you Peggy for the Turncouple product link. It appears to be an effective solution for maintaining/repairing/modifying marine waste & water hose/equipment connections. I will follow up with the Vermont contact.
Also would be very interested in hearing from others who have used any of the Turncouple products. 
Frank

[Peggie Hall]

They sent me a sample when they first came out (ye gods, that was more than 10 years ago!)...they're pretty slick and surprisingly easy to use.

[Peggie Hall]

Frank, Jed at Turncouple just emailed me that he received your email and tried to send a reply, but it bounced.   Try giving him a call at 802.229.7707.

[frank]

Thank you Peggy. I Was talking with Jed yesterday. Will follow thru re email. Frank