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Posted: December 1, 2007 - Winter is here again!

This is not what anyone wants to hear but summer has gone way to fast and winter is just around the corner. If proper procedures are not put in place for winter conditions the operating cost of services toilets (especially if frozen) rises rapidly.

Here are some winter preparation tips:
1.) Monitor the 10 day weather forecast (weather.com is a good service)
2.) Carry an extra wand assembly on each truck, or each change from a PVC wand to metal during winter months.
3.) Add a winterization fee, it costs more to service in the winter ($20.00-$30.00) per month is common.
4.) Windshield washer fluid mixed with water, toilet washdown or cabana spray makes for a great solution for wiping down units.
5.) Add salt to your urinals to gain extra freezing coverage throughout the week.
6.) Colder temperatures means less bacteria growth and waste odors, make the proper adjustments to the amount of deodorizer used.
7.) Disconnect water pump and/or remove it completely from the truck.

Does every one know that:
1.) The maxim amount of salt you can use is 2 lbs per gallon and protects the toilet down to 0 degrees F.(If more than 2 lbs per gallon is used, it causes the freeze protection to raise above 0 degrees F not lower it more than 0 degrees F.)
2.) The maxim amount of Methanol you can use before the solution is considered flammable is 33% and protects to -4 degrees F.
3.) In combination with salt and methanol used at the maximum concentrations will protect to -40 degrees F.

Always remember that further dilution occurs as the toilets are being used which will reduce the freeze protection.

For a complete list of freeze protection options go to the anti freeze tip sheet found under tips and techniques tab.