Replaced head in 93 model 37.5 Legend. In the process determined a build up in the hose to the holding tank. Boat was in Florida for 8 years, in Nebraska for 2 years on the hard, not much use. Buildup inside the hose(hard substance) is approximately the same size as the hose itself restricting flow, replaced hose. I noticed the inlet stem has the same build up and when I knocked on the tank it sounds as though this problem is inside as well. I live in North Dakota and the options are slim. Are their chemicals or other ideas of how to cure this problem without replacing the holding tank? Thank you
buildup in holding tank
- Thread starter Rodger10043
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Sounds like sea water calcium carbonate buildup
If so, white vinegar will dissolve it...although it may take a little time. I do wish you'd asked questions before you did anything...'cuz taking the tank out of the boat is the easiest way to do it. That'll allow you slosh a few gallons of undiluted vinegar around it in a couple of times a day instead of filling the whole tank with it. If that doesn't do it, a 12% solution of muriatic acid in water will...but it's nasty stuff and must be handled VERY carefully, so it's worth trying white vinegar first. However, if the buildup isn't sea water minerals, but an accumulation of sludge in the bottom of the tank, there's nothing that will dissolve it that won't also dissolve the tank. If the tank is aluminum, you're better off just replacing it with a poly tank now, no matter what's in it...'cuz urine is so corrosive that 10 years is about the maximum lifespan of any metal tank.
If so, white vinegar will dissolve it...although it may take a little time. I do wish you'd asked questions before you did anything...'cuz taking the tank out of the boat is the easiest way to do it. That'll allow you slosh a few gallons of undiluted vinegar around it in a couple of times a day instead of filling the whole tank with it. If that doesn't do it, a 12% solution of muriatic acid in water will...but it's nasty stuff and must be handled VERY carefully, so it's worth trying white vinegar first. However, if the buildup isn't sea water minerals, but an accumulation of sludge in the bottom of the tank, there's nothing that will dissolve it that won't also dissolve the tank. If the tank is aluminum, you're better off just replacing it with a poly tank now, no matter what's in it...'cuz urine is so corrosive that 10 years is about the maximum lifespan of any metal tank.
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