Chlorine damage to rubber in water system

[Jim WIllis]

I've had a problem with water leaking out of the fresh water tank. Worse case scenario was a leak in the tank. I found a leak in the pressure pump to th facets and shower - it was the rubber that seemed rotted.Still the leak. Finally, Looking under the floorboards, I think I found the problem: An additional leak in the foot operated secondary faucet in the Shower/Head area.Will block off and see if leak is fixed. But where do I get a replacement pedal pump?Thank God!ALW

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

Foot pump

West Marine stocks several foot pumps.LaDonna

 

[Bob Todd]

If it is actually chlorine damage...

...you're putting WAYYYYYYY too much chlorine in your fresh water tank. One capful should effectively treat a 30 gallon tank.Cheers,Bob

 

[Peggie Hall/Headmistress]

A capful with each fill just wastes bleach and

damages the system. It's not enough to kill any "critters," and besides--any purifying properties in chlorine evaporate within about 24 hours, leaving behind only the caustic properties. However, a capful IS enough to gradually eat away at aluminum tanks and rubber parts in pumps. An annual or semi-annual "shock treatment" according o the directions in the "Fresh Water Maintenence" article in the HM forum reference library is all that should be needed to keep potable water tasting and smelling good, and causes negligible damage if it's not allowed to remain in the system longer than 24 hours.

 

[Jim WIllis]

I was young and stupid!

I brought the boat over in the fall of 94 but from 95 on was back on the mainland. I used to come over clean the boat, have a sail and go home again. I think there was one occassion that I used way too much chlorox and left it there while away, thinking that it would keep things nice and sterile.I think that is when most of the damage happened.On the bright side, the tank seems OK and the pipes and there are two other footpedals (one for salt water system) that are OK.But where do I get new pedal pump?I thought this posting would be a good cautionary tale. However, I had already worked out what to do if it WAS the tank.ThanksALW