"Crystals?" in lines

[Jack Swords]

Clogged up the hose leading to the thru hull. Opening up the hoses, found a white crystal material filling up the entire hose to the Y valve all the way down to the thru hull. Beat the hoses against the dock, cleaned them out, put rebuild kit in head, all's well. What is this stuff (must come from urine) and does vinegar really help (as some say). How long before it clogs again? We live aboard 6 months. Would a freshwater flush help? Thanks!

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Some urine crystals, but mostly

seawater calcium carbonates... a problem for all boats in salt water, but much more so for boats in warm waters. I've seen it reduce a 1.5" hose to less than 1/2" in 2 years or less.A fresh water flush once daily will help to prevent it...a cupful of white vinegar down the toilet once a week will help a lot more--or at least slow it down. Flush the whole system, including the head intake line--disconnect the hose from the thru-hull and pump it through--with vinegar before leaving the boat for any length of time.

 

[carisea]

crystalization

When you put vinigar down the hose ,how long do you let it sit in the line?

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

It can't sit in the line unless you plug the line

The vinegar rinses the hose in the same way fresh water does...but alters the chemistry in the environment inside the hose.Do NOT leave vinegar standing in the toilet! It swells soft rubber and will destroy the joker valve as it seeps out