Fresh Water Tanks

[debbiebetts]

What is the best way to keep fresh water pure in the water holding tanks for extended periods of time?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Two things...

1. Recommission the system annually (instructions in the archives...search for "fresh water")...and

2. Use and replace your water frequently

Also...before filling tanks, let water run long enough to purge all the water out of the dock supply line and your hose. You don't want to put water that's been sitting in 'em in your tanks.

 

[Tom Spohn]

I borrowed a trick from the RV crowd and filter all the water going into the tank. Always stays good tasting.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Here's a link to the recommission details in one of Peggie's recent answers to this almost weekly question:

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=319507&highlight=recommission

 

[Andy1237]

And then add a fifth of quality rum!:dance:

 

[mcwolford]

Salt Deposits in Fresh Tank

Any suggestions how to get rid of salt scale in a fresh water tank? Seems some salt water must have gotten into my tanks at one time or another. The filter catches the small "rocks" before they get to the pump, but they constantly clog the filter. They also significantly cut down on the flow rate coming from the tank. A reverse "blowing" air into the tank dis-lodges them for a while, but eventually....bunch of rocks in the filter again. My tank is an older (1990) stainless tank. No way to just open it and clean it as there are only small holes in the top to fill it and vent it. Fill it with vinegar? Muriatic acid diluted with a quick flush?

 

[Rick D]

The filter catches the small "rocks" before they get to the pump, but they constantly clog the filter. Fill it with vinegar? Muriatic acid diluted with a quick flush?

I think you'll find that those are from your water heater. The aluminum tank starts to corrode and suffer from electrolysis. You might start by putting a filter downstream from the water heater. Just be sure it is accessible. Also, check the water heater to see if it is leaking. That's an early sign. A vinegar flush ;-) might help and won't hurt.

 

[sailingdog]

Also, use opaque hoses and minimize light exposure to the water system.

 

[mcwolford]

Thanks for the replies. I think there may be 2 problems. 1, the salt "rocks" in the pre-filter are definately coming from the holding tanks as i have an inline filter coming right off the tanks. However, i dont have one from the hot water heater, so i think i'll add one there and see it picks up some debris. Then maybe a strong vinegar flush. We'll see if it works.

 

[KandD]

ooo, reviving older post; always fun : )

I'm also having a minerals collecting in my strainer. I have AL tanks, and the water locally is like drinking rocks. I think I had a large deposit partially clog my out line on the tank last week until a winter storm shook it up. How strong of a vinegar solution would get the job done? It's 105 gallon tank, we go through it about every week or two (live aboard). It's not from my heater, the strainer is upstream and there isn't a heater anymore : ).