My head's discharge line has acquired a build up of a substance that reminds me of calcium. Solid, rock-like, and clogging the line. Is there any easy way of disolving this substance, or do I have to replace the hoses? My boat is docked in brackish water. Would this be part of the cause? My apologies if this has been discussed on this forum before, but I'm new to this site. I'll also be picking up a copy of your book this evening if West Marine or Boat/US should carry it.
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From what I have read here
It is a calcium carbonate (or some other cosmic chemical. I have heard of people taking the hoses off and beating them on the dock to break up the stuff. Peggy will likely weigh in on this one as well. David
It is a calcium carbonate (or some other cosmic chemical. I have heard of people taking the hoses off and beating them on the dock to break up the stuff. Peggy will likely weigh in on this one as well. David
It's sea water calcium carbonate...
A 12% solution of muriatic acid in water, flushed through the toilet will disolve it...but muriatic acid is nasty stuff and requires VERY careful handling. Plan B: Several applications of undiluted white vinegar, also flushed down the toilet...allowed to sit in the hoses for several hours between applications. Or you can remove all the hoses and beat 'em on the dock, then put 'em all back...but that seems like the hardest approach to me. If I have to go through all it takes to remove all the hoses and put 'em back, I wouldn't put the old ones back, I'd replace with new ones. Whichever method you choose to CURE the problem, a cupful of white vinegar flushed down the toilet once a week when the head won't be used for at least several hours will PREVENT it in the future.
A 12% solution of muriatic acid in water, flushed through the toilet will disolve it...but muriatic acid is nasty stuff and requires VERY careful handling. Plan B: Several applications of undiluted white vinegar, also flushed down the toilet...allowed to sit in the hoses for several hours between applications. Or you can remove all the hoses and beat 'em on the dock, then put 'em all back...but that seems like the hardest approach to me. If I have to go through all it takes to remove all the hoses and put 'em back, I wouldn't put the old ones back, I'd replace with new ones. Whichever method you choose to CURE the problem, a cupful of white vinegar flushed down the toilet once a week when the head won't be used for at least several hours will PREVENT it in the future.
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