Toilet Odor after Cleaning

[gypsylounge]

The Sanitation System project from Hell.

I have replaced most of the sanitation system on my aft cabin motor yacht. With guidance from Peggy and her book, I replaced the forward head with a Raritan PHII and all sanitation line with the Trident 101. After 40’ of hose and a new head the budget was getting tight. The aft head is a Jabsco electric that was still working fine so I was hoping to rebuild it instead of replace it and save some money.
I have completely rebuilt the unit and chiseled away every caked on layer of “stuff” lining the bottom of the unit and the discharge pump. Not a fun way to spend a day off.
I have cleaned all the plastic parts with orange cleaner, hot water, bleach but the stuff still stinks! I have scrubbed and scrubbed but I can not get the smell off of the plastic parts.
After putting this much effort and money into the project I do not want to put any part that still smells back aboard.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how remove the odor from these parts?

Thank you,
Ryan

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

You might try...

Soaking all the parts in Pure Ayre PureAyre overnight. If that doesn't eliminate the odor, nothing will...the plastic is permanently permeated with it.

If you'd asked a few questions BEFORE you spent all that time chipping and scraping (which means scratching and scoring) the toilet, I could have told you that soaking 'em in muriatic acid for an hour would prob'ly have dissolved all the stuff...without scratching and scoring the pump.

 

[gypsylounge]

Do you have any idea what the success rate would be on soaking the parts? If I'm going to spend $75 more on the system I might just buy a new Sea Era base and use my old bowl.

Yes, I should have asked first. That was not a fun job. I did use a very old screwdriver that was all worn down. It did not have any sharp edges really and did not scratch the parts at all.

Do you think a soak in muriatic acid before the PureAyre would provide any additional help?

Thanks for the help and sharing all of your wisdom,
Ryan

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Replace the toilet...

You won't believe the difference in performance once you've swapped it out for the SeaEra.

 

[gypsylounge]

Uggg.... $400 and a new Sea Era is on the way. I know it's the right thing to do but it hurts a little after all of the other expenses and effort put into the old unit.
Thanks again for all the help. I think it's amazing you spend your time here helping all of us. And just so you know, I bought the book last year. Very helpful.
Ryan

 

[gypsylounge]

I'm going to try to get the stink off the parts even thought they are not going back on. Is muriatic acid safe on the plastic? What ratio do you recommend?
Thanks
Ryan

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It's safe to use, but...

Muriatic (hydrochloric) acid isn't an odor eliminator...it's a descaler. A 12-15% solution of the off-the-shelf dilution should get the job done. A cupful of undiluted distilled white vinegar (ONLY white vinegar, not cider!) flushed all the way through the system once a week will prevent future buildup.

If you don't want to buy PureAyre (you'd find that you have a LOT of uses for it, though), This MIGHT work to de-stink your plastic parts: Go to Petsmart and find a microbial pet accident odor (not stain, odor) remover...soak the parts overnight in it. Or, if you're already using Raritan C.P. Cleans Potties to keep your bowl, sump and drains clean and sweet smelling (if you're not you should be!), try soaking the stinky parts in it overnight.