Tp Clog!!!!!!

[duality]

one of my mates seemed to have clogged the system with a little extra tp. last time this happened (one of the mates girlfriend) it was clogged right on top of the tank on the inlet elbow. my question is, if i wait a little longer will the tp start breaking down, or do i get the gloves out and take off the inlet hose again?

thanks
mike

 

[Stu Jackson]

my question is, if i wait a little longer will the tp start breaking down, or do i get the gloves out and take off the inlet hose again?

Mike, no YOU don't do it. You have the person who did it do it. They'll rarely do it again, and the word will get out.

 

[RichH]

The cellulose fibers in TP will eventually breakdown and come apart if flooded with water. HOT water will accelerate the 'digestion'; usually HOT water can be poured into the 'backside' of the hose by removing the small vent valve on the 'anti-siphon' device, etc. if the system is REALLY blocked (the clog was 'forced' by mighty pressure on the pump handle).
Dont FORCE such 'clogs' with a lot of hand pump pressure - as it will only 'compress' the TP fibers and delay any 'digestion' action.

That TP is getting 'stuck' in your system indicates that the exit tubing from the head is/may becoming 'calcified' which yields a very rough surface and which also can severely 'narrow' the internal diameter of the tubing.

IF or when the TP that is stuck 'releases', suggest that you consider to remove the downstream tube and investigate for 'severe calcium carbonate deposits' inside the tube .... a few good whacks from a hammer is usually all it takes to loosen such 'deposits' OR you can flush in some 'boiler descaling compounds' (but keep them OFF and not in long term contact with the 'porcelain').

 

[Stu Jackson]

Rich is right. White vinegar has been reported to be helpful in keeping those buildups to a minimum.

 

[RichH]

Stu -
If you drink a LOT of white wine your body will be producing/outputting a LOT of 'natural' vinegar - two birds with one stone, so to speak.
;-)

 

[Steve Dion]

This is the number one reason to have an electric head (SeaEra). If it cannot get past the macerator, it does not get into the discharge hose/tank.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Do we know for certain that it's only TP?

Not wet wipes or a tampon? 'Cuz just about anything else will dissolve if you can put some muriatic (hydrochloric) acid down the toilet for it to soak in overnight, and it won't harm any of the plumbing or the porcelain. Even an overload of quick dissolve TP will dissolve on it's own in just plain water in about an hour.

But I agree with Rich...you need to find out how much if any sea water mineral buildup has reduced the diameter of your head discharge line. The good news is, muriatic acid will also dissolve mineral buildup, and do so a whole lot faster than vinegar. A cupful of undiluted distilled white vinegar flushed ALL the way through the line to the tank once a week when the boat will sit will prevent it. Use only distilled white vinegar...not cider.

 

[jibes138]

Will sodium hypochlorate dissolve the TP clog? I know whenever I use a sponge with the stuff it dissolves the sponge before I get halfway through with wiping down whatever I am working on.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Nope...

Chlorine won't dissolve paper or cellulose. Household sponges are some kind of synthetic material that it can dissolve.

 

[RichH]

Sodium hypochlorite is BLEACH. Consumer bleaches such as Clorox is ~21% sodium hypochlorite (5% 'chlorine')..... and no bleach wont accelerate the digestion of cellulose ... but it will 'bleach' it.

If you want to accelerate the 'digestion' of cellulose, you need a strong 'alkali' but not recommended for 'sewer clogs' as the developing pressure and the occasional caustic 'steaming fountains' that can be produced can be quite harmful / dangerous. Generally you DONT want to be messing with 'caustics' unless you REALLY REALLY REALLY know what you are doing.

 

[LuzSD]

Once you have that situation taken care of I would recommend a small receptical placed near (mine has suction cups on one side) the head and place some plastic baggies there. Women just place the tissue there instead of in the head and things stay very happy. It has been a rule on our boat and the one before.. but you have to have it fairly obvious for guests.