Head problem

[motion30]

I had to service the hoses connected to my head and I noticed a HEAVY build up of white substance which I assume is salt Other then replacing the hoses or manually scraping it out, how can I clean the hoses out?

[Celestialsailor]

I have taken channel-lock pliers wrapped with a cloth an lightly squeezed the hose up and down. Adding Vinegar and flushing it through on dry bowl helps to dissolve it

[s/v Jedi]

Ah, you didn't do the "hit the ground with the hose" thing yet. Well, do that a couple of times (take hoses off, take them to quiet spot ashore where no one can see you and beat the ground with them) and if you get sick of it, install fresh water flush toilets ;-)

cheers,
Nick.

[donradcliffe]

Buy cheap vinegar, and every week or two flush a cup down and shut the thru hull for a few hours let let it disolve the uric acid crystals.

[Sandero]

These hoses are neither terribly long or expensive. Replace them.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by defjef

These hoses are neither terribly long or expensive. Replace them.

Especially if they smell at all.
Eventually, the sewerage smell permeates the hoses, and nothing will remedy it.

[motion30]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Especially if they smell at all.
Eventually, the sewerage smell permeates the hoses, and nothing will remedy it.

No smell , the hoses are only about 8 months old and at $8 per foot... I did not know if there was a product that helped remove the salt. Does vinger work? My neighbor used muratic acid but I am a little concerned what that might do to every thing else

[Celestialsailor]

I think muriatic acid might be a little aggressive on the valve parts. You should get 3-5 years out of a hose...Use vinegar

[JiffyLube]

You might want to change over to fresh water. Our hoses have been on for several years, and we don't have a hint of smell.

[Sandero]

I know your fresh water is coming from too small tanks. Here in the NE USA I use all the fresh water I want including finishing the flush of the head with it from the hand shower. And then I top off the tanks as needed since water is still free. What's the big deal and we are out at a moring or on anchor 100% of the time.

Never leave salt water in the system when we leave the boat.

BTW I don't think he has salt encrusting his lines but some for of calcium deposit. What IS that stuff anyway? If it were salt it would be dissolving.

[motion30]

Originally Posted by defjef

I know your fresh water is coming from too small tanks. Here in the NE USA I use all the fresh water I want including finishing the flush of the head with it from the hand shower. And then I top off the tanks as needed since water is still free. What's the big deal and we are out at a moring or on anchor 100% of the time.

Never leave salt water in the system when we leave the boat.

BTW I don't think he has salt encrusting his lines but some for of calcium deposit. What IS that stuff anyway? If it were salt it would be dissolving.

I have been flushing with fresh HOT water to see if the helps desolve the buildup. Seems to have helped but I will pull apart the hoses this weekend and see. I will try vinger as well