d hose

[Shelgail]

Does anyone know of a chemical that can dissolve the mineral scale build up in the hose that runs from the head to overboard? I believe that the scale is formed when uric acid combines with sea water.

Shel IP37-55 SEAS THE DAY

[hellosailor]

That would be calcium/salt scale and any commercial product like "CLR" or 'LimeAWay" probably would break it down, but you'd need to pour it in, then close the through-hulland add more to let it soak in the pipe.

Vigorous flushing is supposed to minimize that problem, I was told "always pump ten times whether you need it or not" to prevent that. (Can't do that to a holding tank, obviously.<G>)

[camaraderie]

A solution of muriatic acid pumped into the line will take care of built up scale. You want to pour it in the bowl, then flush it out of the mechanism with normal flushing for a few strokes. Leave in the line for about an hour.
After that, a similar monthly treatment with vinegar will keep things tip top. I always follow up the vinegar with some mineral oil to keep the pump mechanism seals lubricated and happy. Beats the alternative!

[hellosailor]

"some mineral oil to keep the pump mechanism seals lubricated and happy"
That could be a very expensive habit. Mineral oil is petroleum oil, and the fine for dumping ANY oil overboard...should be located on your oil discharge placard. (Second & smaller fine for not having one of those if you are 26'+ OAL.) In many districts, if the USCG or any water constable sees ANY rainbow slick coming out of your boat--you've bought it. And, there's a toll-free EPA number that anyone else can call.
So, ecology and ethics questions aside...oil in the head can be very expensive, unless you're Real Damn Sure you'll only be using pumpout stations.

And you'd probably get better results from dumping the same amount of ArmorAll or other water-soluble "green" plasticizer in there instead. Mineral oil isn't really going to stick around, or rejuvenate rubber or leaether seals in water.

FWIW.

[camaraderie]

Veggie Oil works too! Thanks for the tip...It's Canola for me!!

[Shelgail]

Thanks for the suggestions for dissolving the scale build up in the head hose.
I tried vinegar and LimeAWay to no avail. Then I tried muriatic acid and it worked very fast. Within 1/2 hour the heavy scale was dissolved and/or
separated from the inside wall of the tube and washed away with water.

Shel IP37-55 SEAS THE DAY

[hellosailor]

Catch-22, veggie oils *all* break down and gum up the works. As a number of folks have said, save the salad dressing for the salad.<G>

[camaraderie]

Hmmm...I wonder what it is that WM uses in its' "headlube" product...sure feels like oil. Anyone know?