Clearing (salt water fed) clogged discharge hose

[Al R]

I suspect the discharge (white sanitation) hose needs to be cleared as the (Jabsco electric) bowel does not completely empty when flushed. I have tried vinegar and warm water. Didn't want to use any aggressive chemicals. Is there something that if used occasionally will clear any calcium build-up in the hose?

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard. Peggie Hall is the Head Mistress and the absolute guru about all things head related. She has a book about smells on a boat that you should get. It isn’t just about smells but an overall great reference book. She will probably chime in on this thread when she sees it. Otherwise send her a PM and she is usually very happy to help.

 

[koliver]

I suspect the discharge (white sanitation) hose needs to be cleared as the (Jabsco electric) bowel does not completely empty when flushed. I have tried vinegar and warm water. Didn't want to use any aggressive chemicals. Is there something that if used occasionally will clear any calcium build-up in the hose?

I have only done this once per boat, but it worked very well each time:
Full removal of the clogged hose, beat it on the bull rail until the hardened deposits break free. Clean it up with a high pressure water hose. re-install.

Seriously though, getting a clogged hose out is not difficult. The deposits stay with the hose and don't drop all over the place on the way out. You do need to beat it vigorously, so do it where any escaping deposits can be collected and disposed of. It will extend the life of your hoses by many years, expecially when you do a vinegar rinse from time to time.

 

[Comodave]

If you take the hose off I would just go ahead and replace it with Raritan Sani-Flex hose. The cost isn’t too much and the Sani-Flex hose doesn’t permeate. It is very flexible so install is easier. Defender sells it by the foot and usually has the best price.

 

[Ken E.]

I recall Peggie recommending a product called Sew Clean for discharge line deposits but I haven't used it myself.

Last winter I removed and replaced my raw water flush discharge lines while upgrading my heads to fresh water flush. The lines had hardened, calcified deposits that in some locations nearly choked off flow. I used Raritan Saniflex hose as a replacement which worked out fine.

 

[Russell Clifton]

You can use Noflex in your holding tank which also keeps all the hoses clean too. Not sure how it would work on a hose that is already partially plugged.

 

[HeadMistress]

Welcome aboard the Trawler forum!

I suspect the discharge (white sanitation) hose needs to be cleared as the (Jabsco electric) bowel does not completely empty when flushed.


If the problem is mineral buildup in the toilet discharge pump, a 12-15% solution of muriatic acid--available from most hardware stores--should clean it out. Read and FOLLOW all directions for use and safe handling! You'll also need to replace the joker valve (it's in the in toilet discharge hose fitting).



However, a clogged discharge line isn't the only thing that can cause sluggish discharge...does the motor sound normal or has it gotten sluggish?


Problem can also be caused by a blocked or partially blocked holding tank vent that pressurized the system, creating back pressure that's not letting flushes move completely. Does the toilet "burp" or the flush bubble back into the bowl after you release the flush button?



--Peggie

 

[HeadMistress]

I have only done this once per boat, but it worked very well each time:
Full removal of the clogged hose, beat it on the bull rail until the hardened deposits break free. Clean it up with a high pressure water hose. re-install.

You must have been a sailboat owner in your previous life, 'cuz only sailors would even THINK of doing that! Hoses do have a finite working life that averages about 10 years because rubber and plastic dry out over time, causing 'em to become hard, brittle and prone to cracking and splitting. If you can't clean out the buildup without removing 'em, replace 'em! And prevent future mineral buildup by flushing a cupful--no more than 2--of undiluted distilled white vinegar all the way through the system once a week.

--Peggie

 

[koliver]

I have only done this once per boat, but it worked very well each time:
Full removal of the clogged hose, beat it on the bull rail until the hardened deposits break free. Clean it up with a high pressure water hose. re-install.

You must have been a sailboat owner in your previous life, 'cuz only sailors would even THINK of doing that!

--Peggie

How perceptive. Yet I still do all those old sailor things, as they are no less helpful on my power boat.

 

[syjos]

Uncloric Acid, available from Marine Sanitation in Seattle, is sold specifically for clearing calcium and other deposits from marine toilets and hoses. It is safer on the toilet parts than most other harsh chemicals.

I run it through my Vacu Flush once a year for routine cleaning.

 

[HopCar]

“You must have been a sailboat owner in your previous life, 'cuz only sailors would even THINK of doing that! “

Peggie, you’re not implying that sailors are cheap are you! I’m shocked! I’ve never heard such a thing!

If the hose cracks or splits you just wrap it with electrical tape, right?

 

[Comodave]

Not electrical tape, just blue painters tape...