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Old 21-03-2014, 16:19   #1
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How do you keep toilet pipes clean

I noticed recently when replacing the "Y" valve in my toilet plumbing that the pipes, only 8 months old had a layer of build up in them. Some one told me if you put vegetable oil down your toilet that it helps keep them clean. Has any one got any suggestions on remedies or chemicals to stop the pipes from getting clogged up over time?
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Old 21-03-2014, 16:28   #2
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

Not vegetable oil. When you leave the boat for the weekend (or periodically) flush a couple cups of vinegar down and leave it sit for the week or as long as you can.
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Old 21-03-2014, 16:42   #3
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

The best way to avoid buildup is to REALLY flush the system after each usage. The salient point is to remove ALL of the urine from the hoses, for it is the interaction between urine and the dissolved salts that causes the buildup. This means lots of pumping after the bowl is empty -- exact number depends on the pump capacity and the diameter and length of your hoses.

Obviously, if you are using a holding tank, this method is counter productive! The vinegar method does help if done frequently, but periodic removal and bashing on the dock is still in your future if you use this method.

This chemical reaction is one of nature's cruel jokes on yotties!

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Old 21-03-2014, 17:06   #4
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Vegetable oil is to make it easier to pump and make your pump seals last longer.( less friction) Lots of people use vinegar to reduce the calcium deposits but I'm pretty sure that they're studies that show it doesn't make a difference. Muriatic acid will dissolve calcium but don't let it sit in your bowl it will make it more porous. And I agree with the previous post. when urine mixes with salt water calcium deposits are formed
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Old 21-03-2014, 17:30   #5
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

You guys keep talking me into a fresh water head
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Old 21-03-2014, 17:37   #6
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

How about a can of coca cola to clean the pipes?

I've herd many things that coca cola is good for. Like cleaning floors, bug splattered windshields or windscreens, even heard it to unseezed a 350cc V8 motor that has been sitting outside for many years. Just had to let it soak.

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Old 21-03-2014, 17:49   #7
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

We had a 6mm buildup of calcium in the bottom of the bowl when we bought the boat. 3 years of regular cleaning, regular vinegar overnight, 15 pumps to flush and it's all gone. It broke off in lumps and promptly got caught in the joker valve each time.
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Old 21-03-2014, 17:53   #8
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

Just fresh water flush. My 5 year old head pipes have no build up in them what so ever.
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Old 21-03-2014, 20:33   #9
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

If you can't go to fresh water flush, removing the hose and beating the hell out of it every 2-3 years is an option. I coil my 12' hose in a trash can and sterilize it in bleach, before and after the beating session. It's like new when it gets re-installed. I'd like a fresh flush but I need a separate tank so there's no chance of cross contamination or back flow.
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Old 22-03-2014, 04:11   #10
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

No modification is needed to your head to fresh water flush. Just shut off the seawater inlet to the head and use a cup of fresh water from the sink. Some sinks have a hose which is even better. EasyBreezy
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Old 22-03-2014, 04:18   #11
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

To the best of my knowledge, we never got any more build up once I put the pipes in the dumpster after we switched to a composter.
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Old 22-03-2014, 05:29   #12
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

Quote:
Originally Posted by valhalla360 View Post
To the best of my knowledge, we never got any more build up once I put the pipes in the dumpster after we switched to a composter.
A composting head is the best way to go, but some boats do not have the room for them on those slanted walls
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Old 22-03-2014, 06:23   #13
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

I would echo the recommendations regarding occasional flushing with vinegar and regular use of fresh water. I shut off my saltwater valve several years ago and have simply kept a gallon bottle of water nearby for flushing ever since. A major added benefit is the elimination of odor which is associated with the organisms in salt water.
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Old 22-03-2014, 06:51   #14
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

Does this work alright with an electric toilet? It Doesn't hurt the pump?
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Old 22-03-2014, 07:35   #15
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Re: How do you keep toilet pipes clean

No issues whatsoever with the pump as long as there's water in the bowl when it's running ... my practice is to run the macerator pump with ~ 8 ounces of vinegar once a month or so when the boat will be sitting. I used to heave terrible buildup n the lines but have been amazed by the improvement since going to freshwater and regular use of vinegar.
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