Preventing lime/calcium deposits ?

[svmariane]

Full time live aboards here. Had that clogged/clogging problem. Finally replaced all our black water tubing; cleansed seacocks and through hulls with muriatic acid / fresh water mix. That was all done about four years ago.

We then implemented a "20-flush/pump minimum" rule. Occasionally flush with vinegar to remove harbour water stink. Have not since re-experienced the problem.

DID have to tear into the system a few months back and that gave me a chance to check inside the tubing - no buildup noticed. {Problem turned out to be a small crab caught in the hand-pump valves. So I installed a sea water filter.}

Anyway - It now means that in some places we must use a pump-out facility more often, or take a short cruise to dump holding tank overboard. Works for us.

Another thread on CF from a guy with macerator / power flush and same clogging problem. His decision was to install a timer to force a longer flush time. Same concept as pumping more.