3 years of agua fuerte. A result.

[capnsensible]

This is about heads blocking on the outlet side.

Lots will be familiar with scale forming on the inside of the outlet pipe and eventually blocking it. Remedy suggestions often include vinegar application etc but normally you end up taking out the pipe to clean with a dammed good thrashing (!) on the dock or replacing the pipe.

So, on our liveonnit boat, I was used to doing that wonderful job about every 8 or 9 months. Lavac.

In S Europe, there is widely available, at less than a quid a litre, a product 'Agua Fuerte', literally Spanish for strong water. Its about a 25% solution of hydrochloric acid.

I have been using this stuff in on average 2 weekly doses for 3 years.

Hey presto, no blocking! Also absolutely no observably effect on pump, head unit, pipes or hull valve.

Not sure how it would fit with UK attitudes, but can recommend it. Also widely used in boatyards after lift out to clean props and shaft, simply dissolves barnacles etc.

Take sensible precautions and flush a lot!

Have now got a second yacht, with Jabsco. Will chekkit out.

CS

 

[JayBee]

Second that. Been using it in the heads and on the prop for years - no ill effects on the bronze prop or the stainless components of the heads pump. Also no effect on GRP - but, I am always careful to clean off or pump out with plenty of water after use.

The same stuff can be had in the UK as brick cleaner, or spirits of salt.

 

[Sy-Revolution]

Yep, I use it regularly, dilute it though. We have an electric loo and I noticed when I used it neat it started to melt the plastic on some of the internal parts. Also the insides of the Y valve. One of these:

I've since had to replace the electric unit due to motor failure and I'm careful to only use well diluted acid now with the new loo.

Haven't had to do the 'horrid' job since finding strong water though.

C.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Ho hum - seem my post here!

 

[VO5]

This is about heads blocking on the outlet side.

Lots will be familiar with scale forming on the inside of the outlet pipe and eventually blocking it. Remedy suggestions often include vinegar application etc but normally you end up taking out the pipe to clean with a dammed good thrashing (!) on the dock or replacing the pipe.

So, on our liveonnit boat, I was used to doing that wonderful job about every 8 or 9 months. Lavac.

In S Europe, there is widely available, at less than a quid a litre, a product 'Agua Fuerte', literally Spanish for strong water. Its about a 25% solution of hydrochloric acid.

I have been using this stuff in on average 2 weekly doses for 3 years.

Hey presto, no blocking! Also absolutely no observably effect on pump, head unit, pipes or hull valve.

Not sure how it would fit with UK attitudes, but can recommend it. Also widely used in boatyards after lift out to clean props and shaft, simply dissolves barnacles etc.

Take sensible precautions and flush a lot!

Have now got a second yacht, with Jabsco. Will chekkit out.

CS

Cor ! You are brave...I have never heard of anyone daring to do that.
How much do you put in each time half a cupful or so ?

By the way, I have been trying to find you for at least a fortnight. Our friend was here. You missed him. We went for lunch, drinks etc., but couldn't locate you anywhere.

 

[capnsensible]

Cor ! You are brave...I have never heard of anyone daring to do that.
How much do you put in each time half a cupful or so ?

By the way, I have been trying to find you for at least a fortnight. Our friend was here. You missed him. We went for lunch, drinks etc., but couldn't locate you anywhere.

Morning!

During our couple of years in Lanzarote I was convinced by the lads in the boatyard that it was ok so now I am happy to broadcast the results.

Generally pour in a quarter of a bottle, pump slowly for a few strokes to fill pipes. Wait 5 minutes then a massive flush.

Happily been well booked up so out a lot, despite all the God of Fog can throw at us!

Did see D for a brief couple of beers, lots of talk about Hydrovanes, inner forestay fittings and sextants all in preperation for the challenge.

Hope we can catch up sometime!

C

 

[VO5]

Morning!

During our couple of years in Lanzarote I was convinced by the lads in the boatyard that it was ok so now I am happy to broadcast the results.

Generally pour in a quarter of a bottle, pump slowly for a few strokes to fill pipes. Wait 5 minutes then a massive flush.

Happily been well booked up so out a lot, despite all the God of Fog can throw at us!

Did see D for a brief couple of beers, lots of talk about Hydrovanes, inner forestay fittings and sextants all in preperation for the challenge.

Hope we can catch up sometime!

C

Ditto.

By the way, you know how if moored for some time, the galley sink outlet gets sluggish, then eventually blocked..

Have you tried using Agua Fuerte to clear it ?

I'll give you a ring later in the week.

I( think we are in for some really hot days. I know because my barometer says so (being my knees, that give the clue before the M.O.)

 

[ccscott49]

Been using it for at least six years, never replaced a pipe in that time, checked them though, fine, as are all the toilet components and seacocks (blakes) Used it to clean my props and shafts (both bronze) excellent results, will continue to use it.

 

[upthesolent]

Sea Cocks

Been using it for at least six years, never replaced a pipe in that time, checked them though, fine, as are all the toilet components and seacocks (blakes) Used it to clean my props and shafts (both bronze) excellent results, will continue to use it.

I used Agau Fuerte quite a lot in Spain in the building trade and used neat, is quite potent to say the least. So very interested in you cleaning the seacocks with it as I must service mine. What method do you use and do you dilute the acid before use?

Thanks.