Lavac Zenith with Henderson Mark 5 pump and pipes blocked?

[ferroboat]

We are full time liveaboards and I have just dismantled the forward heads plumbing and pump to find it was completely blocked with what I suppose to be uric acid scale (pump and pipes). Everything now pumping freely again. How can I prevent the scale from re-forming again? Thanks in anticipation.


https://moonshineofmersea.wordpress.com/

 

[rogerthebodger]

I e the same problem and I do a routine strip and clean every 2 years or so.

Fresh water flush seems to be the only to prevent the scale build up.

 

[alahol2]

Clean the pump every winter. Pump much more water than is strictly necessary, then some more, every time.

 

[sailorman]

We are full time liveaboards and I have just dismantled the forward heads plumbing and pump to find it was completely blocked with what I suppose to be uric acid scale (pump and pipes). Everything now pumping freely again. How can I prevent the scale from re-forming again? Thanks in anticipation.


https://moonshineofmersea.wordpress.com/

Google Headsmistress

 

[VicS]

We are full time liveaboards and I have just dismantled the forward heads plumbing and pump to find it was completely blocked with what I suppose to be uric acid scale (pump and pipes). Everything now pumping freely again. How can I prevent the scale from re-forming again? Thanks in anticipation.


https://moonshineofmersea.wordpress.com/

It is mostly calcium carbonate . If waste is not flushed away thoroughly bacterial action on the urine produces ammonia. Ammonia raises the pH and formation of calcium carbonate scale from the dissolved calcium bicarbonate in the water is the result.

More flushing will help. An occasional flush with some dilute acid will remove any scale that does form.

As suggested google for Headsmistress or read her ( Peggie Hall ) book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Rid-Boat-Odors-Aggravation/dp/1892399156

In Spain you will be able to buy hydrochloric acid as agua feurte.

 

[prv]

In Spain you will be able to buy hydrochloric acid as agua feurte.

And for the record (I realise the OP is in Spain, but others may read this) you can also buy it here, via eBay.

Pete

 

[VicS]

And for the record (I realise the OP is in Spain, but others may read this) you can also buy it here, via eBay.

Pete

Or as brick cleaner from builders merchants and DIY stores ( although not all brick cleaner is HCl)

 

[Billjratt]

Yep, agua fuerte can be fun.... Pour it in, pump it up the system, then slam the lid and take a peek over the side of the boat.

Edit - I assume HCl won't do too much "brick cleaning" on a cement boat ??

 

[VicS]

Yep, agua fuerte can be fun.... Pour it in, pump it up the system, then slam the lid and take a peek over the side of the boat.

Edit - I assume HCl won't do too much "brick cleaning" on a cement boat ??

Ah perhaps some measure of caution with strong acids would be wise. Perhaps a case for vinegar instead.

 

[oscarcollins]

The only thing which can help you out is that you should first clean it every month and when you clean it, use a baking soda and add a cup full of white vinegar slowly pour this down and then pour hot water which will really clear the blockage. If it all does not work then you can contact omicron granite reviews who can help you out.

 

[Searush]

Vinegar is good, but so is Pepsi, coke or similar. I tend to pump a half litre or so thro as part of going home routine & leave it in the bowl & pipes once a season. Pumping the bowl dry of seawater may aggravate the problem in warm countries as the small amount of water remaining will evaporate depositing more scale each time.

 

[sailorman]

Vinegar is good, but so is Pepsi, coke or similar. I tend to pump a half litre or so thro as part of going home routine & leave it in the bowl & pipes once a season. Pumping the bowl dry of seawater may aggravate the problem in warm countries as the small amount of water remaining will evaporate depositing more scale each time.

I leave ours with fresh water in the system.
Wot has happened to the OP ????

 

[makingplansfor]

I have the same configuration as you and replaced all the pipe work and pump rubber parts 3 years ago. In an attempt to avoid recurrence I always flush with fresh water with a washing machine descaler tablet dissolved in it when I leave the boat. Seems to be working so far.

 

[duncan99210]

Flushing through with water and acids will keep things working for a time but eventually the scale will build up to the extent that the smallest solid waste will block the pipe. The only answer then is to remove the pipe, beat it hard on the ground so that the scale is loosened and can be flushed out then replace the pipe. I find that I have to do this about once every two to three years full time on board. Pain in the proverbial but not found any way round it so far and believe me, I've tried. Pipe removal and getting rid of the scale is not a social activity.....