Rust in 'stainless' water tanks

[BigART]

Rust in \'stainless\' water tanks

Having started to get rust in our fresh water system, I cut holes in our supposedly stainless steel tanks (that was fun....) and discovered a few rusty seams. Anyone any ideas on what I do about it. Some interesting chemicals to pickle them perhaps?

 

[ongolo]

Re: Rust in \'stainless\' water tanks

Yes, at your own peril, you can make a mixture of hydrochloric acid and add some peroxide, that will pickle it ok. When you have that mixture in the boat, the fumes are very corrosive, dont leave it standing in the boat, it kind of smokes, take it out as soon as you are finish.

regards ongolo

 

[colin_jones]

Re: Rust in \'stainless\' water tanks

We had this same problem a few years back.

The advice was that an incorrect welding rod had been used on the seams and that there are cures as described above, but there is no absolute guarantee that the cure is permanent.

We eventually bit the bullet and removed the tank (and its weight) and replaced it with a Vetus flexible version of greater capacity.

We did not enjoy doing this but, in hindsight, it was not a bad move because the flexijobbie is easy to remove for a good cleansing with fresh water and baby bottle solution (Tesco's poor man's version of rich man's Milton) each Spring.

 

[alant]

Re: Rust in \'stainless\' water tanks

Depends how much rust. Could try just peroxide with some warm water - this will oxygenate water & could reheal the S/S. If nothing else, it will disinfect the system in a more environmentally way than Milton or bleach. Worthwhile doing it if leaving tanks unused for a long period.

 

[BigART]

Re: Rust in \'stainless\' water tanks

Many thanks all.

Angus