Using MURIATIC ACID in heads

[Bob Richardson]

I've been told that Muriatic Acid was the best stuff to clean marine heads.
The problem is the build up of a hard, limestone-like substance in the
out-flow lines. I believe this is caused by a combination of uric acid and
salt water.

How much Muriatic Acid should be put into the head? Do you flush it once or
twice before letting it stay in the system for awhile? How long do you let
it "stay there" before flushing it through the system? I know muriatic
acid, and its fumes, are very toxic. Any help or advice would be greatly
appreciated. Thx.

[Peggie Hall]

My advice is to call the mfr of your head before putting muriatic acid
down it. Different applications call for different dilutions, and if
it's too strong you can damage seals and gaskets.

However, generally a 12% solution of muriatic acid & water is safe.
Never mix it in anything but a plastic bucket...Always add the acid to
the water--never the other way round.

But before using muriatic acid, I'd try putting straight vinegar in it
and let it stand overnight. There are also some commercial lime and
scale removers already premixed available at your local hardware store.
Read the directions on 'em carefully to see which one is safe for use
in a system that includes seals and gaskets...and follow the directions
of the one you choose.

Peggie Hall/Peal Products
Specializing in marine toilet systems since 1987

[Peggie Hall]

While I'm reluctant to recommend muriatic acid--for the reasons you give
and a bunch more--it's worth noting that Raritan gives specific
directions for using it to clean their Lectra/San. However, the
Lectra/San doesn't--or shouldn't--empty into a holding tank (I won't
address--or be drawn into a discussion of--the environmental concerns re
discharging it overboard).

Peggie Hall/Peal Products
Specializing in marine toilet systems since 1987

ZCommander wrote:
>
> Muratic Acid (HCl) is strong stuff! It will remove hard water deposits,
> calcium and magnesium. So will relatively mild acids, citric, and
> phosphoric. The effect upon the biological activity which breaks down
> head waste, which most holding tanks depend, from strong acid would be
> genocide on the bacteria. Look for another cleaner!
> T. J. Zens ZCOMM...@AOL.COM

[ZCommander]

[Steve Weingart]

If all you wan to do is remove calcium, etc from the head and lines...Plain
old white vinegar works just fine. Pump it through the head and let sit for
12 - 24 hrs. Make sure that all sections are vented, the resulting production
of C02 gas could spread stuff around in a way that you wouldn't want :-)

Steve (remove anti spam XYX in return address for correct email)

[sailbad the sinner]

ZCommander wrote:
>
> Muratic Acid (HCl) is strong stuff! It will remove hard water deposits,
> calcium and magnesium. So will relatively mild acids, citric, and
> phosphoric. The effect upon the biological activity which breaks down
> head waste, which most holding tanks depend, from strong acid would be
> genocide on the bacteria. Look for another cleaner!
> T. J. Zens ZCOMM...@AOL.COM

Try "Vanish" toilet bowl cleaner, available at most markets. Active
ingredient: Muratic acid (dilute Hydrochloric acid). After all, what is
a boat hull but a toilet bowl inside out (in most harbors anyway) :-)

Sailbad the Sinner.