Fresh Water System Mineral buildup

[tigersharkjd]

I have noticed mineral buildup in water lines in my 2008 Vectra. I am thinking about using the line used to put antifreeze in the fresh water system and draw in white vinegar and let it set for a few hours. Then remove the water facet nozzles and flush the white vinegar out along with the mineral deposits. I also plan to have the white vinegar drawn into the water heater. I spoke with Atwood that makes the water heater and they said that is a good way to remove mineral deposits from the heater unit, along with flushing the heater tank. Has anyone else tried this white vinegar process in their fresh water system? Thanks for any comments or suggestions on this process or how you may treat mineral build up.

[John H...]

Never thought of this, but sounds like a good idea if you have the buildup. Haven't noticed any in mine. They recommend it for cleaning coffee machines. Can't see where it would hurt anything. Might want to flush it out with some water that has had baking soda dissolved in it, or flush with plain water for a while.

[paz]

A more permanent (although much more expensive) solution would be to add a water softener. Soft water will eventually remove the deposits and keep them away.

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz A more permanent (although much more expensive) solution would be to add a water softener. Soft water will eventually remove the deposits and keep them away.

I too think the vinegar sounds like a good idea but you'd have to repeat it as the buildup returns. We spend a lot of time in the desert and it didn't take us long to realize we needed a water softener. Love it.

Rick

[HMXDave]

I think it's a pretty good idea....'specially for us boondocker-types. Once a season maybe fill all the lines with a vinegar solution for 24hrs or so...flush 'er out....carry on.

[Paul R. Haller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMXDave I think it's a pretty good idea....'specially for us boondocker-types. Once a season maybe fill all the lines with a vinegar solution for 24hrs or so...flush 'er out....carry on.

Anyone with a tankless system in their house is encouraged to install valves designed expressly for that purpose during the install and a flush with white vinegar every 6 months to once a year depending on hardness of water. It sounds like a great idea.
-Paul R. Haller-

[Ray,IN]

Vinegar is also an antibacterial. Go for it.

[AFChap]

Just be sure you do not combine vinegar and bleach (think chlorine gas) ...flush the system well before adding any bleach for chlorinating.

I remove our shower haed once a year nd soak it all day in a conatiner of vinegar. That's the only place we have really noticed mineral deposits.

[Pairajays]

Installing a whole house RO system will solve all these problems.

Jim E

[Ray,IN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap Just be sure you do not combine vinegar and bleach (think chlorine gas) ...flush the system well before adding any bleach for chlorinating. I remove our shower haed once a year nd soak it all day in a conatiner of vinegar. That's the only place we have really noticed mineral deposits.

That is Ammonia and bleach Mixing Bleach and Ammonia - First Aid for Mixing Bleach and Ammonia
mainly, but most other chemicals are not completely compatible with bleach.
Bleach is chlorine, so mixed or straight up, you will get a whiff of chlorine if you use bleach. TMK, There are no records of anyone dying from mixing vinegar and bleach. Sodium Hypochlorite is nasty stuff at concentrations above 12% http://www.lenntech.com/processes/di...pochlorite.htm
Remember that slick feeling on your fingers when you get Bleach on them? That is the effect of bleach on the outer layer of your skin; even at 5.5%-6% household concentration bleach will destroy skin. Higher concentrations cause alkali burns to skin,eyes, and respiratory tract. This chemical is so commonly used we have lost respect for its potential.

[AFChap]

Quote:

That is Ammonia and bleach Mixing Bleach and Ammonia - First Aid for Mixing Bleach and Ammonia mainly, but most other chemicals are not completely compatible with bleach.

It is my understanding vinegar can cause a similar but less intense reaction than ammonia ...I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time! I also have read it is a bad idea to pour undiluted chlorine bleach into the black tank ...reason being the sewer gas(es) and uric acid there can cause a similar reaction. Chlorine bleach is definitely not something to use/handle carelessly. If you don't KNOW how it will react in a specific situation, it is best not to mess with it. I use sodium dichlor (hot tub chlorinating crystals) to sanitize my fresh system. It doesn't leave the salt taste bleach can so is easier to flush out, but due to the concentrated crystals must also be handled and stored with caution.

[scenic route]

So, are those that are getting scale build up in their FW systems not using pre-tank water filters? We've aways used a filter (pre-tank) and so far, have not had that problem...are our days numbered? Bob

[tigersharkjd]

Our 2008 Vectra has a has a whole house filter and does a good job on sediment, etc. These types of filters are not capable of removing disolved minerals in water.

[Clay L]

We added a Flow Pur: Mark 8000 softener. $240 with free shipping. It requires a box of common table salt to regenerate it. With 20 gallon per gallon water hardness it will last about a month before it has to be regenerated. The Waterstick is less expensive but is only a 1500 grain per gallon unit.
The water in AZ where we spend the winter is 50 grains per gallon and my neighbor was haveing to recharge his Waterstick every 4 days. The Mark 8000 will last about 14 days there.