Clearing water lines of calcium buildup

[grit]

I have a Wolfpup 16FB and keep getting the filters clogged with calcium. I was told to disconnect the water line from the fresh water tank, run it into a bucket of vinegar, and run the pump to get the vinegar into all water lines. I then let it sit for a few hours, re-attach the line to the tank and run fresh water through the tank several times to flush out the vinegar.

The pump on my TT is very hard to access and I don't know how much vinegar to get.

Is there a better (or easier) way to clean the water lines? If not, how much vinegar will I need?

[SeaDog]

If your rig is set up with a winterizing line use that to pump a solution of vinegar and water into your rig, remove all the screens on the faucets and shower head before you flush.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by grit

I have a Wolfpup 16FB and keep getting the filters clogged with calcium. I was told to disconnect the water line from the fresh water tank, run it into a bucket of vinegar, and run the pump to get the vinegar into all water lines. I then let it sit for a few hours, re-attach the line to the tank and run fresh water through the tank several times to flush out the vinegar.

The pump on my TT is very hard to access and I don't know how much vinegar to get.

Is there a better (or easier) way to clean the water lines? If not, how much vinegar will I need?

You might want to check the anode in your water heater as well. That could be where some of it is coming from. Drain and flush the water heater as well.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by grit

I have a Wolfpup 16FB and keep getting the filters clogged with calcium. I was told to disconnect the water line from the fresh water tank, run it into a bucket of vinegar, and run the pump to get the vinegar into all water lines. I then let it sit for a few hours, re-attach the line to the tank and run fresh water through the tank several times to flush out the vinegar.

The pump on my TT is very hard to access and I don't know how much vinegar to get.

Is there a better (or easier) way to clean the water lines? If not, how much vinegar will I need?

What filters?
If you are speaking of the aerators on the faucets then take Iwritecode's advice and look at the anode in the water heater. Remove and buy a wand to flush the tank.

Most slow running faucets/toilets come from crap in the hot water tank. It gets sucked (unsuspectingly) back in the lines when you use the low point drains and don't close off the bypass valves. It then settles in the plumbing and gets pushed everywhere next time you pressurize the system, clogging things up.

If you are speaking about an actual whole house type water filter then you have some big problems somewhere in your water supply that would cause calcium build up in the plumbing. This would be very uncommon.

[bob caldwell]

Gee, didn't know my toilet had hot water going to it.....maybe can heat the seat....

[BooBoo23]

The "calcium" is most likely debris from the anode rod. Unlikely calcium will build up in non metallic lines. Have you ever replace the anode rod, or rinsed your water heater tank. The aerator screens are most likely plugged in your faucets. Toilet shouldn't be bothered since no hot water goes to it. BTW if you remove the anode rod (1 1/16" socket) make sure there is no hot water or pressure in the system or wear a bathing suit.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Gee, didn't know my toilet had hot water going to it.....maybe can heat the seat....

It doesn't.

But if you use your low point drains without isolating your HWH, you pull crap backwards out of the HWH into the cold water line. It can then go into the toilet line next time you pressurize and use the system.

[bob caldwell]

Not unless you create a vacumn.....

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Not unless you create a vacumn.....

I would assume most of us open the low point drains and then open our faucets, hence no vacuum. If not, there's no point in opening the low point drains.

[johnbryanpeters]

Originally Posted by 5picker

What filters?
If you are speaking of the aerators on the faucets then take Iwritecode's advice and look at the anode in the water heater. Remove and buy a wand to flush the tank.

Most slow running faucets/toilets come from crap in the hot water tank. It gets sucked (unsuspectingly) back in the lines when you use the low point drains and don't close off the bypass valves. It then settles in the plumbing and gets pushed everywhere next time you pressurize the system, clogging things up.

If you are speaking about an actual whole house type water filter then you have some big problems somewhere in your water supply that would cause calcium build up in the plumbing. This would be very uncommon.

Which is why I put a check valve in the freshwater feed to my water heater...

[Tobysdad]

5Picker,
Thanks for your input. I have a maddening water pressure/flow problem with a 2007 Alfa See Ya 5th wheel that I just bought. It was pitiful. Unusable. AZ desert. Very hard water. I tested the pressure/flow from the campground spigot, thru the filter, pressure regulator, hose, and check valve in the rig. Pressure was strong up to that point. Then I had the crazy idea to shut off the city pressure and try the water pump. Much, much better! So I replaced the water line in the rig that goes from the city water input to the tee into the line that runs from the water pump to the rest of the rig. The pressure/ flow improved! Then I decided to sanitize the system... which meant draining all circuits from the low points! Now pitiful again. Your explanation makes much sense.Thanks again. I feel I'm getting closer. Very, very frustrating.

[FollowTheSun]

Originally Posted by grit

... ... keep getting the filters clogged with calcium. ... .... ... ...

There should be very little mineral accumulation inside the water lines of your Mobile Palace. Assuming, that is, that the water lines are PEX or another type of plastic tubing. Generally, you might expect the find mineral deposits associated with metal parts in the plumbing system and as sediment in the bottom of the water heater. Draining (flushing) the water heater every year should keep it reasonably clean. If it has been a while since flushing the water heater, then some of that sediment could be clogging the aerators on the faucets and in the shower head. Mineral accumulation can also plug the faucets and shower head, which can be cleaned by soaking those parts in low pH (high acid) vinegar. Also, after flushing hot water heater, remove all the aerators and shower head before also flushing the hot water lines. Also, while on this subject, it is a good reminder to flush the water heater in the brick & mortar home.