Water Hose Replacement

FWIW - There are many other articles on these tests with various hose some are worse some are better.
We always have filled the boat with an approved hose for potable water - easy to find and cheap as well at RY centers or Wallmart.
When winterizing there is no antifreeze or other chemicals introduced to the water systems tanks or limes.
In the spring we follow Peggy Halls process for sanitizing the tank by introducing small amounts of bleach without the hot water turned on for half a day before the rinse.
Then the boat is set for the rest of the season.

Hope this helps
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gregory S

You guys never fill your potable water tanks with a garden hose?

Click to expand...


Well... yes and no...

We only use two specific hoses for this, both specifically rated for potable water. The first in line (and marked as such, so it's always used here) is always connected to the dock source and flushed well before further connections.

Then we connect two filters; one is dual-gradient 25/1-micron, and the second is a .5 micron carbon block.... and we flush both filters before further connections.

Next comes the second hose, ditto flushed (with filtered water) before inserting into the freshwater tank inlet. This hose has never had unfiltered water through it.

When finished filling, all components are dried and stored.

And we DO drink the water from our freshwater tanks, which is cycled often since we rarely use the shorewater inlet.

Not a recommendation, just a recap of our process.

-Chris
 
I think most people would be suprised to see what the inside of their home pipes look like!
I did underground sprinkler systems for 7 years when younger.
We had to cut into main service to install a T to our manifold.
That cut piece was a clear sign of the inside of pipes.
I can tell you some neighborhoods were worse than others.
One particular one I remember was Long Beach area, the pipes always had a black sludge in them.

I drink bottled water on boat. I drink filtered water at home.
I do need to add a filter to water coming off the tank on the boat and I plan to make that a project.

If the hose don't kill you, the pipes might! Let's face it, our bodies are bombarded with tons of chemicals that the cavemen didn't get.
But we still live longer than them. Probably have more cancer than them though!
 
From my own experience: The only thing I would add would be fittings for flushing/winterizing if applicable.
While changing out lines it may be a good time to add fittings/valves for draining tanks,
blowing out lines, and adding antifreeze.
 
quote:
Originally posted by blue_nova

From my own experience: The only thing I would add would be fittings for flushing/winterizing if applicable.
While changing out lines it may be a good time to add fittings/valves for draining tanks,
blowing out lines, and adding antifreeze.

Click to expand...


Yep, and we added a T-drain in the cross-over hose (like the one Walter is replacing) for just that very purpose.

-Chris
 
yes,I do plan on putting a drain t fitting in, great idea
 
All good posts.
I decided to put a "water grade" hose back in, bottom line, it is just the right thing to do. Ss fra as splicing the hose, figured if this part leaked, the integrity of the hose is ok at best. I would rather do a project once and be done.

All your posts were very helpful and appreciate all the feedback.

Walter
 
quote:
Originally posted by Robyns Nest

It does matter, someone down the road might drink the water. Don't do anything on your boat on the quick and cheap.

Click to expand...

I agree. Use food grade hose in the potable water system even if you don't normally drink the water (I don't understand why one wouldn't drink the water but that's another topic).

Another thing to consider - light can contribute to unwanted growth in a water system. Use something that will keep light out, not clear or semi clear hose.

I would think the best choice would be PEX. This is what many boats are plumbed with and many new houses. My boat is plumbed with PEX.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gregory S

You guys never fill your potable water tanks with a garden hose?

Click to expand...

No, never! Nothing but a drinking water safe hose that is used for no other purpose and is kept hidden on the boat so dock neighbors can't borrow it to flush their holding tanks.

What comes out of your potable water system is no better than what is put into it. My wife and I (and guests) have been drinking and cooking with water from our boat for nearly seven years (when we are on the boat of course).
 
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