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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Michelle on March 18, 2011, 10:18:44 am

Title: Descaling the AquaHot
Post by: Michelle on March 18, 2011, 10:18:44 am
Wanted to confirm the procedure to descale the AquaHot.  Steve took apart the espresso machine we use in the coach and its boiler was all crudded up with scale.  We figure the AquaHot probably has the same build up since it gets used more.  AFAIK it has never been descaled.

A quick search on the rvhydronicheating group shows full strength white vinegar, let sit for an hour, flush.  Is this correct and does the AH need to be turned on and heated up during the procedure?

Thanks,

Michelle
Title: Re: Descaling the AquaHot
Post by: Peter & Beth on March 18, 2011, 03:24:09 pm
Michelle,
As in your coffee eqpt., the mild malic acid in the white vinegar works very well with higher temperatures.  On the other hand, I do not know what constitutes the AquaHot heat transfer mechanisms.  Perhaps someone else can add that missing detail.  Just guessing, I would think heating the vinegar solution would not damage any gaskets or metals coming in contact with the vinegar solution.
Title: Re: Descaling the AquaHot
Post by: amos.harrison on March 19, 2011, 10:07:16 am
Michelle,

I use the white vinegar treatment annually, and do it cold.  I don't know of any harm you might do, but you are using acid in copper pipes.  I'd try it cold and see if you are happy.
Title: Re: Descaling the AquaHot
Post by: Horace B. Cupp on March 19, 2011, 04:21:16 pm
Wanted to confirm the procedure to descale the AquaHot.  Steve took apart the espresso machine we use in the coach and its boiler was all crudded up with scale.  We figure the AquaHot probably has the same build up since it gets used more.  AFAIK it has never been descaled.

A quick search on the rvhydronicheating group shows full strength white vinegar, let sit for an hour, flush.  Is this correct and does the AH need to be turned on and heated up during the procedure?

Thanks,

Michelle


Michelle Forgive me for being presumptuous and advising an engineer, I have almost always wound up with my foot in my mouth. And, I have not perused my Aqua-Hot manual But, 1, your espresso boils water, your Aqua-Hot just warms it.  2, the water in the espresso is in contact with metal, in the Aqua-Hot (I presume we are referring to the hot water heating element) is in plastic coils, I believe. So, it seems to me to be comparing apples and oranges.
Title: Re: Descaling the AquaHot
Post by: hotonthetrail on March 19, 2011, 04:47:34 pm
Please explain the details and steps for descaling. jc
Title: Re: Descaling the AquaHot
Post by: amos.harrison on March 20, 2011, 08:56:04 am
I use the same approach one uses for winterizing, just use white vinegar instead of the pink stuff.  Since the deposits only occur on the cold side, I just pump until I can taste vinegar at all the hot water faucets.  Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours, then open the hot water drain and let the deposits run out.  Then flush with fresh water until it tastes good again.