DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE

BY CAPT. FRANK LANIER

Use of non-potable or “food-grade” materials (such as this garden hose) can impart unwanted flavors to your water. Missing hose clamps can introduce air into the system, resulting in excessive pump cycling and decreased water pressure.

3. Open each faucet one at a time until the bleach solution comes out (to ensure distribution throughout the entire system).

4. Let sit for 24 hours.

5. Completely drain the system. Flush the faucets for a few minutes each (using the system’s pump, not dockside pressure), after which you can remove the water tank plug to speed things up (provided your bilges are clean and free of oil, fuel, etc.).

6. Open the water heater and drain.

7. Close all valves and faucets. Reinstall drain plugs.

8. Fill and flush the entire system two times using a mixture of water and white vinegar (2 quarts of vinegar for every 10 gallons of tank capacity), letting the solution sit for 24 hours each time prior to draining and flushing.

9. Flush the system with clean freshwater until all bleach residue is gone.

10. Fill with freshwater and enjoy. ★

BY GLENN HAYES