Intense descaling method? - Page 2

#11: Post by **sweaner** » August 27th, 2015, 8:59 pm

Ozark_61 wrote:Of course, I'll have to use one for the machine.. another for the sewer line... and ne'er the twain shall meet...

Oh come on! It is all just pipes.

#12: Post by **Flitzgordon** » August 28th, 2015, 2:00 am

I haven't found any documents on how to do an intense descaling.

Does anyone have any documentation?

#13: Post by **kize** » August 28th, 2015, 2:08 am

I use food grade citric acid for restoring machines. Usually 1 part citric acid to 2 parts water. The warmer the water the faster the cleaning action. I do not use it on the chrome plated brass. Internal only. You will have issues with scale coming loose- which is why some disassembly is required. Flushing will generally remove the crud. Once you find out how much work it is removing scale- you will find a good water source.

#14: Post by **brianmch** » August 28th, 2015, 9:06 am

Maybe after what Kize said milder but frequent descalings might be in order.

#15: Post by **beta14ok** » August 28th, 2015, 9:58 pm

I found Muriatic acid is cheap and easy to buy.....and it does a great job. If it's not too much of a hassle to pull the boiler, then that is a very good approach for a heavy scale / sedimented machine. Just remember to rinse well afterwards!

August 28th, 2015, 11:47 pm

What concentration of HCl can you use to safely clean the parts?

#17: Post by **estib** » August 29th, 2015, 12:28 am

Have you open up the boiler and check the scaling? The scaling might not be that bad as you think.

Better to try citric acid first, if It doesnt work then that time to use a stronger acid.

#18: Post by **DeGaulle** » August 29th, 2015, 2:40 am

Better to try citric acid first, if It doesnt work then that time to use a stronger acid.

Amen to that. And if the boiler is cupper, I would suggest you read this as well.

Descaling copper boilers--something NOT to do!!!

#19: Post by **beta14ok** » September 2nd, 2015, 7:02 am

Ozark_61 wrote:What concentration of HCl can you use to safely clean the parts?

Home Depot sell it at like 30%. I'd use that for a off-chassis, SS-boiler only descale. I would not use it for other internals!

September 2nd, 2015, 7:55 am

This is a very high concentration, you should dilute before use. I personally would exercise extreme care handling high-concentration HCl close to an almost all-metal appliance. I'm not sure how resistant stainless steel is to HCl but be sure not to have any on copper.

When I was a reckless teenager, I was producing hydrogen by putting aluminum foil into high-concentration HCl. A bit of it could completely dissolve a surprising amount of foil in minutes, with lots of bad fumes emitted. Take extreme care while manipulating such a strong acid. Rubber gloves and eye protection are mandatory. If a drop ends up on your clothing, it will make a hole, and if you don't rinse your skin immediately, you'll get a nasty chemical burn.