Idea for cleaning lines

[doop]

So I've been reading and thinking on this subject for awhile. I'd like a simple way to flush and sanitize my 3/16 lines from the bottom end of my mainline with a pump and calcium hypochlorite. If I left the drops in the t and opened top tap I don't think the liquid would make it in the drop line due to the air in it. I was wondering if I drilled a small pin hole in each t where the drop plugs into keeper cup and plug drops into them.so the air would be able to escape and the drop could fill with very little cleaner leaking out, this way the drop could have a longer contact with cleaning agent to kill the bacteria. Any thoughts or input appreciated.

[Sugarmaker]

doop,
Seems like that might work. Good idea! Haven't thought of a down side yet?
Regards,
Chris

[bill m]

How long is each line, how many taps and how much elevation gain is there? I don't think pumping uphill through 3/16 lines will work very well. A lot of friction loss in that small of a tube. I think you would be better off pinching off the line just below the bottom tap, go to the top with a back pack sprayer and fill the lines that way.

[Sap Raider]

Good idea but you just made a leak for next season in every tee. I think the lateral would get cleaned but to assume the drop would get cleaning solution in it and sent out to the last tap might be a stretch. You may be onto something here so don't give up on it, you're right you have an idea for sure.

[doop]

The hole would go in the cup that holds the tap for the off season, so it wouldn't create a future leak as it doesn't connect to the lateral. I wish it was easier to post pics on here. I may try later, but I have to run for now. The tees I'm referring to are the cdl health tee/with cup.

[sg5054]

I have 2 20 gallon poly water tanks that I carry on my atv for sap collection. I took one, hooked up one of my shurflo pumps to it and the battery I use for a remote vac system. plumbed it in at the top of my runs where the vac guage would be. Starting at the top I plugged the taps into the tees (note i started with all the taps pulled and just hanging) so the water was just pushed further down the line. My runs are 4 - 800 ft long. I walk down the line, plugging the taps as I go, get to the end and let the line run for a few more minutes and then turn around and go , back, unplugging as I go. Get to the top and disconnect everything. I have about a 75-100 ft elevation change from the shack to the top of the hill. I still need to sanitize the lines but at least they are flushed with fresh water for now.

[Sap Raider]

I guess I thought you were drilling the base of the tee in my response. Drilling the side of the cup might be a great idea if you have enough pressure to make it through the whole lateral

[maple flats]

If you don't add air to help the cleaning solution climb you might never reach the top if you have lots of elevation climb.

[Mead Maple]

I have 2 20 gallon poly water tanks that I carry on my atv for sap collection. I took one, hooked up one of my shurflo pumps to it and the battery I use for a remote vac system. plumbed it in at the top of my runs where the vac guage would be. Starting at the top I plugged the taps into the tees (note i started with all the taps pulled and just hanging) so the water was just pushed further down the line. My runs are 4 - 800 ft long. I walk down the line, plugging the taps as I go, get to the end and let the line run for a few more minutes and then turn around and go , back, unplugging as I go. Get to the top and disconnect everything. I have about a 75-100 ft elevation change from the shack to the top of the hill. I still need to sanitize the lines but at least they are flushed with fresh water for now.
This would seem like it would be the most practical solution. I have been thinking about this as well as I look at installing 3/16" lines in my woods. Fortunately, I have trails that lead up back that would allow me to get water up there and pump water through. If I did this early enough each season (post sap running) I could try and capitalize on cleaning them before the lines get too inundated with dry debris.

[DrTimPerkins]

Besides the sanitizing chemical itself, the most important factor in sanitizing tubing with chemicals is to ensure adequate contact time of the solution with the tubing in order to achieve a good "kill" rate. You want a period of at least 5-10 min if at all possible. Less than that and the effectiveness decreases. How you achieve that is more situational and will depend upon your particular setup, access, and equipment.

[Mead Maple]

A quick question from a newbie. If I could get to the top and bottom of lines, would it be possible keep a bucket of your chosen cleaning liquid at the top (raised above the line) and connect it at the bottom via a small pump (perhaps Sur-Flo) and fully (draw) charge the lines with the cleaning solution. Let set as Dr. Perkins has suggested for a set time and then release everything to allow gravity to pull fluid to the bottom. Perhaps do the same thing with water once you're finished in order to flush out remaining liquid. Obviously this would still involve the work needed with your drops.