HydraTube Flush Device

In an effort to improve cleaning effectiveness and safety I have thrown together what has turned out to be a simple and cost effective solution. Cleaning HTs can be troublesome and dangerous with trapped pockets of air and hard to reach places with deposited layers of "filth" (also known as "soil" in the cleaning industry). Complete removal of cleaning chemicals was not easy either. I could see that a way to flush the HT from the bottom, at any angle, was going to be necessary. My solution is two #2 drilled rubber plugs (you can get these without the hole for a cleaning stopper) connected by a length of Silcon tubing. Really the Silcon is overkill in this application but I had extra laying around and I like its properties. Not only is this safe because its all rubber and tubing, but since the rubber stopper will "blow out" under too much pressure, this should help protect sensitive trees from accidental overpressure when opening the water supply. I started with 1 foot of tubing and then doubled it. No glue was used, just pulled the tubing through the stopper, worked it back and forth to smooth it out, then pulled it back until it was flush with the end. Not bad for about $5.

I was going to shoot video but have no extra hands atm, so pics it is.







Resources:

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/whip-tubing-all-your-questions-answered.3311/

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23884&catid=799

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/rubber-stopper--2-1-hole/p/CE-STOP02A/

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/rubber-stoppers-drilled.html

Edit: I can envision a weighted, rubber coated, stand that this could be incorporated into for a hands-free washing experience Possibly magnetic feet to "stick" to the sink?

a smoker friend of mine did something similar with a parts washer and some orange smelling cleaner.

this looks like the one he has

StickyShisha said:

a smoker friend of mine did something similar with a parts washer and some orange smelling cleaner.

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You know, that is an intriguing idea, thanks for posting that. I did consider the exact same device for cleaning firearms where a full immersion is necessary. If you wanted to reuse a particular cleaning solution over and over (like a gallon of Simple Green) this would be perfect. Not so stealth and a little hard to pack around, I think we can achieve the same results, or better, using the proper chemical with a modest dwell time in the sink. I am leaning towards a one powder system that mixes right in your glass, has a short dwell time, then rinses safely and responsibly down the drain leaving nothing but purity and clean behind. I love clean, its a wonderful thing

Thank you for creating this thread, t-dub! Can't wait to rig one of these up, it'll make rinsing out my pieces so much easier. Most of the faucets here have a diffusing screen on them which would require a female connection. Any ideas?

vtac said:

Thank you for creating this thread, t-dub! Can't wait to rig one of these up, it'll make rinsing out my pieces so much easier. Most of the faucets here have a diffusing screen on them which would require a female connection. Any ideas?

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You're welcome. Can you unscrew the aerator and remove it? Most of them will unscrew, I had to do that on my sink. It may be hard to get ahold of but those screens have to be replaced eventually so usually it will come apart.

I remember, as a kid, someone who had a portable dish washing machine. It had a large rubber boot with a tourniquet type of thing that would make a water tight seal on just about any supply with reasonable limits. I'll look around and see what I can turn up.

Edit: Hmmm . . . this has potential to at least get a seal over a faucet, this might get the ball rolling:

stickstones said:

nice tdub...let us know how it works!

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Your wish is my demand sticks your post reminded me I need to update here . . .

Just a little update, everything continues to go really well with the HT flusher, this was a power flush test slowly ramped up to full pressure. I like how water actually seeps by the tubing, out the drill hole, as pressure increases to higher levels. Its a good visual indicator and you can tighten up the system simply by pressing the stopper in more firmly, it will seal all the way, but its unnecessary to push it that hard and maybe not as safe from an overpressure standpoint.





OK FC, just a little update since I have been playing with my hose all day

Everything continues to go really well with the HT flusher, this was a power flush test slowly ramped up to full pressure. I like how water actually seeps by the tubing, out the drill hole, as pressure increases to higher levels. Its a good visual indicator and you can tighten up the system simply by pressing the stopper in more firmly, it will seal all the way, but its unnecessary to push it that hard and maybe not as safe from an overpressure standpoint.

I need another drilled stopper, a 7 1/2 to go into the top of my DG, will acquire and update, vids coming eventually.

Thanks for reading, comments & suggestions are welcome

Modnote: Merged:

Why not omit the hose all together and craft a rubber stopper that goes straight from faucet to glass?

elmomuzz said:

Why not omit the hose all together and craft a rubber stopper that goes straight from faucet to glass?

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In order to eliminate air pockets, and possibly hard to clean areas with deposited layers of soil, you need to be able to flush the HT at different angles, move it around. Also when mixing powders a bottom fill with the HT in the upright position is optimal.

Edit: Your idea would eliminate the built in overpressure protection as well.

What sort of cleaner are you using? I was considering trying beer line cleaner. It kills mold and bacteria as it cleans.

Not settled on anything yet, still experimenting.

nice t-dub...thanks for the update and pics!

t-dub said:

In order to eliminate air pockets, and possibly hard to clean areas with deposited layers of soil, you need to be able to flush the HT at different angles, move it around. Also when mixing powders a bottom fill with the HT in the upright position is optimal.

Edit: Your idea would eliminate the built in overpressure protection as well.

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AND, some people don't have huge bad ass sinks! hahaha, but really, I cant fit my HT in a fully vertical position, under 2 out of the 3 faucets in my house. So, unless I wanna trek across the house, to rinse/wash it every time, as opposed to the next room(small sink, much closer), the hose would help!

Purpl3_Haz3 said:

AND, some people don't have huge bad ass sinks! hahaha, but really, I cant fit my HT in a fully vertical position, under 2 out of the 3 faucets in my house. So, unless I wanna trek across the house, to rinse/wash it every time, as opposed to the next room(small sink, much closer), the hose would help!

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Excellent point I had not considered, thanks PH

A little update, this will give you guys some idea what I have in mind for my complete cleaning system. It started with the HT flush hose and then I scouted and added the first test chemicals. One powder, one dwell time, one rinse. This is TEST footage guys, please don't hash me up for violating safety rules, swearing, using and almost breaking a one of a kind prototype to test on (Its ok, I know my chemistry AND my contact dermatitis)

t-dub said:

Skip forward to 1:41 for commentary below to line up

"I know I'm getting this on my hands I shouldn't be doing this mmmm (grunt) this is hot too this is really fucking hot ! I'm an idiot... "

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And I'm all like

All of the above was in good fun, I hope you take no offense. I seriously laughed so hard though at the progression from, 'I shouldn't be doing this to, I'm an idiot.' I've been there so many times, but never seen/heard it play out so eloquently! But, in all seriousness, Thanks for posting that video, I think I'm gonna have to rig up something similar, and update my Glass / HT cleaning procedures!

Lol, I tend to talk out loud when I'm doing shit for the first time, critiquing myself as I go . . .

But yeah PH, its hilarious, that shit degenerates quickly . . .

Another epic moment of scientific "clarity"

t-dub @ 2:15 said:

Wow this is really getting hot, I should have worn my fucking gloves . . .

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Do you think I will be wearing gloves in my next vid

ok, I may have just wasted $20 but I ABSOLUTELY had to try this as soon as I saw it. If it works, still hasn't shipped yet, it will be fantastic because with my intended modifications it will support the glass for extended dwell time while allowing another port of activity for either another HT or a hose connection. I love the push down to operate, makes sure you have your hand on your glass for safety. Instantly connects and disconnects. Press down to rinse, lift to stop. Wide base guarantees stable operation in any sink. Eliminates all stress on faucets and water-hammer damage to pipes. Temperature resistant to 140°F.

Fermtech Double Blast Bottle Washer

bossmoves.

Xchadb said:

bossmoves.

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Thanks Xchadb, I appreciate that and nice to have you back

I have to report so far NO success with the bottle washer . . I'll keep trying but its just not meant for our needs, too much pressure to operate it seems . . . more testing . .

Ode to t-dub:



Now, we just need a system with a pump and heated reservoir to be able to have cleaners flowing.
Thanks man!

ok guys, thanks for all of your contributions to this thread, keep it coming, I really appreciate it we must keep thinking outside the box

PBW thread is launched to discuss the chemical component of this, enjoy

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/pbw-the-chemistry-of-clean.7854/#post-309705

MAD PROPS TO T-DUB!!! As soon as the UPS guy comes after Christmas my glass collection is going to get so much cleaner. This thread (and the PBW thread) are some of the most useful bits of information I have read in the past 5 years. I cannot wait to get my shit sparkling. I have some pieces that I honestly won't recognize without that brown fume I've come to know so well. I've been shaking and breaking things for years and out right refusing to clean (and rarely use) the more heady pieces. I've tried everything from those little balls you pour in the piece (worst invention ever) to CLR soak for days and my pieces still don't sparkle like your videos. Thank you!

NoddingDonkey said:

MAD PROPS TO T-DUB!!! As soon as the UPS guy comes after Christmas my glass collection is going to get so much cleaner. This thread (and the PBW thread) are some of the most useful bits of information I have read in the past 5 years. I cannot wait to get my shit sparkling. I have some pieces that I honestly won't recognize without that brown fume I've come to know so well. I've been shaking and breaking things for years and out right refusing to clean (and rarely use) the more heady pieces. I've tried everything from those little balls you pour in the piece (worst invention ever) to CLR soak for days and my pieces still don't sparkle like your videos. Thank you!

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You're welcome and thank you for your kindness and effort to contribute to this thread. I am excited to hear about your results, especially because of the variety of your collection and your particularly nasty soil deposition. Please keep us posted

Just realized I forgot to post this vid here of my flush device in action. Hope everyone is having fun playing with their hose

t-dub said:

Just realized I forgot to post this vid here of my flush device in action. Hope everyone is having fun playing with their hose

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my hose and PBW arrived today and after my initial experimentation session it is safe to say I will feel neutered if anyone ever takes it away from me. (have fun with that one out of context)

I feel like we should bring up the topic of temperature, as I see much more steam coming off of your sink than I would feel comfortable putting my glass under. What are your advised limits for water temp? Do you believe max hot water could crack boro before it burns your hand? And this one should be obvious but lets restate it anyway:

Never go from hot water straight to cold water when cleaning or rinsing. Same idea: never take cold dry glass piece and blast it with hot water. Tip toe your temp away from and back to ambient gradually to avoid thermal cracks in your piece.


In other news I may need to try rez block because it appears my dabbing habits are more disgusting than PBW cares to deal with. I have yet to try overnight soaks but will tonight. To give you an idea, the resin that did cake off and rise to the surface fully gnarled my mouthpiece and exterior of the glass with poopy paste. We're only talking about a week's worth of use too.