How to Overcome the Challenges of Restoring the Stainless Steel on Your Boat

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If you're involved in renovating your boat, you will want to make sure that it is as self-sufficient as possible, especially for some of those longer journeys. You may be looking at some of the water distribution systems on board and are getting ready to restore some stainless steel pipes as part of your work. What do you need to bear in mind, however, to make sure that your restoration will last and that your work is safe for all who will be on board?

Stainless Steel Challenges

Stainless steel is clearly the material of choice when it comes to water distribution systems on board any vessel. However, it can be a tricky material to manipulate, as it can "work-harden" and become resistant to further bending, due to a natural deformation effect within the structure of the material. It can also be difficult to ensure sterile conditions as you proceed, due to the presence of metal shavings and other debris. In order to overcome these challenges, you need to be very efficient when conducting your restoration, and you need to be careful that you don't contaminate the piping, especially if it is going to be used for drinking water.

How to Work Carefully

Gather together some good quality tools so that you can work quickly and accurately without any wastage. If you do make any cuts into the stainless steel, remember that the burrs that are left inside will need to be reamed away. Otherwise, these imperfections can affect how the fluid flows inside.

Try not to bend the steel more than you have to, as it will become harder if you do so. Make precise calculations ahead of time and ensure that you have the right force and leverage when working. You shouldn't feel as if you're having to fight with the job if you have the right tools and procedure.

If you need to allow for fittings, then you have to create a flared end. To do this, use your flaring tool to create a "cone" seat fitting and work slowly but with purpose. It's easy to make a mistake here, especially if you're not entirely sure of the design before you jump in.

Avoiding Contamination

You must keep the work environment clear and make sure that it is prepared well in advance. Be careful that nothing "foreign" enters the pipe when you're working to potentially contaminate it when everything is connected together. This is crucial if you are to maintain a drinking water system that is sterile, as otherwise health problems could arise for those on board.

Making Sure That It's Right

If you're not entirely sure about your ability to restore these pipes yourself, get in touch with a restoration expert who specialises in stainless steel tubes to help you.

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20 October 2017

Colin's Construction Blog

Hello, my name is Colin and this is my construction blog. When people think of the construction industry, they often just imagine guys in hard hats building brick walls. While this is a popular image of the industry, it doesn't reflect the true diversity of different contractors and tradesmen who are involved in a construction project. Lasy year, my wife and I decided to construct our dream home. I had to arrange visits of plumbers, roofers, electricians, surveyors and home builders in order to get the job done. I learnt a lot during that experience, so I decided to start this blog.