Chemistry Question

[eppur_se_muova]

9. Epsom salt is not alkaline, it is neutral.

If you want a better decalcifier than vinegar, try a *little* citric acid. It's sold in canning supplies -- but because it's food grade, it's kind of expensive.

Don't EVER combine vinegar or any other acid with bleach ! Maybe that's the source of the complaint about hoses and fittings ?? Not sure. But combining the two will produce (among other things) chlorine gas, which is highly corrosive. Also, don't EVER combine ammonia-based and chlorinating cleaners, as they will produce highly toxic, and even explosive, products.

BTW, most of those "rubber" hoses are probably neoprene, which is more resistant to corrosion than natural rubber. And I would think brass fittings would be pretty resistant to acetic acid/vinegar.