[Paddlewise] Flotation bags - dirty pipes??

rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote:

> 2.  Dirty pipes.  The clear tubes used to inflate flotation bags and
> sponsons get the look that only a petrie dish aficionado would love.
> Every time I go to inflate one my paranoia screams out "Legionaire's
> Disease!, Legionaire"s Disease!" when I look at those tubes.  Rather
> than attempt to wash them out, and on the theory that what you don't see
> won't hurt you (or at least not scare you), I think the best solution is
> to replace the tubes with solid colored ones.

Ralph's concern is legitimate.  Who knows what was in the saliva of the
previous inflator.  (Don't think about it!)  

If "clean the pipes" is your preference, a scientific supply house can provide
a "pipet brush" which should do the trick.  A pipet brush is a very soft
bristled, small diameter (10 - 12 mm should be about right for most inflation
tubes), looooong brush (up to a meter), with a wire center.  Keep the open end
of the inflation tube down (temporarily remove the valve) and use warm soapy
water on the brush for the grotty stuff, then clear warm tap water for
successive brush strokes until clear.  Voila!  Clean pipes!

P.S.  The exact spelling of "grotty" is an item of debate in my household.  I
favored "grody," but was overruled.  Maybe "groady," as in "toady?"

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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