Central Heating Flushing/Cleaning in summer time

[markwm]

The plumber who installed central heating(few years ago) in our house did so without using Hep2o inserts or barrier so today is the day I have to drain the system and put inserts where they aren't...

I also need to replace the drain valve as the valve has broken.

I've been under the floor and drain the system. Water is black. My plan is to attach a hose pipe and flush it best I can. Then obviously put inserts in.

When I come to fill the system back up and insert some chemicals. The problem I seem to have is that it's summer, and most chemicals require the central heating to be on for a period which obviously we can't really do in June.

Advice please?

 

[bengasman]

Search the forum; corrosion/flushing is probably number 1 subject.

 

[JohnD]

if you have black sediment, can you afford an extra £100 to fit a Magnaclean on a vertical 22mm return pipe? I guarantee you will be amazed and delighted to see how much black sediment it collects, even after you think you have finished the cleaning, and it continues working permanently.

I am told that Sentinel X800 will work in a few hours, although I have not used it myself. I don't know how long you can safely leave it in. I am a householder not a pro, and use X400. In summer you can circulate it with the boiler stat turned down to avoid wasting energy, but that is not ideal.

I have also used the acid cleaners by Fernox. They are fast but quite aggressive and caused damage where they dripped out

p.s. to help with future draining and flushing, you might consider fitting a full-bore Tee valve, or some radiator valves with drain cock downstairs, as they speed up draining and make it more effective.

 

[markwm]

if you have black sediment, can you afford an extra £100 to fit a Magnaclean on a vertical 22mm return pipe? I guarantee you will be amazed and delighted to see how much black sediment it collects, even after you think you have finished the cleaning, and it continues working permanently..

I'll look into magnaclean.

I've just fitted a lever valve in the cellar at the lowest point to use as a drain off point.

My problem really is just the time of year. If it were winter I could use a number of products and let it circulate but as it's summer I'm not sure. I have searched the forum

 

[D_Hailsham]

When I come to fill the system back up and insert some chemicals. The problem I seem to have is that it's summer, and most chemicals require the central heating to be on for a period which obviously we can't really do in June.

Cleaning chemicals, e g. Sentinel X400, work better when the water is at "normal temperature", though Sentinel told me that it will still work with cold water - just leave it in longer.

Inhibitors, e.g Sentinel X100, should be added when the system is refilled. Just run the pump for a few minutes to make sure it is properly mixed.