Cleaning a radiator that's supplied by a regular boiler with tank/cylinder set up. What's the procedure?

[Dutch85]

We have a radiator that isn't very warm at the bottom I'm guessing a sludge build up and was wanting to clean it out.

What would be the procedure for this? Would the whole system have to be drained or just a case of turning off the valves, disconnecting radiator, clean, then reattach?

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[denso13]

Would the whole system have to be drained or just a case of turning off the valves, disconnecting radiator, clean, then reattach?

Yes, close both valves, remove and take it outside to clean out with a hose. Refit, open valves and bleed radiator.

 

[fixitflav]

And then do a bright wire nail test on the system water. Good chance that will show the inhibitor needs topping up (if there's some in there now!)

 

[Madrab]

Sit the rad up on it's end on a bit of wood so the end of the tail is off the ground, hose over the other tail and fill and let drain/flush the rad till it runs clean, use a rubber mallet to tap the sides as it's flushing. Turn it over and repeat with tapping till it's clean. Then put it down normally and take off the bleed valve/blanking nut and fill via them till it runs out the bottom clear, then upside down till it's runs clear.

Keep doing this till no more dark water appears, you may be surprised about how many repeats it may take to having it running clear.