descaling combi boiler

[JRoberts]

Hi all

I've an Halstead Ace High combi boiler which has been heating the water intermittently. The plumber has replaced a few bits, but has come to the conclusion that the heat exchanger is clogged with limescale. His recommendations are to either replace the exchanger or to have the whole ballylot replaced, which unfortunately we can't afford.

Having looked around this and other helpful sites I've seen that it is possible to 'descale' the exchanger (and not necessarily have to flush the whole CH system out), but can't seem to get a grasp on the detailed 'how to' bit. I believe, from what I read I need to get some solution (from a reputable supplier) and get it into the system, and this is where I'm stuck.

How do I get the solution into the boiler so it can do its funky thing? Do I need some special piece of equipment, or is there some natty little homemade device I can use?

And when in the system do I just turn the heating on and run the water for it to activate (or do I just let it sit in there for a couple of hours)?

And would it be advisable to shut off all my rads while the process is running?

As you can probably tell I'm a complete novice, but a very poor one. Help! ( a step by step would be good, if not too cheeky)

 

[kevplumb]

easiest way is to remove the plate h/ex and soak it in a bucket / bowl of descaler

 

[bengasman]

You probably have to clean the system anyway, as it is more than likely that the crap in the system ends up in the hex again after you have cleaned it.

 

[kevplumb]

but has come to the conclusion that the heat exchanger is clogged with limescale. His recommendations are to either replace the exchanger or to have the whole ballylot replaced, which unfortunately we can't afford.

you found them yet ben

 

[Tipper]

Best solution is to move to where the water ain't hard !

 

[bengasman]

but has come to the conclusion that the heat exchanger is clogged with limescale. His recommendations are to either replace the exchanger or to have the whole ballylot replaced, which unfortunately we can't afford.

you found them yet ben

Whatcha mean geez? Or should I say dude?

 

[JRoberts]

thanks all - no quick fix then.