Magnetic Filter Install

[Gregsta]

I need to install a Magnetic Filter as my system is getting blocked with sludge, mainly the expansion vessel but no doubt elsewhere. System is 10 years old and not far off full replacement but need to keep going for a bit. Boiler is Baxi Megaflo 2 system 12 compact GA.

From my limited knowledge I would need to fitter on the return flow to the boiler however as per the image below and highlighted area there is limited space. The pipe bends into the wall and then is behind plasterboard for about 20cm down to the plinth and then worktop. I can’t easily remove the plinth or worktop without a lot of effort and fix up but could possibly cut out the plasterboard and fit onto the pipe. It feels tight to me but has anyone had a similar challenge? Are there any good filters that have a more compact fitting/profile?

The other option is that I find the return flow next to the hot water tank located on the first floor. Would this be better option? TIA

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

System is 10 years old and not far off full replacement but need to keep going for a bit.

Good grief - did someone forget to put inhibitor in?

The other option is that I find the return flow next to the hot water tank located on the first floor. Would this be better option? TIA

A magnetic filter isn't designed as a 'catch all', they are there just to catch the few bits of magnetite which happen to be in your system. They can be fitted anywhere, where they can be accessed, in the flow pipe, before the boiler.

If your system is as bad as you seem to be suggesting, then it needs a thorough flush out, refilling, inhibitor added, and a filter.

 

[gas112]

What other problems other than The flexible pipe to expansion vessel, on these has a small bore and a tight bend and dont need a lot of muck to block up .

 

[Gregsta]

Good grief - did someone forget to put inhibitor in?


A magnetic filter isn't designed as a 'catch all', they are there just to catch the few bits of magnetite which happen to be in your system. They can be fitted anywhere, where they can be accessed, in the flow pipe, before the boiler.

If your system is as bad as you seem to be suggesting, then it needs a thorough flush out, refilling, inhibitor added, and a filter.

Yes and no, it’s been an ongoing issue for a long time that has come and gone and despite many services and engineers I’ve only got to the bottom of frequent pressure loss. The system has been regularly topped up to keep it working so often the inhibitor has been diluted.

I’m going look at a power flush as well but was advised that that may not be fully effective as most rads on 10mm pipes so best to look at filter as well.

 

[Gregsta]

What other problems other than The flexible pipe to expansion vessel, on these has a small bore and a tight bend and dont need a lot of muck to block up .

Nothing that I can see as yet but look to be a few other fittings where sludge could build up, I think the expansion vessel is probably the worst. The pressure keeps dropping as it’s going out through condensate pipe… I think

 

[gas112]

Nothing that I can see as yet but look to be a few other fittings where sludge could build up, I think the expansion vessel is probably the worst. The pressure keeps dropping as it’s going out through condensate pipe… I think

does the pressure on gauge rise when boiler is on and do you mean it drips out the little copper pipe that pokes through the wall

 

[Gregsta]

does the pressure on gauge rise when boiler is on and do you mean it drips out the little copper pipe that pokes through the wall

It rises a little maybe 0.5 bar but I haven’t actively checked the pipe, there doesn’t seem anywhere else it could be leaking though. All rads and connections are fine and I would know if it was behind a wall the amount that has been lost

 

[gas112]

It rises a little maybe 0.5 bar but I haven’t actively checked the pipe, there doesn’t seem anywhere else it could be leaking though. All rads and connections are fine and I would know if it was behind a wall the amount that has been lost

the prv is the first thing to check before suspecting anything else
To check if it is going out condense pressure upto 2 turn the two valves off under the boiler leave for a day if possible if pressure drops you know its on the boiler and likely to be the heat exchanger leaking into condense
If pressure stays same then drops when you open the valves you know its on the system