Vokera Maxin 24e

[nilbymouth]

Yesterday the plate heat echanger was removed and flushed for the second time this year. There are obviously major problems with this system as I was shown the black flakes that were removed. The plumber who carried out the work said that due to the age, size and condition of the existing radiators and valves a "powerflush" may create more problems than it cures. His other suggestion was to install a "strainer" and a "magnetic cleaner" in the vicinity of the boiler to at least offer it some protection from the debris. Does anyone here have any other suggestions or a comment on what the plumber said. We have twelve radiators over three floors and all are approx eighteen years of age. We can't afford to change them just yet, but I realise if this goes on we could end up causing irreperable damage to the boiler and have it all to do anyway.

 

[ChrisR]

Sounds like pretty reasonable advice - he's there and we're not.
Twice in a year is excessive though. It IS possible to do powerflushing with NO or milder chemicals, which would do some good, but nothing cleans a system more than 80% according to Fernox, who should be optimistic.
If you take his advice, asking him to use the mains to flush out what grot comes easily when he does it, your system should be definitely improved without costing/risking too much.

 

[Agile]

Both the strainer and the magnetic filter are good ways to stop debris getting into the boiler.

You must realise that if this is done then you need to be able to clean them out yourself.

This means that the strainer has to be installed "upside down" and both a strainer and a magnetic filter have to have isolating valves fitted on both sides of them.

In Southall and Slough where nobody has anything power flushed, most installers fit a strainer ( wrong way up because they dont know better ) but no isolating valves which makes them difficult to clean.

Tony Glazier

 

[nilbymouth]

Thanks for the replies. The plumber did say that if we went for the strainer and filter option we would be able to carry out periodic cleaning ourselves. He's sending us a quote so I'll probably chat with him more then. He was recommended to us and seems a decent chap.