flushing an old system

[sparky]

Hi all,
Any advice on best way to flush a y plan system without using a powerflush?

Also concerning a blocked cold feed, where is the neutral point? Where the cold feed comes off the f+e tank and then joins the flow pipe in airing cupboard? Is the cold feed normally 15mm pipe? Wouldnt it fill quicker with 22mm? Also found a ball o fix valve where cold feed comes into airing cupboard any thoughts on this?

Any replies much appreciated thanks

 

[LIFES A GAS]

Also concerning a blocked cold feed, where is the neutral point? Where the cold feed comes off the f+e tank and then joins the flow pipe in airing cupboard? Is the cold feed normally 15mm pipe? Wouldnt it fill quicker with 22mm? Also found a ball o fix valve where cold feed comes into airing cupboard any thoughts on this?

Any replies much appreciated thanks

For many years I have used a pumps that fits an electric drill, it is able to pull the sludge from the lower points of the system and by closing off radiators you can control which areas you are flushing. You first need to resolve the blocked cold feed and yes 22mm can be used but any isolation valve in the cold feed is a no-no but there are plenty of them out there and very useful too when access to roof space is limited. You could of course buy a mate a few drinks and get him to help you remove the radiators & flush them through out in the garden, but be warned, a little knowledge is dangerous and can be costly too so be very careful when undoing rad valves that you don’t kink the pipe (common problem).
Which ever way you approach the problem don’t forget to add a corrosion inhibitor at the end.
Hope this helps, Martin

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

For many years I have used a pumps that fits an electric drill, it is able to pull the sludge from the lower points of the system and by closing off radiators you can control which areas you are flushing. You first need to resolve the blocked cold feed and yes 22mm can be used but any isolation valve in the cold feed is a no-no but there are plenty of them out there and very useful too when access to roof space is limited. You could of course buy a mate a few drinks and get him to help you remove the radiators & flush them through out in the garden, but be warned, a little knowledge is dangerous and can be costly too so be very careful when undoing rad valves that you don’t kink the pipe (common problem).
Which ever way you approach the problem don’t forget to add a corrosion inhibitor at the end.
Hope this helps, Martin

would just like to add that before you flush you should put a quality sludge remover in first and allow to circulate min 30hours

 

[sparky]

Thanks both much appreciated!!

 

[peteh20]

i use a product called calcem (plumb center) put it in the system and leave it to do its magic no need to flush out just top up every 2 years its a nice gentle additive with good results over a short period of time

 

[WHPES]

You need to add a cleeanr whichever technique you employ. Fernox F3 is one type. It is a detergent which binds with the sludge particles and causes them to go into suspension in the circulating water allowing for easy removal. Needs to be in a (hot) system for 2 days minimum, but don't leave in too long or it will start attacking the seals. Everything must be very well rinsed through several times to ensure you dont leave any in.

Close off the tank fill, take some water out of the system and add it to the tank and let the water back in.

 

[dave8085]

hi not heard of this calcem , is it a sludge remover and inhibitor or just sludge remover, if itsw as good as you say why would any of us want to use x400 and spend time flushing out ?????

 

[sparky]

Do you have to keep shutting individual rads off or leave them all open to flush whole system? I was going to have a hose on couple of ground floor rads and leave cold feed open to f+e tank in loft, then, close drain valves and fill system. Then totally drain all vents open and refill.

 

[peteh20]

its a cleanser and inhibitor also an antifreeze follow this link Calmag | Welcome stay away from there magnectic cleaners though

 

[LIFES A GAS]

Do you have to keep shutting individual rads off or leave them all open to flush whole system? I was going to have a hose on couple of ground floor rads and leave cold feed open to f+e tank in loft, then, close drain valves and fill system. Then totally drain all vents open and refill.

Problem is sparky, water wants to take the route of least resistance (like your electric) so depending on where your drain taps are positioned can make a lot of difference to where the water will flow. Flushing the system via rad valves can help.
Martin.