Descaling my unvented water cylinder.

[eternaloptimist1]

I want to introduce a solution of Fernox DS3 descaler into my Tribune unvented cylinder which is heated by immersion heaters. I live in a hard water area. Water softener is not an option.

Here's what I propose:
1.Turn off electrics, cold and hot water. This isolates the system completely.
2. Drain the whole cylinder via the drain tap located at the bottom of the cylinder.
3. Make up the descaling solution as per Fernox recommendations.
4.Attach a tube to the drain tap spigot and introduce the descaling solution using either gravity or fluid transfer pump.

Any suggestions, criticisms etc welcome. So far as I can see, I have not interfered with the workings/safety of the boiler.

The only problem I can think of is that the drain tap might have some sort of non-return mechanism that stops the flow. In that case, I would use the 3/4 inch BSP hot inlet tap for the washing machine to introduce the descaler.

 

[steve32]

You need to be registered to work on unvented (G3)
Unvented cylinders should be checked and serviced every year to maintain the 25year guarantee.
I wouldn't use DS3 in an unvented cylinder.

 

[eternaloptimist1]

You need to be registered to work on unvented (G3)
Unvented cylinders should be checked and serviced every year to maintain the 25year guarantee.
I wouldn't use DS3 in an unvented cylinder.

Thanks. Does servicing include descaling? Just bought the flat. There is no record of servicing by previous owners. It was a repossession. System was installed in 2005.

 

[muggles]

Servicing wouldn't normally include descaling, that's more of a repair job. Why do you think it needs descaling?

 

[Stadan20]

Range tribune ...... get rid of it , let me guess your hw taps very poor flow , they have a design problem and I’m sorry to say it’s not worth the hassle , new cylinder needed and no u can’t get any scrap value out of it before you ask

 

[eternaloptimist1]

Servicing wouldn't normally include descaling, that's more of a repair job. Why do you think it needs descaling?

Thanks. Having lived in a hard water area previously, I just considered it prudent to have the boiler descaled before any scale build up causes a real problem.

 

[eternaloptimist1]

Range tribune ...... get rid of it , let me guess your hw taps very poor flow , they have a design problem and I’m sorry to say it’s not worth the hassle , new cylinder needed and no u can’t get any scrap value out of it before you ask

Thanks. No problems so far. Just being cautious and trying to avoid any scale buildup giving a real problem in future. I have lived in a hard water are previously.

 

[Stadan20]

I would fit a combi mate but others will probs advise not to ,

 

[eternaloptimist1]

Thanks. It's in a flat, electrics only. Moved to a flat for a quiet life in me old age! Want to avoid problems in future.

 

[Roger928]

Range tribune ...... get rid of it , let me guess your hw taps very poor flow , they have a design problem

Have fitted a few of these and no problems. What is the "design problem"?

 

[Stadan20]

Have fitted a few of these and no problems. What is the "design problem"?

The inlet of the cylinder loops upwards , this is where the scale builds up over the years , I’ve come across 6 that blocked up last year

 

[oilboffin]

I'd use White vinegar get a couple of gallons it's not dear and put that in leave it for a couple of hours then flush great stuff vinegar.

 

[Stadan20]

I'd use White vinegar get a couple of gallons it's not dear and put that in leave it for a couple of hours then flush great stuff vinegar.

Never tried that before mate have you had much success ?

 

[oilboffin]

Oh yes and my mate had an injector stuck on his van garage couldn't pull it out so I kept putting vinegar on it over a week and then got the garage to try it and out it came it's great for descaling taps soak a rag and tie it to the spout for a couple of hours and see the results.Bob

 

[eternaloptimist1]

Never tried that before mate have you had much success ?