New magnetic filter AND powerflush needed, or just new filter?

[deshg]

Hey everyone,

We had a new combi boiler (Ideal Logic Combi 35) installed with a magnetic filter (Ferrox TF1) about 5 years ago. At the time the system was apparently powerflushed by the installer (it was definitely drained, as i guess it needs to be, but the plumber was not very reliable/trustworthy so i wouldn't be surprised if he didn't do it properly).

The TF1 has been leaking and i got someone to try and replace the O Rings but it's so clogged up we couldn't get the top off and it just made the leaks worse (it's now also leaking from the copper pipe by the filter, thankfully below the valve, as well as from the TF1 directly).

I am going to get someone to replace the filter with a new one (from what i read the MagnaClean Professional2 is more reliable and less prone to leaks - unless anyone recommends something else?)

My question is; do you think we need to get it powerflushed as well or just replace the filter? We'll be renovating our kitchen within the next 2 years or so and will have to move the boiler (and fit some underfloor heating) so i'm thinking it probably just makes sense to just replace the filter for the moment and then powerflush the system when we move the boiler?

I just wanted to check if people here agree or if you think i should powerflush it now as well?

One other option that i just read about is a chemical flush which is guess is much cheaper, but not sure if that is required/necessary either?

I would be most grateful to hear your suggestions.

Thanks very much,

Dave

 

[JohnD]

A powerflush is quite expensive, so I'd suggest starting with the new filter and a chemical clean (if you are handy you can do that yourself).

You do not mention symptoms of sediment problems - such as poor circulation and cold patches at the bottom or middle of your radiators.

Often a simple chemical clean, and a system filter that works, will save you needing a powerflush.

I am a DIYer and have had good results with Sentinel X400, which needs to be drained out after a few weeks, and an inhibitor added.

If you don't drain it out, it will lose its power after about a month and the loosened sediment will settle again. However if you have an effective filter, it will have trapped almost all of it in that time. In this case it does no harm to leave the X400 in the system
see https://www.sentinelprotects.com/sites/default/files/fact-sheets/pf_x400_1.2_us.pdf

 

[deshg]

A powerflush is quite expensive, so I'd suggest starting with the new filter and a chemical clean (if you are handy you can do that yourself).

You do not mention symptoms of sediment problems - such as poor circulation and cold patches at the bottom or middle of your radiators.

Often a simple chemical clean, and a system filter that works, will save you needing a powerflush.

I am a DIYer and have had good results with Sentinel X400, which needs to be drained out after a few weeks, and an inhibitor added.

Thanks for your reply John, that's much appreciated. We haven't noticed any issues with poor circulation or cold patches which is a good sign!

I've been quoted £180 to supply and fit a MagnaClean Professional2 with an additional £70 to do a chemical clean if required (not applicable for VAT).

I would prefer to get someone else to do it (a) so i don't mess it up and (b) as i don't have time right now but could really do with getting it fixed asap!

I guess there's no way to tell for certain if a chemical clean is required but at £70 i'm guessing it's probably advisable and certainly won't hurt? This being the case do you think you'd bite the bullet and go ahead for both the filter supply/install and chemical clean for £250 all in (i assume ther's nothing we can do to 'test' if the clean is actually required)?

Thanks again for your help,

Dave

 

[JohnD]

if it's only £70 extra, I'd go for it. You say you aren't confident that it was properly cleaned five years ago.

Get him to show you how to get the accumulated dirt out of the Magnaclean, and check it after a month or so. When it stops finding any more dirt, you'll know it's done the job. If the magnet comes out looking like a black kebab, you'll know it was very dirty.

(I have updated my earlier post)

mine, was fairly dirty
[GALLERY=media, 12015]Untitled by JohnD posted 6 Jun 2009 at 1:49 PM[/GALLERY]


[GALLERY=media, 12016]Untitled by JohnD posted 6 Jun 2009 at 1:49 PM[/GALLERY]

 

[deshg]

if it's only £70 extra, I'd go for it.

Get him to show you how to get the accumulated dirt out of the Magnaclean, and check it after a month or so. When it stops finding any more dirt, you'll know it's done the job.

(I have updated my earlier post)

Thanks John, I really appreciate your help. I have actually never cleaned/emptied the TF1 since it was installed (i didn't even know you were supposed to do that!) I'm not sure which chemicals he was proposing using but I believe he said he would put it in the system for a few hours and then flush it out so sounds like it may be different to the Sentinel X400 if that's left for a month - although on the fact sheet you linked to it said for less clogged up applications it can be left for 2 hours (equally i could have misunderstood him!)

So i will go ahead with the Magnaclean and the chemical clean for £250 and will ask him to show me how to get out the accumulated dirt so i can check it ongoing.

Thanks again for all of your help,

Dave

 

[JohnD]

there are stronger chemicals more suitable for a professional.

X400 is OK for DIY as it is not aggressive and will not do any harm in you don't drain it out.

 

[deshg]

there are stronger chemicals more suitable for a professional.

X400 is OK for DIY as it is not aggressive and will not do any harm in you don't drain it out.

Ah I see, that makes sense. Thanks John, you have been extremely helpful, it's massively appreciated

Cheers,

Dave