sludge problem/blockage: How do I treat it?

[andyp]

Hi
>
> I have a serious problem with my central heating system. Sludge build-up
has forced us to "power-flush" our system (performed by British Gas). The
flush was not successful and resulted in a blockage which could not be
moved. Can you recommend a treatment to remove the blockage? We would be
very grateful as British Gas have only suggested replacing the pipes as
corrective action.
>

[adrianl]

AndyP

After reading about your experiences following a B.Gas power clean resulting in blockages in your central heating system, I trust that B.Gas will be waiving the cost of the clean, or at the very least correcting the problem at their own cost?

However, in answer to your question, I would firstly ask is the system blockage a complete blockage, so allowing no flow at all, or whether the blockage is a severe restriction, which does allow some water passage?

If the blockage is total, and no flow is seen then in my experience you will need to replace the affected section of pipe-work. This is because in order to get any cleaner in contact with the debris causing the blockage (so as to remove it) some flow is necessary.

However if the section of pipe-work is restricted and some flow occurs even if very low, then the Fernox DS-40 cleaner can be used to remove heavy debris build up as follows;

If the system is older than 12 years then you will need to clean the pipe-work on a restricted circuit, by closing the lock shield and wheel head valves to all radiators except one.

If the system is under 12 years old and known to be sound then the whole system including the radiator panels can be cleaned safely.

Use a 2% solution (for typical domestic system, a restricted circuit on 2% DS-40, will require only half a 2Kg container), for a whole system clean use all the 2Kg container of Fernox DS-40. Allow this to circulate for 24 hours at 700C. Drain the system whilst still hot and flush with plain water.

Neutralise any acid residues that may be present using 0.2% solution of DS-40 neutralising agent (supplied free with DS-40) i.e. 1 sachet of neutraliser tub for each DS-40 used. Circulate hot throughout the system for about two hours.

Drain and flush the whole system thoroughly, at least three complete changes of water are likely to be required.

After cleaning, treat the system with a 4% solution of Fernox MB-1 which will render the water non-corrosive to steel, copper, aluminium and brass, prevent any scaling by fuel wasting water hardness salts so helping to minimise the occurrence of boiler noise.

I hope this information is of help. If you need any further help or advice on using Fernox products, then the Fernox technical help line is an excellent source of information on 01799 521133.

Adrain

[Tony]

Andy,

You have been gived good advice on using DS40 but please do not follow the part about circulating DS40 solution at 700 C as that will melt your pipes! Try using 70 C instead.

Whilst it may be necessary to replace pipework in very extreme cases I have had good success using mains water pressure in alternate directions to establish some flow. Also cutting a pipe and injecting DS40 with a thin capillary tube directly to the blockage will usually clear it eventually.

Tony Glazier

Tony Glazier
_________________
Tony Glazier

[Dan]

AHH BG's legendary desludges.

You may find it is a blockage where the feed pipe enters the system. Fot some reason there are some strange currents in this T section and it often blocks. I have a few examples of these secitons in my van to show the poor victims if I suspect this to be their problem.

The hardest part of this job is finding the pipe and getting access to it.

Of course if you have a sealed system (no header tank in the attic) then this is a less lkely occurance; although not impossible.


Frankly I have had enough of BG, they are the biggest bunch of cowboys out there. Refuse point blank to pay them, and insist they pay for the repairs.

Hope you get this sorted out!

This message was edited by Dan on 6-4-02 @ 11:43 PM
_________________
Regards

Dan Robinson
Jennings Heating & Plumbing
CORGI - 138845
Email: dan.robinson@blueyonder.co.uk
Phone 0777 5731339

[bobh]

British Gas are trying to charge my mother £430 for a power flush that didn't work ie the blockages are still there. She is a 76 year old pensioner with only the state pension and they have now advised re piping to solve the problem.

My questions are
1. should she pay
2. is the powerflush product a standard cost item?
and finally
3. Are BG making a killing from all this there seems to be a lot of people affected?

Thanks
Bobh

[AlanE]

bobh
If the sales pitch from B.G. went along the lines that your mother had a problem that a powerflush would cure then I would say definitly no way. BUT if B.G. also added that it might not clear the problem (unlikley) would you like us to try in any case then probably yes.

In answer to 3 read the other posts on the subject and you might well come to that conclusion.

Alan

[jpchemical]

GO TO THE SUBJECT AND RELLATED CORESPONDANCE
FOR THE DE-SLUDGING OF CENTRAL HEATING,
( YOUR PREFERRED CH TREATMENT BY MIK$)

HAVE A LOOK , AND REVERT..
RGRDS

jpchemical@yahoo.com

[Tony P]

AndyP,

First thing is to establish and provide the answer to AdrianL questions!

1) Is the pipe completely blocked and preventing all flow??

or

2) Is the some flow even just a little that would indicate a severe restriction??

This would narrow down the solution to the problem.

Tony P