Cleaning out sludge

[black_cat]

I have inherited a central heating system from the previous owners, which comprises a relatively new boiler (3 years old), new radiators but old microbore pipework....... but the system is heavily clogged with magnetite sludge which I want to get rid of, but without replacing the pipework as the cost will be too much and I don't want the disruption.

I don't want to run the risk of springing a leak in the pipework by using a harsh chemical cleaner, so I am thinking about removing every radiator and cleaning them out with a hose and then fitting a magnaclean http://www.magnaclean.co.uk to remove the suspended particulate that is left in the pipework - Does this make sense??

The only other option that I can think of apart from powerflushing, is to use Sentinel X400 as this is not as harsh as some of the other cleaners and then using a leak sealer, but I am concerned that any leaks may not be sealed as I am unsure how effective the sealer is???

Can anyone help as I am getting desperate now!!

Cheers

B[/url]


MOD

edited to correct link

 

[kevplumb]

stick the x400 in for a couple of weeks should be ok

 

[black_cat]

Cheers Kev,

I presume that the X400 should shift the sludge and any leaks that would appear would only be pinholes (cos otherwise i would already know about larger holes?) and that the leak sealer would sort out any pinholes/weeping? - is it possible to put the leak sealer in with the X400 as a precaution and then after I have removed the X400, put some more leak sealer in and an inhibitor???

Cheers

B

 

[ChrisR]

Look, if your rads have rusted to the point where they're starting to leak, you need to know NOW so you can REPLACE them!
I'd only use leak sealer as a last resort. I was advisd against its use for combis cos they have moving parts, where air is likely to get in a bit, so things block and seize.