Where to fit a magnetic filter to a system

[Job2222]

I have had my central heating system changed from oil boiler to an Air Source Heat Pump. In doing this the magnetic filter has been fitted on the floor so access to the drain end isn't possible. It is a Fernox TF1.
Who can verify that this is the worst place to fit it. I have been told by the company Mechanical Engineering Director that it is fine and I am having trouble getting him to see otherwise.
Is there a Plumbing Workmanship body who could say whether I have to take this mans word for it or he has to accept the plumber who fitted the system needs to get back out and replumb the pipework so it is readily accessible for maintenance.
I attach two photos taken at floor level showing the filter tucked away at the back between two tanks and loads of pipework.

 

[ianmcd]

cant really tell by your pic, would you be able to get a washing machine hose on , like in this video ?

 

[muggles]

Shouldn't worry, it'll leak and need replacing soon enough anyway - I'm yet to come across one of these that isn't leaking.

But no, it's not in an ideal location. I'd certainly be wanting it moved

 

[Job2222]

cant really tell by your pic, would you be able to get a washing machine hose on , like in this video ?

Ha, ha. I can't even push a credit card underneath it, so there's no way I could even unscrew the plastic thingy off the bottom.

 

[ianmcd]

needs moved then

 

[JohnD]

I have been told by the company Mechanical Engineering Director that it is fine and I am having trouble getting him to see otherwise.

invite him to call round and empty it.

 

[Job2222]

invite him to call round and empty it.

I did and he took the top off, wiped the sleeve clean and put the top back on and said "that was good enough, you don't need to flush it out".
I have since spoken to Fernox who said that is incorrect, and recommended that the seal should be replaced if the top is removed.
And I've looked at You Tube videos all showing the filter being flushed through.
I shall be standing firm on this issue now and insisting that they replumb the pipework so it can be cleaned correctly. Their error.
Thanks to all for your thoughts.

 

[Madrab]

The whole point of it having a drain is to allow the magnet to be pulled out of it's pocket and then drain the filter with all it's black stuff. They don't like their lids removed too often. As suggested the seals invariably start to leak.

That's just a joke cause he's gotta be having a laugh. Seriously though that's ridiculous, tell him you want it moved.

 

[Job2222]

The whole point of it having a drain is to allow the magnet to be pulled out of it's pocket and then drain the filter with all it's black stuff. They don't like their lids removed too often. As suggested the seals invariably start to leak.

That's just a joke cause he's gotta be having a laugh. Seriously though that's ridiculous, tell him you want it moved.

I will be telling him that. Thanks for your input.

 

[Madrab]

When I say 'them' BTW ..... I mean that model of filter from Fernox.

 

[boolie]

Shouldn't worry, it'll leak and need replacing soon enough anyway - I'm yet to come across one of these that isn't leaking.

But no, it's not in an ideal location. I'd certainly be wanting it moved

I'm sorry but that's just plain wrong. I've had a TF1 for 6 years and it's never leaked.

If yours are leaking its because they haven't been installed correctly. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions you would not need to open the lid. However, even if you do open the lid then replace the seals and tighten properly and you're fine

 

[boolie]

I did and he took the top off, wiped the sleeve clean and put the top back on and said "that was good enough, you don't need to flush it out".
I have since spoken to Fernox who said that is incorrect, and recommended that the seal should be replaced if the top is removed.
And I've looked at You Tube videos all showing the filter being flushed through.
I shall be standing firm on this issue now and insisting that they replumb the pipework so it can be cleaned correctly. Their error.
Thanks to all for your thoughts.

The installer sounds like a cowboy. He's taking the pish. He's already compromised it by opening the lid and not replacing the seals

My preferred option would be to move it.. however there may be another option. The fernox omega and the fernox TF1 compact can fit in the same place and have a much smaller profile - replacing with one of these wouldn't require a drain down or any pipe rework. If you replace with one of them you will probably have enough space to stick a washing machine hose underneath

 

[dilalio]

I'm sorry but that's just plain wrong. I've had a TF1 for 6 years and it's never leaked.

You might have a different opinion if you'd been to hundreds of them and seen the evidence of leakage like we have!
The TF1 Omega, on the other hand is my filter of choice.

 

[Madrab]

Is there a Plumbing Workmanship body who could say whether I have to take this mans word for it or he has to accept the plumber who fitted the system needs to get back out and replumb the pipework so it is readily accessible for maintenance.

Send it to Fernox and ask them. If they say it's been fitted in the wrong place then it's not been installed to MI and needs to be moved.

 

[Madrab]

I've had a TF1 for 6 years and it's never leaked

You're one of the lucky ones, unfortunately those filters do have a habit to leak, that could be down to people playing with them of course.
I've probably seen more that have leak marks on them than ones that don't.