Filling central heating system with protector

MGAstra

I'm just drained my central heating system and fitted a new radiator, but I'm not sure how to add the protector fluids when I fill the system back up. Its a combi boiler.

Any help would be much appreciated!

uncle_buck_3

Well basically you need to get the required amount of inhibitor into your system before you fill up the system. This can be tricky if you have round top radiators where only the little bleed pip is removable ...if you have the Stellrad type of radiators the bleed pip is contained within a removable boss…this makes the job a lot easier.

I have added the inhibitor in the past by draining down the system so its empty then removing the filling loop connection that is connected to one of the heating pipes. I don’t mean the flexible part of the filling loop, I mean the connection that the flexible pipe joins to on one of the heating pipes…..you just undo the compression fitting then you can then use a funnel to add the inhibitor. Once its added reconnect the fitting & fill up you system as normal.


HTH

moneysavingplumber

You can buy injectible Fernox products specifically designed for adding to sealed systems using a silicone gun via a radiator bleed screw. It is more expensive than the bottled version but saves alot of hassle.

http://www.fernox.com/?cccpage=super_protector&sub=8

robowen

If you use the liquid form of inhibitor...like sentinel. you can pour it into the end of a radiator. Remove the nut to allow better access. I use a small bent funnel made for this job. You can get them at the plumbing merchants.

There are other makes of inhibitor on the market. Fernox make one that comes in a cartridge. Pop it into your sealant gun and squirt it into an upstairs rad through the bleed screw hole.

rob

MGAstra

Thanks for that!

I've just bought a Ferox cartridge off eBay. Looks like that'll do the trick.

robowen

That should do it...so long as it doesnt have a sell-by date on it :rotfl:

I have to be honest...I'm not keen on using Fernox. It is supposed to be one of the better ones though.
On occasions, introducing it through the bleed hole has meant I have not been able to bleed from that point for a while after injecting, as it sometimes gets forced back upto the bleed point. It takes a while for the gel to mix with the water before it gets sent round the system.

My second reason for not using it is that once you have injected with fernox, you cant inject again for quite a while(not sure length of time exactly without checking...I cant remember). If you have a leak in the next month and have to empty your system you wont be able to put anything else in there. ...so be sure you have no leaks !
If you use the liquid, you can empty the system, flush through and refill with the liquid.

Everyone has their own preference !

rob