Update - Magnaclean fitting, but leaking? Advice from experts required please!

angelavdavis

Hi,

I am intending to fit a magnaclean as I have recently replaced a number of the old radiators which were rotten. Although I have flushed the system, I am keen to fit a magnaclean to prevent further issues building up while the system is drained down currently.

Usually, when fitting or extending pipework, I initially use compression couplers as the pipework is generally wet and then use soldered joints on the dry, new pipework in between. However, the magnaclean comes with two elbow joints which require soldering.

I could add two compression couplers either side of these new soldered elbows, but am limited for space in which to fit these comp couplers so would prefer to be able to solder straight onto the existing (wet) pipes.

My question is - what is the easiest way of drying out the existing pipes so the solder will take OK?

Thanks very much

andrew-b

Heat gun/blow torch (with caution!)? Not sure how dry it has to be but you could also consider a product called Just For Copper (B&Q sell it amongst others) as an alternative to soldering (expensive stuff though).
But looking at the install instructions here is there any reason you have to use the soldered elbows supplied and couldn't ditch them to use compression fitting elbows or push-fits instead?

angelavdavis

Hi Andrew-b, thanks for responding. The elbows aren't standard size - they are designed for use with the magnaclean (well one appears standard, the other is a lot longer).

I might look further at whether I can use the compression joints instead.

Thanks

ormus

can you post a piccy of where you are actually placing the device?

Canucklehead

Good afternoon: have you bought the Magnaclean? If not, consider the 'Boiler Buddy', an easier install or, better yet, a Spirotech Magnabooster.

HTH

Canucklehead

EliteHeat

Borrow a wet and dry vacuum and suck out any water. It could not be simpler.

angelavdavis

Hi, we fitted Magnaclean yesterday, all rads checked for leaks today and have started pressuring up the boiler, but the Magnaclean itself is leaking.

OH fitted the rubber washers into the flange nuts before tightening, but the body of the valve seems to be loose from the flange nuts and there doesn't appear to be an obvious way of tightening these. Is this right as this is where we are getting a leak?

Picture below indicates where it is leaking.

Anyone with Magnaclean know-how out there who can point us in the right direction? Thanks

ormus

did you put PTFE tape or plumbers mait on it first?

EliteHeat

Plumbers mait is (if you really insist on using it) for sanitary wear.

capita_guy

Did you fit the washers????

angelavdavis

Thanks for this guys. We had another go at really tightening - was worried about overtightening as the installation guide specifically mentions this, but the leaking has stopped and the looseness in these joints has tightened thankfully.

Just got to tweak the leaks in a couple of the rads now!

Thanks for your help everyone. Much appreciated.