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Look inside the interactive house and explore common heating problems!
Pump failure
Boiler noise
Boiler failure
Energy wastage
Heat exchanger
Limescale
Degradation
Frozen pipes
Pressure loss
Corrosion
Blocked pipes
Microbiological
Cold spots
Radiator gas
Leaky pipe
Pump failure
The most common cause of pump failure within a boiler is dirty system water. Often, magnetite (black iron oxide) is carried through a dirty system and is deposited in the pump. The action of the pump grinds the magnetite into a sticky paste which eventually stops the pump from being able the function.
Limescale can also cause pump failure in a similar way. Indeed, pump failure is frequently caused by a deposition which consists of a mixture of magnetite and limescale.
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Powerflushing Cleaner F5 have been specifically formulated to lift and remove iron oxides and other debris from a system, including limescale.
For heavily scaled systems under 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner is recommended for use.
After cleaning, protect the system from further corrosion with Fernox Protector F1. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector may also be used to provide ongoing protection.
Limescale
Limescale occurs when soluble bicarbonate ions, which are found in hard water, form insoluble carbonate salts when heated. Limescale consists mainly of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
Fernox Electrolytic Scale Reducer will give whole house protection and should be fitted on the incoming mains water feed. Fernox Magnetic Scale Reducer is designed for single appliance protection.
If limescale contamination has already occurred, simply use DS40 System Cleaner (for heating systems) or DS-3 Limescale Remover (for individual appliances) to resolve the problem.
The Solution
In central heating systems, the addition of any Fernox Protector F1 product will prevent the deposition of limescale. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use.
Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) and Code of Practice BS 7593:2006 states that in hard water areas where water hardness levels exceeds 200pm, the installation of a Scale Reducer is mandatory. To find out water hardness levels in your area check Fernox water hardness map.
Fernox Electrolytic Scale Reducer will give whole house protection and should be fitted on the incoming mains water feed. Fernox Magnetic Scale Reducer is designed for single appliance protection.
If limescale contamination has already occurred, simply use DS40 System Cleaner (for heating systems) or DS-3 Limescale Remover (for individual appliances) to resolve the problem.
Degradation of a heat transfer fluid
Solar thermal collector panels operate at very high temperatures, often in excess of 180⁰C. Heat transfer fluids can degrade if solar thermal systems go into frequent stagnation. In these circumstances, the collector panels overheat, the solar fluid vaporises and empties the collector. When the cylinder water temperature drops, the pump starts driving solar fluid into very hot collectors, increasing the possibility of producing acidic residues and sludge.
The Solution
Fernox Solar Cleaner C is a quick and effective cleaner for use in solar thermal systems. It has been specifically designed to remove degraded solar fluids and sludge, which may cause blockages in the collector tubes. This will ensure optimum operating efficiency of existing solar thermal systems.
Once Solar Cleaner C has been flushed from the system, simply refill using Fernox Solar S1 for long term protection and system longevity.
Corrosion
Corrosion occurs when a refined metal reverts back to its natural ore state. Corrosion in water systems takes place when two areas of metal with different electrical charges are in contact or linked via a conductor such as water.
The Solution
Fernox Protector F1 protects against corrosion for all metals commonly found in a central heating system, including aluminium. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is ideal for use.
However, heavily corroded systems should be chemically cleaned using Fernox Cleaner F3 or Cleaner F5 to remove excess debris which may affect an inhibitor’s ability to protect a system from further corrosion.
Radiator cold spots
Cold spots at the top of a radiator are largely caused by air entering the system or hydrogen gas forming as a result of corrosion. When cold spots occur in the middle and lower parts of a radiator, they stem from a build-up of magnetite (iron oxide), which appears as a black sludge.
The Solution
Cold spots at the bottom of a radiator can be treated using universal cleaners like Fernox Cleaner F3 or Cleaner F5, which are effective at removing debris. Powerflushing the system is also highly recommended for a fast and efficient clean.
Once the debris has been removed, for long term protection treat the system with Fernox Protector F1 to keep radiators clear from corrosion and limescale.
However, heavily corroded systems should be chemically cleaned using Fernox Cleaner F3 or Cleaner F5 to remove excess debris which may affect an inhibitor’s ability to protect a system from further corrosion.
For systems with a TF1 system filter installed, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector may also be used for ongoing protection.
If this problem continues to happen, consult a professional installer for advice.
Radiator gas build-up
Cold spots at the top of a radiator are generally caused by hydrogen gas forming as a result of corrosion, or from air entering the system.
However, microbiological contamination in a system can also contribute to gas build-up. Methane gas or hydrogen sulphide (which emits a ‘bad egg’ smell) can form and is often associated with the presence of corrosive sulphate-reducing bacteria.
The Solution
Using an effective, market leading inhibitor like Fernox Protector F1 will protect against corrosion and hydrogen gas formation. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use in keeping a system contaminant-free.
Fernox Biocide AF-10 will disinfect a system and prevent microbiological growth, safeguarding against gas formation.
If this problem continues to happen, consult a professional installer for advice.
Air can simply be bled from the top of a radiator. However, if this problem continues to happen, it may be a result of poor system design which water treatment alone will not fix. Consult a professional installer for advice.
Leaky pipe joints
Leaking pipe joints can occur for a number of reasons including corrosion damage.
The Solution
After turning off the water and draining down the system to remove water pressure from the leak, apply Fernox LS-X External Leak Sealer to a dry surface around the area of leakage.
Wrap the pipe with a layer of PTFE tape or other reinforcement with 50% overlap and extend well beyond the area of the leak.
Microbiological fouling
Leathery skins or films of algae on the surface of expansion cisterns in open vented systems are caused by fungal mould growths. This occurs if the expansion cistern is not properly covered and dust, insects and spores enter the water.
Microbiological fouling can also occur in all systems which rarely operate at high temperatures (e.g. underfloor heating).
The Solution
To combat microbial contamination in a heating system, add Fernox Biocide AF-10. Where contamination is significant, several repeat doses of biocide may be required: in such situations, it may be appropriate to drain and retreat the entire system.
For continued protection, Fernox Biocide AF-10 should be left in the system but it is important to ensure corrosion inhibitor levels using Protector F1 are maintained and topped up as necessary.
When there is bacterial contamination in air and ground source heat pumps installations, Fernox HP Cleaner is ideal for use.
Blocked pipes
Blocked pipes can occur anywhere in a system. Often, debris that is suspended in the system water can be deposited in elbows, low flow areas and dead leg areas of the pipework.
Microbiologically fouling can also cause blockages due to the formation of biofilms and jelly-like deposits.
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Powerflushing Cleaner F5 are both universal cleaners designed to recondition systems and are particularly effective if the system is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge.
For central heating systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present. To combat microbial contamination in a heating system, simply add Fernox Biocide AF-10.
Pressure loss and small leaks or weeps
Micro-leaks and small weeps in a heating system are hard to locate and fix. They can cause a gradual pressure loss of the system.
The Solution
Small leaks, including pressure drops on combination boilers and other sealed systems, can be repaired by dosing the system with Fernox Leak Sealer F4.
Frozen pipes
External pipes carrying water can freeze in sub-zero temperatures. As well as blocking the pipes, the freezing can cause damage to the pipe itself as the ice expands.
The Solution
Fernox Antifreeze Protector Alphi-11 is a combined antifreeze and inhibitor, which gives long term protection of domestic central heating systems against internal corrosion and limescale formation.
Antifreeze Protector Alphi-11 should be used at the minimum concentration of 25% to ensure correct inhibition levels. If used at higher concentrations, increased frost protection can be achieved.
Heat exchanger failure
Heat exchangers in boilers can fail for a number of reasons. For central heating systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present. System water can contain a number of contaminants but most system problems are caused by magnetite, limescale or a mixture of both!
If the heat exchanger is made from aluminium, the effects of system water at a pH level of 8.5 or above is very corrosive, causing pitting and corrosion, which will result in failure.
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Cleaner F5 are both designed to recondition systems and are particularly effective if the system is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge.
For systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present.
Once clean, simply protect the system from further corrosion and scaling with Fernox Protector F1.
For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use. These products also contain pH buffering control to prevent the system water becoming corrosive.
For hard water areas, especially areas with over 200 ppm hardness a Fernox Scale Reducer should be installed.
Energy & fuel wastage
Deposition in the heat exchanger, radiators and pipework can drastically reduce a system’s efficiency.
There are two main types of deposits found in heating systems:
- Limescale deposition which can start from waters containing as little as 100ppm
- Black iron oxide sludge (magnetite) which is produced even in systems with minimal dissolved oxygen
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Powerflushing Cleaner F5 are both designed to recondition systems and are particularly effective if the system is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge.
For central heating systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present.
Once clean, the system should be protected from further corrosion and scaling by using Fernox Protector F1. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is ideal for use.
For hard water areas, especially areas with over 200 ppm hardness a Fernox Scale Reducer should be installed.
Boiler failure
Boilers can breakdown for a number of reasons. In the majority of cases, the main cause of failure is dirty system water. System water can contain a number of contaminants but most system problems are caused by magnetite, limescale or a mixture of both!
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Cleaner F5 are both designed to recondition systems and are particularly effective if the system is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge.
For systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present.
Once clean, simply protect the system from further corrosion and scaling with Fernox Protector F1.
For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use.
For hard water areas, especially with over 200 ppm hardness a Fernox Scale Reducer should be installed.
Boiler noise
Boiler noise is usually the result of limescale deposition within the heat exchanger of a boiler. This condition is worsened if magnetite is also present in the system, as this combines with the limescale to form a much harder deposit. Other sediment-forming debris such as sand and brick dust entering the system during the installation process can also become part of the hardened deposit. Local water conditions also play an important part, particularly the scale-forming solids dissolved in the supply water.
Boiler noise, sometimes called kettling, is directly related to the rapid condensation or implosion of steam in water. Localised boiling develops on the surface of the deposit, and small steam bubbles are created that make a rattling noise as they leave the surface and travel around the system.
The Solution
Fernox Boiler Noise Silencer F2 reduces the system water’s ability to form large steam and air bubbles in order to lessen the associated noise. A full system clean should be performed to treat the underlying cause of a dirty system.
For heavily scaled systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used to dissolve the limescale.
Older installations’ performance levels can be substantially improved by removing sludge with Fernox Cleaner F3 or Powerflushing Cleaner F5.
Once clean, the system should be protected from further corrosion by using Fernox Protector F1. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use.
Frozen pipes
External pipes carrying water can freeze in sub-zero temperatures. As well as blocking the pipes, the freezing can cause damage to the pipe itself as the ice expands.
The Solution
Fernox Antifreeze Protector Alphi-11 is a combined antifreeze and inhibitor, which gives long term protection of domestic central heating systems against internal corrosion and limescale formation.
Antifreeze Protector Alphi-11 should be used at the minimum concentration of 25% to ensure correct inhibition levels. If used at higher concentrations, increased frost protection can be achieved.
Heat exchanger failure
Heat exchangers in boilers can fail for a number of reasons. For central heating systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present. System water can contain a number of contaminants but most system problems are caused by magnetite, limescale or a mixture of both!
If the heat exchanger is made from aluminium, the effects of system water at a pH level of 8.5 or above is very corrosive, causing pitting and corrosion, which will result in failure.
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Cleaner F5 are both designed to recondition systems and are particularly effective if the system is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge.
For systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present.
Once clean, simply protect the system from further corrosion and scaling with Fernox Protector F1.
For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use. These products also contain pH buffering control to prevent the system water becoming corrosive.
For hard water areas, especially areas with over 200 ppm hardness a Fernox Scale Reducer should be installed.
Energy & fuel wastage
Deposition in the heat exchanger, radiators and pipework can drastically reduce a system’s efficiency.
There are two main types of deposits found in heating systems:
- Limescale deposition which can start from waters containing as little as 100ppm
- Black iron oxide sludge (magnetite) which is produced even in systems with minimal dissolved oxygen
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Powerflushing Cleaner F5 are both designed to recondition systems and are particularly effective if the system is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge.
For central heating systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present.
Once clean, the system should be protected from further corrosion and scaling by using Fernox Protector F1. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is ideal for use.
For hard water areas, especially areas with over 200 ppm hardness a Fernox Scale Reducer should be installed.
Boiler failure
Boilers can breakdown for a number of reasons. In the majority of cases, the main cause of failure is dirty system water. System water can contain a number of contaminants but most system problems are caused by magnetite, limescale or a mixture of both!
The Solution
Fernox Cleaner F3 and Cleaner F5 are both designed to recondition systems and are particularly effective if the system is contaminated with black iron oxide sludge.
For systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used if limescale deposition is present.
Once clean, simply protect the system from further corrosion and scaling with Fernox Protector F1.
For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use.
For hard water areas, especially with over 200 ppm hardness a Fernox Scale Reducer should be installed.
Boiler noise
Boiler noise is usually the result of limescale deposition within the heat exchanger of a boiler. This condition is worsened if magnetite is also present in the system, as this combines with the limescale to form a much harder deposit. Other sediment-forming debris such as sand and brick dust entering the system during the installation process can also become part of the hardened deposit. Local water conditions also play an important part, particularly the scale-forming solids dissolved in the supply water.
Boiler noise, sometimes called kettling, is directly related to the rapid condensation or implosion of steam in water. Localised boiling develops on the surface of the deposit, and small steam bubbles are created that make a rattling noise as they leave the surface and travel around the system.
The Solution
Fernox Boiler Noise Silencer F2 reduces the system water’s ability to form large steam and air bubbles in order to lessen the associated noise. A full system clean should be performed to treat the underlying cause of a dirty system.
For heavily scaled systems less than 10 years old, Fernox DS40 System Cleaner should be used to dissolve the limescale.
Older installations’ performance levels can be substantially improved by removing sludge with Fernox Cleaner F3 or Powerflushing Cleaner F5.
Once clean, the system should be protected from further corrosion by using Fernox Protector F1. For systems with a TF1 system filter fitted, Fernox Filter Fluid+ Protector is also ideal for use.
