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Central Heating

Mystery of Leaking Radiators

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.33 PM

We had some new higher output tubular rads fitted replacing inadequate panel ones and they ran for six months or so without any sign of weeping. At this point, we had to replace the boiler that was kettling rather often with a slightly larger one (both were of the condensing type). Although the job specs included a hot flush, the engineer said that the water 'looked pretty clean' so wasn't really necessary though I suspect that it was more to do with getting the job done in one day, and avoid having to return to rush up and down stairs draining and refilling etc. Over the ensuing weeks, all the new rads started weeping and corroding the external surfaces around the leaks. One new rad became so badly corroded we had to replace it for fear of a burst. The other rads eventually stopped leaking and we treated the corrosion (rust) with Kurust and resprayed the paint. Question. Is the above the likely effect of adding hot flush chemicals and then not flushing them away?

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5 Answers

ASAR PLUMBING AND BUILDING

Rating: 5 out of 5
Catford, London
In every job there is a must do power flush when installing a new boiler, if not then the manufacturer will not guarantee the boiler, also if the chemical cleaning is applied then a fluah with clean water is required to make sure no chemical is left in the system
Answered2 July 2020
1

D & R Property and Plumbing Maintenance

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
New Romney
this sounds like rust was around rad unions and plugs ?,if so they were not fitted properly,they should have cleaned system before fitting new boiler,as some boiler makers will not honour gaurentee boiler if system is not cleaned.
Answered1 July 2020
0

Anonymous user

It does sound like a strong cleaning chemical was added & not removed properly but with knowing the job difficult to give an accurate answer
Answered1 July 2020
0

Anonymous user

Hi, from what you say it sounds like the chemical cleaner was not flushed out of the system properly. I would suggest getting someone with knowledge of heating systems and flushing to come take a water sample. They can recommend from there the best course of action.
Answered2 July 2020
0

Plumber Extraordinaire

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Petersfield
1st think, if a power flush was included in the price, weather it was running clear or not, it should have been done so he needs to re-attend do do that. Secondly, when you fit new rads they should NEVER leak also if you have a rad that is rusty, sure, makes sense to replace it. Call the company back & tell them your not happy.
Answered2 July 2020
0