Will inhibitor breakdown sludge?
10/07/2023
Will inhibitor breakdown sludge?
Is a build up of sludge wrecking havoc with your heating system? Well, you may have heard inhibitor can really help get everything working to its best again, but what actually is inhibitor and how does it work to solve this common heating problem.
What is inhibitor?
Inhibitor is a mix of chemicals which break down the sludge in your heating system ie dirt, rust and minerals this makes them easy to extract.
What is sludge?
Sludge is a build-up of dirt particles and rust from your radiators and pipes, its the result of water in your heating system coming into contact with the metal in your pipes and radiators. Sludge creates a gooey black substance which tends to accumulate at the bottom of your radiators which can cause issues with your heating system.
Symptoms of sludge in your heating system
- Radiators not heating up correctly or perhaps not at all
- Banging noises coming from your boiler and pipes
- Dirty water discharging from radiators when attempting to bleed
- Increased fuel bills as a result of decreased system efficiency
The older your central heating system is the more sludge is likely to have built up, eventually if left for a long time your radiators may stop working.
Sludge is the cause of many boiler breakdowns
Sludge can also block up vital boiler components such as the heat exchanger which can result in a costly breakdown, usually when you least expect it. Staying on top of your heating system maintenance will save you a lot of money over the years in reduced fuel bills, less boiler breakdowns and it will also extend the life of your boiler.
How does inhibitor help with sludge?
Whilst inhibitor cannot physically remove sludge from your system, it breaks all the unwanted particles down and easy to remove.
To physically remove sludge a magnetic filter can be installed. A magnetic filter catches all the particles, then during your annual service the engineer will empty and clean your filter. Topping up the inhibitor annually is the best course of action to help keep your system clean.
What about power flushing?
If your system is badly sludged up a power flush or chemical clean (depending on the size of your pipes) can be performed to physically remove the sludge.
Once the sludge has been removed a magnetic filter will often be installed to prevent further build up.
The benefits of central heating inhibitor
- Prevents debris building up, helping to prolong its life.
- Inhibitor can help you save money on having to fork out for costly boiler repairs.
- Radiators warm up much quicker and the whole system is more efficient.
New home?
If you have recently moved home and feel something is amiss with your heating system do seek the advice of a Gas Safe engineer or if you have an oil boiler an OFTEC technician.
Regular servicing goes a long way
Has your boiler been serviced in the past year? If not ensuring you stick to a yearly service will do your heating system a world of good, not to mention if your boiler is still under warranty this will prevent the warranty being invalidated.
How can we help?
We offer free, no obligation quotations for all heating and plumbing jobs. Simply call our friendly team on 01258 472132 or fill in the enquiry form and we can arrange for a surveyor to attend your property at a time that suits you.
