Using Fernox DS40 for first time - conflicting advice

[Mark Hunter]

Hi all.

I've been researching the best way to use Fernox DS40 to remove sludge from my radiators, but much of it has been contradictory in some way and then the instructions that came with the product have confused me further! Can somebody please help with the following:

How full should the system be? I plan to drain down and refill before I start, but how full should the system ideally be?

I don't have a Fernox injector (as suggested by instructions), so what ratio of powder to hot water should I use and can I use an ordinary bucket?

I plan to inject via the FE tank. Is this preferable to injection via a radiator?

The water will change colour - do I just keep an eye on the water in the FE tank and monitor it this way or is there an easier way of checking water colour?

Any advice on the above would be great. I need to have my plan of action in place for Sunday morning!

Thanks,

Mark

 

[stevetheplumber]

empty the system and add the bucket of solution to the header tank before refilling plastic bucket will be fine

 

[vern]

I assume your boiler heat ex is NOT aluminium?

 

[Roger Welton]

I would be very wary of using this if you are unsure, it is a agresive cleaner, you will need to make sure it is nuetralised and flushed from the system completely on completion, as vern says make sure you have no aluminium components in the system, some boilers do, Worcester to name one. I'd probably sugest F5 as a safer bet.

 

[vern]

I would be very wary of using this if you are unsure, it is a agresive cleaner, you will need to make sure it is nuetralised and flushed from the system completely on completion, as vern says make sure you have no aluminium components in the system, some boilers do, Worcester to name one. I'd probably sugest F5 as a safer bet.

Good point Roger i once saw a B&Q ali rad eaten alive with this stuff lol

 

[Roger Welton]

'tis good stuff for shifting muck though just have to be extra carefull, I personally only use it with the powerflusher so I can be sure the pH on each leg is nuetral again when completed.

 

[Mark Hunter]

Hi all.

Thanks for your comments. I've already used a lighter sentinel cleaner which has not done a thing, hence why I'm trying the stronger stuff. I've read many horror stories, but it seemed to me that older systems were to blame for many. I plan to use half the contents and check the results. Boiler has no aluminium parts.

Could someone please advise on the solution strength I should go for and the best way of checking the colour of the water - should I just keep an eye on the header tank?

thanks.