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System cleaner worth it 2 days before drain down? Use magnetic filter?

View the thread, titled "System cleaner worth it 2 days before drain down? Use magnetic filter?" which is posted in UK Plumbers Forums on UK Plumbers Forums.

Hi

The onslaught of plumbing questions continues! Sorry folks... The plumber is coming on Monday and will be draining down to do the bathroom etc. I was considering whacking in some system cleaner before he comes, but would need to get some tomorrow.

1. Is it worth using for such a short time (less than 48 hours)?
2. If so, which one would people recommend for that timescale?
3. I think it's Fernox who say the system should be drained and refilled BEFORE using the cleaner. Is that generally true for all cleaners? I won't be able to do that and can only add it to the system as it is now. Is that ok?
4. I'd prefer to add it via the magnetic cleaner. I've got one of these:


Are the quick dose etc versions from different manufacturers all compatible, or would I have to buy a specific one for that filter?

5. People sometimes say, half jokingly, that if you have a really old banger of a car you shouldn't clean it because the dirt is holding it together 😉 A plumber once told me that the same is true of old heating systems, and that system cleaners can potentially cause/expose problems if there's rust inside radiators, dodgy piping behind the scenes, etc. I've googled and not found others saying the same, so wondered what people here think about that?

We've on oil, normal boiler (vented system), most of house heating around 20 years old, but some radiators probably much older than that.

Many thanks for putting up with me!
 
Re the age and potential for problems, my banger of a system is largely 33 years' old. Powerflushed 2 years ago with an acidic cleanser (Fernox DS40). No problems resulted. If that helps...
 
I'd say wait till the spring time let your tradesmen get on and get your bathroom done and enjoy your Christmas, 48 hours is not really long enough you will not have your heating on all that time and could cause problems later 😉 kop
 

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