What Causes Corrosion of A Heating System
A boiler/central heating system is integral in the smooth running of a home. However, it is not until the heating system breaks down completely that one realizes to cater to its maintenance and repair. Corrosion is one of the most commonly faced problems in all heating systems.
Corrosion can be defined as the destruction of a metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction within the environment. As far as the domestic and industrial heating systems are concerned, corrosion tends to attack the metallic and non-metallic components right from the time they are first filled with untreated water. It is advisable to consult a qualified heating engineer who has an in-depth understanding of all the contributory factors involved in the depreciation of a heating system. Water may be known as something safe and completely harmless, but it is one of the major causes of corrosion in a heating system if it hasn’t been properly treated. This creates sludge that accumulates over time and prevents the system from working properly. This process can be accelerated through PH imbalances in the system which can come about from materials such as flux that are used when soldering.
It is the reactivity of oxygen (O2) that is present in the water that leads to corrosion. It has been observed during the bleeding of radiators hydrogen gas can be given off instead of air coming out due to the corrosion process.
In areas where water is found to be hard, limescale builds up. This formation of limescale impairs the efficiency of the boiler, creates unpleasant noises, and may eventually cause restrictions the pipes and lead to premature failure of components such as pumps and valves. Although this problem is more relevant to older heating systems, depending on the hardness of the water, even newer systems can also suffer if not treated correctly.
The process of power flushing can truly be very effective in removing any debris, limescale or chemical deposits from the system. If the system has been designed and installed correctly, but not flushed out properly, corrosion is bound to occur over a period of time. A power flush is the most effective way of getting the system water clean and the system running efficiently. A qualified heating engineer with significant experience should be contracted to under take power flusing. An effective power flush will prolong the life of the boiler and heating system. Adding corrosion inhibitors to a correctly flushed system and maintaining their effective working levels is important at ensuring the corrosion process and formation of scale is slowed drastically. If the system has been drained and corrosion inhibitor has not been added at the time of refilling, then, the system becomes quite susceptible to corrosion. The central heating systems may be open vented or sealed. Open vented systems are more prone to corrosion than sealed systems.
The power flushing procedure makes use of a dedicated flushing pump that is used to loosen and mobilize any deposits and cleanse the system. The chemicals used in cleansing vary from system to system. A power flush cleanses the system internally and thoroughly. The time taken for a power flush depends on the type of system and the number of radiators (however, usually it takes one day to complete the process). There might be a case where e small leaks that have been blocked by deposits get exposed. An experienced heating engineer will take care of it as well. The engineer will identify any potential leaks before they occur spontaneously, and then proceed with the power flush accordingly.
If you need a power flush in Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham or Gloucester, then contact Gloucestershire's number one power flushing company!
A boiler/central heating system is integral in the smooth running of a home. However, it is not until the heating system breaks down completely that one realizes to cater to its maintenance and repair. Corrosion is one of the most commonly faced problems in all heating systems.
Corrosion can be defined as the destruction of a metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction within the environment. As far as the domestic and industrial heating systems are concerned, corrosion tends to attack the metallic and non-metallic components right from the time they are first filled with untreated water. It is advisable to consult a qualified heating engineer who has an in-depth understanding of all the contributory factors involved in the depreciation of a heating system. Water may be known as something safe and completely harmless, but it is one of the major causes of corrosion in a heating system if it hasn’t been properly treated. This creates sludge that accumulates over time and prevents the system from working properly. This process can be accelerated through PH imbalances in the system which can come about from materials such as flux that are used when soldering.
It is the reactivity of oxygen (O2) that is present in the water that leads to corrosion. It has been observed during the bleeding of radiators hydrogen gas can be given off instead of air coming out due to the corrosion process.
In areas where water is found to be hard, limescale builds up. This formation of limescale impairs the efficiency of the boiler, creates unpleasant noises, and may eventually cause restrictions the pipes and lead to premature failure of components such as pumps and valves. Although this problem is more relevant to older heating systems, depending on the hardness of the water, even newer systems can also suffer if not treated correctly.
The process of power flushing can truly be very effective in removing any debris, limescale or chemical deposits from the system. If the system has been designed and installed correctly, but not flushed out properly, corrosion is bound to occur over a period of time. A power flush is the most effective way of getting the system water clean and the system running efficiently. A qualified heating engineer with significant experience should be contracted to under take power flusing. An effective power flush will prolong the life of the boiler and heating system. Adding corrosion inhibitors to a correctly flushed system and maintaining their effective working levels is important at ensuring the corrosion process and formation of scale is slowed drastically. If the system has been drained and corrosion inhibitor has not been added at the time of refilling, then, the system becomes quite susceptible to corrosion. The central heating systems may be open vented or sealed. Open vented systems are more prone to corrosion than sealed systems.
The power flushing procedure makes use of a dedicated flushing pump that is used to loosen and mobilize any deposits and cleanse the system. The chemicals used in cleansing vary from system to system. A power flush cleanses the system internally and thoroughly. The time taken for a power flush depends on the type of system and the number of radiators (however, usually it takes one day to complete the process). There might be a case where e small leaks that have been blocked by deposits get exposed. An experienced heating engineer will take care of it as well. The engineer will identify any potential leaks before they occur spontaneously, and then proceed with the power flush accordingly.
If you need a power flush in Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham or Gloucester, then contact Gloucestershire's number one power flushing company!