Extend your boiler’s life with a magnetic filter

"Why does my boiler break down?

The iron and steel components in central heating systems are vulnerable to corrosion. This produces a sludge which can block a boiler heat exchanger, boiler pump or the radiators. 

Old, cast iron pipes were a few centimetres in diameter but those on modern boilers (installed in the last six or so years) tend to be narrower, making a blockage more likely.

A blocked boiler will often overheat, causing the system to shut down. To remove a blockage, a boiler engineer may have to power flush your central heating system or replace the heat exchanger – both costly jobs that might be avoided with a magnetic filter.

How can a boiler blockage be avoided?

A magnetic filter is a simple device which traps the sludge that is created before it reaches the boiler. A powerful magnet collects the debris, preventing it from damaging the boiler.

Some of these devices also include a filter which gathers non-magnetic deposits from corrosion of copper, zinc or aluminium central heating system components.

How can I install a magnetic filter?

If you’re having a new boiler installed, your boiler engineer may recommend that a magnetic filter is also fitted. Some boiler manufacturers will extend the boiler warranty if a magnetic filter is installed.

It’s also possible to add a magnetic filter to an existing system. The unit can be quite bulky and is fitted close to the boiler itself. So, sometimes a magnetic filter can’t be installed – if the boiler is inside a small cupboard, for example.

How is a magnetic filter maintained?

The build-up of sludge inside the filter must be removed from time to time. Boiler engineers will usually clean the filter as part of an annual boiler service.

Doesn’t a boiler inhibitor fluid prevent a blockage?

Corrosion inhibitor fluid can be added to the central heating system to prevent the production of sludge. Maintaining the correct dose of inhibitor is an important part of caring for your boiler (and is required by some manufacturers for the warranty to be valid) but installation of a magnetic filter is a good precautionary measure to take in conjunction with this."

Source: Which.co.uk

Boiler service

Boiler service

What is a boiler service? The good and the bad practice....

It is checking, CLEANING, testing and  fault-finding, with the emphasis on testing all the different functions of an appliance for correct and safe operation.

Many companies have different ideas about what should be done to service a boiler. 

Some just connect a probe in the flue outlet to analyse the contents of the flue gasses. If all is well we are told that the boiler is working correctly and invoice is written out. This is often called "annual safety check" in the T&Cs (if these exist) but IT IS NOT annual boiler service.

Others check the gas pipework, ventilation, clearances etc then take everything to pieces, clean and reassemble, and spend ages testing the operation of every single aspect of the boiler functions for safe and correct operation.

Not surprising the boiler service prices vary, is it?

The first method is a short-cut and does nothing to confirm the gas installation/ boiler is actually safe to use. 

However there could possibly be hidden faults. These can be revealed by a proper service. 

Example: device turns the gas off if the pilot light blows out. If this fails to work when needed you could have gas leaking into your house, but how do you know if yours still works? This will be tested during the service procedure. 

If boiler service is not carried regularly then everything will be fine - in most cases, BUT NOT IN ALL! What happens if not carried out regularly...? Proper servicing makes sure your gas installation (not boiler only) is safe.

Most manufacturers recommend annual boiler service, sometimes boiler warranty can be cancelled due to boiler not being serviced - so check your paperwork.

Boiler serice procedure is set in the manufacturers instruction book, but if these are missing there is a default service procedure set.

Preliminary examination:

Check with customer whether there are any problems with the system. 

Check the appliance location is suitable for the type of appliance. 

Check the appliance for any damage before starting work on it. 

Check for correct operation of the appliance, including consumer controls and the safety devices. 

Check the flame for correct burning. 

Check the electrical wiring complies with electrical regulations. 

Check for correct clearances from combustible materials. 

Examine gas supply pipework for correct installation and clearances. 

Check for correct ventilation to the room containing the appliance.

Full service procedure:

Remove main burners, clean and inspect for damage. 

Clean and inspect gas injector(s). 

Dismantle and clean pilot assembly and gas injector. 

Reassemble burners and pilot assembly. 

Check condition of ignition leads and electrode. 

Clean the heat exchanger. 

Refit burner assemblies and check seals.

Test disturbed gas joints for leaks. 

Check appliance case and seals (where appliance is room-sealed) for damage and correct assembly. 

Check and adjust pilot flame. 

Check operation of thermo-couple (flame supervision device). 

Measure gas pressure and flow rate, and adjust if necessary. 

Inspect/test flue for faults/correct operation. 

Inspect flue terminal for correct location and protection. 

Check system bypass valve (if fitted) is correctly adjusted.

Check sealed system (if fitted) is at correct pressure. 

Advise user to have the system checked at least every twelve months or as specified my manufacturer. 

Advise user of any defects found in writing. 

Apply the Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure if necessary.

Manufacturers' instructions often have many more steps to follow. A proper boiler service takes at least 30 mins on new appliances and an hour on older ones.