Means and liquids for flushing heating systems perform a restorative function, helping to restore the original performance and heat transfer characteristics of the pipeline, boiler and radiators.
The background of the problem
The reason for the decrease in the efficiency of heating equipment is banal and simple: the water circulating in pipes and radiators contains foreign impurities. Therefore, after a long period of operation, various dense deposits settle on the walls of hollow products and elements of boiler equipment, reducing the thermal conductivity of the system several times. As a result, the temperature in living quarters drops.
Photo 1: Only with the help of the latest equipment and effective chemistry can the heating system be freed from deposits formed inside
To ensure that the heating works as expected during the winter and that the heated house is warm and cozy, you should take care of cleaning the systems before the start of the heating season. These measures will also help save money allocated for heating.
The most effective method of eliminating scale in pipes is treatment with special reagents.
Tips and recommendations when choosing products and liquids for flushing heating systems
Despite the fact that almost all products have the same operating principle, it is important to choose the right liquid or powder for treating the heating circuit.
To avoid making mistakes when purchasing, you should use simple tips and recommendations:
- The first parameter that is worth paying attention to is the main composition of the product. An acid or alkaline base may be used. Acidic products are suitable for quick processing and are the most effective, however, their use is associated with certain risks and requires careful adherence to all safety precautions. Alkaline solutions are less effective, but are safe provided simple protective clothing is used.
- It is recommended to give preference to products that have an anti-corrosion effect. Not only scale, but also rust often forms in the boiler, due to the fact that the equipment passes a huge amount of water. Products with inhibitors can not only remove existing traces of corrosion, but also protect the walls of heating equipment from its further appearance.
- A common mistake that buyers make is choosing any product they like based on price and description. However, before purchasing, you should pay attention to an important nuance - the list of materials that can be processed with a specific product. The manufacturer indicates on the packaging which boilers the product is suitable for and which equipment cannot be treated.
It is also important to properly dispose of the liquid after using the product. Most natural products decompose on their own in nature, but if strong solutions with caustic acids are used, a special neutralizer must be added to the used solution before disposal.
Cleaning using special equipment
In order to clean cast iron batteries without removing them from their place, special devices are designed:
- Pneumatic pistol "Typhoon".
- Device for electrohydropulse influence ZEVS-24.
- Cleaning device Krot-Mini.
Pneumatic pistol "Typhoon"
This equipment is small in size and easy to use. It is used for targeted impact on contaminants in water pipes with a diameter of no more than 150 mm. The removal process is as follows: a hydraulic ram removes hardened deposits from the pipe walls with a shock wave at a speed of 1.5 km/h. Thanks to this equipment, you can completely get rid of contaminants that could not be removed during hydraulic flushing.
Installation ZEUS-24
Installation ZEUS-24
This device is compact and has high power ratings, thanks to which you can get rid of hardened deposits. The principle of its operation is based on the electrohydropulse effect on solid contaminants in pipes with a diameter of 7 to 150 mm. The device generates an electric charge, which in turn creates a shock wave and powerful hydrodynamic flows that remove scale, dirt and deposits.
Krot-Mini device
Cleaning machine GENERAL PIPE Mole-Mini
This device is used for cleaning pipes with a diameter of 20-150 mm. The device is small in size, its power is quite high, and it is inexpensive. Krot-Mini is intended for a wide range of consumers: from homeowners to housing and communal services, hotels, gas stations, and industrial enterprises.
To summarize, it is worth noting that you should not neglect flushing heating radiators. After all, their service life and comfort in your home will depend on timely care.
Types of products and liquids for flushing heating systems
Regular flushing of the heating system allows you to keep the equipment in order - this approach saves the boiler owner a lot of money, which may be required for repairs due to improper maintenance.
Three types of products can be found on sale:
- Concentrated solution - must be diluted with water before use.
- Powder - diluted with liquid in the proportions specified by the manufacturer.
- The finished composition in the form of a spray does not require dilution.
There are no significant differences in effectiveness between the three types of products, but it is important to note that sprays are convenient for treating a small area. To flush the entire boiler, it is necessary to use a huge volume of water and cleaning agent.
Why do you need to clean the heating circuit?
In the instructions for using a gas boiler, the manufacturer always notes how often the equipment needs to be cleaned. However, there are several signs that contamination has occurred and the fuel circuit needs to be treated:
- gas consumption increased by 15-20%;
- the overall performance of the heating system has decreased;
- the water flowing from the tap does not heat up enough or has low pressure;
- the load on the circulation pump has increased.
As soon as at least one of the above symptoms occurs, it is necessary to clean the heat exchanger to prevent the need for costly repairs in the future.
Rating of solutions that are immediately ready for use
Perkhim Medesk
Sold in a canister (20 liters) and is suitable for organizing effective flushing of the heating system. It is used by many professionals as the main remedy, since it contains excellent components that can remove scale and dirt in a short period.
The average price is 4,330 rubles.
Perkhim Medesk
Advantages:
- Good cleaning;
- Easy to use, as there is no need to dilute anything;
- Does not affect metal elements.
Flaws:
Methods for cleaning heating systems
To clean heat exchangers from scale, it is necessary to use special compounds that wash away rust and salts accumulated in the tank.
Two main ways to descale a geyser:
- Without removing the heat exchanger.
- With dismantling the heat exchanger and column.
After complete or partial dismantling of the structure has been completed, a cleaning agent is applied according to the instructions. During the cleaning process, it is important to ensure that the product does not come into contact with the skin of your hands or face. The cleaning agent forms a strong chemical reaction, resulting in the formation of bubbles that displace dirt and liquid from the treated area of the boiler.
The best concentrates
According to most buyers, the best concentrates for cleaning the heating circuit are; SYNTILOR WATESUP, TELAKKA HEAT and TermoTactic Clean Master. These are highly concentrated products that require dilution in water. The main advantage of all of the listed concentrates is their ability to remove rust and heavy plaque.
The best powders
One of the best powder cleaners is Steeltex Extra Caldaie. This product allows you to quickly and most effectively clean the heating circuit, removing all harmful elements that enter the water during prolonged use of an uncleaned boiler. The product is non-toxic and does not harm the person doing the treatment.
The best ready-made formulations
The best spray for removing scale and rust is Steeltex Thermo Spray. The product is completely ready for use and does not require preliminary dilution.
Powders
G63
The powder removes scale from the heating system. The finished solution is compatible with cast iron, metal, and aluminum surfaces. When saturated with scale, the solution turns brown. The product is used in a concentration of 25–100 g/l of water. Washing is carried out at a temperature of 30...40 °C.
Price: from 61$/2 kg.
Descaling powder - G63
pros
- with corrosion inhibitor;
- contains a scale saturation indicator;
- suitable for steel;
- The line includes an acidity neutralizer;
- contour processing in 45 minutes.
Minuses
high price.
SteelTEX ZINC
The drug is compatible with most metals used in heating systems, enameled surfaces and zinc. Before pouring the finished solution into the system, mix it with water until a concentration of 7–15% is achieved; more powder is added during the washing process. The composition includes an indicator of residual acidity. It is recommended to use it with a neutralizer of the same line, which will enhance protection against metal oxidation.
Price: from 4557 rub./5 kg.
SteelTEX ZINC
pros
- the solution can be poured into the sewer;
- compatible with most metal surfaces;
- anti-corrosion protection.
Minuses
No.
SteelTEX ZINC
How to clean a heating circuit
Proper cleaning of the heating circuit using suitable chemicals is a guarantee that the equipment will last for many years and will not require repairs. To carry out dry cleaning, aggressive chemicals, boosters or their analogues are used, which corrode the top layer, removing all the “garbage” - scale, rust, salt build-up.
The boiler chemical cleaning process includes three main stages:
- The selected product is diluted according to the instructions on the package and poured into the booster.
- Two hoses are used, which are connected to two boiler pipes - inlet and outlet.
- The device turns on. A liquid with a chemical diluted in it is passed through a heat exchanger several times.
Price issue
From a financial point of view, the least burdensome way to clean your heating system is to do all the work yourself. In this case, the total costs will not exceed several hundred rubles. You will have to purchase consumables and tools:
- brush,
- brush,
- sealing tape or linen.
If you order cleaning from a specialized company, the cost of the work will depend on the technology chosen.
As a rule, comprehensive cleaning will cost from 6,000-8,000 rubles.
Washing one heating battery - from 800 rubles. This cost will include both the work itself and the solution of organizational issues: how to flush the heat exchanger at home, what technology will be used, etc.
