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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Black sludge in rads https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1278744667 Message started by londonman on Jul 10^th, 2010, 7:51am

Title: Black sludge in rads
Post by londonman on Jul 10^th, 2010, 7:51am

I had occasion to remove one of our radiators and noticed that a fair bit of black water came out. After taking the rad outside and reverse flushing it, it soon became apparent that the rad was pretty clogged up with sludge as it took a lot of faffing about to get the water to flow smoothly and freely. All the rads are Acova Strianes - the ones with the thin tubes. So I'm wondering whether or not I should remove all my radiators and give them the same treatment? Trouble is some are in carpetted rooms.... >:(

Or would a good sludge remover do the same job? And how would I know it had worked?

TIA.

Title: Re: Black sludge in rads
Post by The_Trician on Jul 10^th, 2010, 11:16am

I have done the same as you L/M.

Depending upon how long the rads have been in, it may be a cheaper idea to just replace them if they've been in for more than 20 years or so.

Title: Re: Black sludge in rads
Post by Headrush on Jul 10^th, 2010, 6:01pm

it's usually just the lowest radiators that collect all the sludge. Sludge remover does the trick, but I find it best if the system is run hot with the sludge remover for a few days before draining it out. If it's really bad, repeat the procedure.

I like your Henry ;)

Title: Re: Black sludge in rads
Post by londonman on Jul 11^th, 2010, 5:25pm

Well the rads are 20 years old but to replace them is out of the question.

Think I may remove those in rooms without carpet. In any event a damn good sludge clean is needed pre-winter. Think I'll do each rad one by one, open both valves fully and then let it run for a couple of hours on each one.

Are there any really strong sludge removers?

Title: Re: Black sludge in rads
Post by thescruff on Jul 12^th, 2010, 2:37pm

If you run a hose through each rad, you can tap the bottoms with a rubber mallet, don't go too mad or you could pinhole them, the same reason I would leave the chemicals in the box.

Old rads don't like too much abuse. ::)