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Black sludge in rads (Read 4053 times)
londonman
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Black sludge in rads
Jul 10th, 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.... Angry

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

TIA.
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The_Trician
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Re: Black sludge in rads
Reply #1 - Jul 10th, 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.
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Headrush
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Re: Black sludge in rads
Reply #2 - Jul 10th, 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 Wink
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« Last Edit: Jul 10th, 2010, 6:02pm by Headrush »  
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londonman
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Re: Black sludge in rads
Reply #3 - Jul 11th, 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?
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thescruff
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Re: Black sludge in rads
Reply #4 - Jul 12th, 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.  Roll Eyes
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