I have a problem with the central heating system?

Question

I have found out that the water is black when we checked the water from the radiator. Is this a bad sign and requires the radiator to be replaced or is it because its not been serviced. I was thinking of replacing the boiler to a condensor one and remove the tanks to save space.

Answer 1

Yep, its a bad sign, But, no need to replace radiators. The black is the result of corrosion, which is caused by lack of inhibitor which does not last forever. Good plan for the future is a partial drain fresh inhibit, then fill back up. For now,Empty your system, then fill, circulate and flush to get rid of as much as possible. Then, drain, remove each Radiator and wash out (in the garden) with a hose. Then, get some system flush (Homebase, B&Q, Wickes) while at the store, get "Inhibitor" as well This will prevent the corrosion in future. Back home, Add the System Cleaner/Flush, follow the directions, and repeat your flush as before, get the blak rubbish out. Now, before you refil your system, add the Inhibitor, refill, and bleed etc. This process will take a day or so. When you replace radiators, ensure the cone fittings are clean with a scouring pad to make sure you get a good seal. Any other info, mail me.

Answer 2

The water is dirty and sludgy , it could actually cause u problems, in that the dirty sludge works through the system and then blocks the pump and the valve.. If you have no problems with your heating , then there isnt a major problem but could have in the future. so ,u might think about having ur system drained, flushed and then they add chemicals to clean it.. .It can work out expensive, some charge 300 to 500 pounds...
Ignore maid,, they do not put in anti freeze, its a heating system , not a car,, its dark , cause its old and dirty .... and bill is also wrong ,u do not have to bleed the radiators, u only bleed if the radiator pipes are hot , but the radiator themselves are cold.

Answer 3

If you have a condensing combi-boiler installed (i.e no domestic hot-water cylinder) then the entire system will be flushed and refilled a couple of times before its final fill and treatment with something like Furnox to ensure that the heating system water is corrosion-inhibited.

Answer 4

I have read every one of the answers and everyone got it WRONG.
Let me explain......... Black water is MAGNETITE black rust caused by oxygen in the water, and the water's pH being below 7. If the pH is raised above 7 by the addition of inhibiting fluid (FERNOX ) so as to make it alkaline then the water will be brown, and will never corrode the radiators, so in theory the radiators should last for ever!!!!!!
Magnetite is insiduous stuff, heavier than steel, and finer than talcum powder, and very expensive as it is you who has to replace the leaking radiators.

Answer 5

bleed the pump , while it is running unscrew the plate in the middle and let the air out , the pump rotor runs on a cushion of water as lubricant when there is air it rattles and doesn't pump, put the boiler thermostat up to 65 and run it for 30 minutes then bleed all the radiators starting from the bottom

Answer 6

Who filled the system should have put an anti-freeze combined with cleaner in the system and this makes the water black in time it is not a problem

Answer 7

Brown or black-colored water is a clear sign that's it's time to bleed the system and refill.

Answer 8

Save the water and make a cup of tea with it for the person responsible for it and watch them drink it. ha ha ha

Answer 9

simply means the water has been in there awhile...drain it allout and refill then bleed all radiatiors..

Answer 10

its very important to stay warm.
Set fire to the sofa