Scale inhibitor problem

Dear DIY experts,

I currently have an in-line scale inhibitor on a pipe running into a Worcester Heatslave 9-24 combi boiler. It was installed by the house builder 15 years ago. The scale inhibitor is also made by Worcester. It does not seem to have been topped up with crystals regularly. The scale inhibitor is a heavy copper capsule with a cap at the top which you are supposed to unscrew to top up with polyphosphate crystals. But it is jammed tight. I have tried removing the unit, and tried my best to unscrew the cap using an adjustable spanner, but i couldn't budge the thing. I tried heating up the cap end of the caspule over a gas hob, then cooling it in water, but it didn't help. Tapping the cap with a hammer also no good.

I can't tell if the unit still has crystals in it, or if there is something else in there, but after I screwed it back into the plumbing after my unsuccessful top-up attemp, it seems to be restricting the flow of water into the boiler. The hot water flow rate is about only a third of what it used to be, barely enough to shower with... What would you do if you were in my shoes?

-aniseed

Reply to
Aniseed
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Aniseed,

I have that boiler too. If you explain where abouts the capsule is then i will have a look at mine to see if it there and if the lid comes off.

I am thinking about replacing the boiler as it is getting a bit old now. It isnt causing me any problems but it is niggling me due to its age. What do you think, should i be concerned because it is old?? And is it old in boiler terms... Worcester tell me that that model was made betweer 85 - 89

Gerry

Reply to
Cuprager

The capsule is located outside the boiler. My capsule is located under the kitchen sink. The boiler is also located in the kitchen, and the water mains runs from the ground under the kitchen sink, through the capsule, and then into the boiler. (By the way, If you live in a soft water area you may not have one, as its only necessary for areas with water that causes limescale buildup.)

Hmm, I've never thought of replacing the boiler just due to old age. Unless it developed some problem, I guess I wouldn't bother. Unfortunately I am not experienced with DIY in general, let alone home heating, so I can't give advice on this. Ask me about computers if you want solid advice :)

-aniseed

Reply to
Aniseed

Worcester. It

How about binning this in-line scale inhibitor and replacing it with a phosphate dosing unit, (Combi-mate or equivalent) cost about =A330 from B&Q etc, which take replacement cartridges every year costing ~=A315. Just twist out the old cartridge and twist in the new.

Installation is two compression joints, so shouldn't be too tricky. Of course it might involve some reorganisaton of your existing pipework, but you sound like you'll be fine with that if you've already taken out the existing unit.

(However whether these work or not is a different matter! I have one of these on the inlet to my Megaflow - don't know what sort of state the coil heat exchanger is in but it certainly doesn't stop limescale forming around all my hot taps!)

Luke

Reply to
Wingedcat

Worcester. It

How about binning this in-line scale inhibitor and replacing it with a phosphate dosing unit, (Combi-mate or equivalent) cost about £30 from B&Q etc, which take replacement cartridges every year costing ~£15. Just twist out the old cartridge and twist in the new.

Installation is two compression joints, so shouldn't be too tricky. Of course it might involve some reorganisaton of your existing pipework, but you sound like you'll be fine with that if you've already taken out the existing unit.

(However whether these work or not is a different matter! I have one of these on the inlet to my Megaflow - don't know what sort of state the coil heat exchanger is in but it certainly doesn't stop limescale forming around all my hot taps!)

The venturi gets blocked up, so remove the top of it and poke out the holes with a paper clip. It can't supply the drinking after and must be fitted a double check valve to prevent backflow into the mains and drinking water.

Best try an electronic unit on the Megaflow inlet. They a have a good success rate. Most give a 6 months trial. Fernox sell one.

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Reply to
IMM

You've read my thoughts, Luke. I was shopping around for a replacement unit, and so far I've got two candidates:

- MiniC scale inhibitor from airandwatercentre.com, for only 23.00+VAT

- Combimatedual-fit from RS, for 127.50

Both use siliphos crystals, and both are DIY install. But the price, as you can see, is very different.

Its only two of us living in a cottage, so hot water usage is low. Any thoughts on which one to choose?

-aniseed

Reply to
Aniseed

replacement

23.00+VAT

Assuming you are doing a straightforward swap I'd go for the MiniC or similar, as this is intended to service a single appliance such as a boiler or water heater. This is then a like for like replacement.

It looks like the Combimate dual-fit is meant for whole house installations, so perhaps a bit overboard.

Luke

Reply to
Wingedcat

The water boiler, in the fields of industry and the people's lives, plays a n important role. However, the operation corrosion, discontinuation corrosi on and the scaling problems resulted by the corrosion products in the water boiler system have been plaguing us for a long time.Our boiler scale inhib itor has brought the significant benefits such as saving water and energy, saving equipment investment, extending working life, improving the effectiv eness of the heating quality and protecting the environment. boiler scale inhibitor

Reply to
bidragonnet

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8??6?20?28??bidra...@gmail. com???

If I were you, I will not replace the old bolier with a new one due to i ts' old age. What a waste of money! Why not just buy some water scale inhib itor? My bolier is also old enough, but I successfully removed the water sc ales. Oh, by the way, the scale inhibitor is bought online, you can have a try. Hope this will help you. boiler scale inhibitor

Reply to
bidragonnet

Oh look another completely independant "recomendation"...

Reply to
Dave Liquorice

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