Corrosion Protection (CH System)

What is it?

Corrosion inhibitors are used in the cleaning out of central heating systems and their pipework. They are very strong chemical cleaning solutions that are introduced in concentrated amounts, with the purpose of reducing the rate that a metal corrodes in a water environment. These inhibitors will not stop corrosive action completely and will need to be re-introduced once a year. Many companies make the inhibitor and generally one tub/tube will treat around 10 or so radiators. You can treat your own system, but if you don’t feel confident, then, use a professional service like Ilford Plumbers.

What do they do?

a). The inhibitor works by creating a protective barrier coating on the pipework that slows down the corrosive reaction which occurs between liquids and different metals.

b). Corrosion inhibitor introduced into a central heating system provides a lubricating effect as the water pushes it through the radiators and pipework in a very controlled and regular way. An Ilford Plumber is skilled in the correct procedure for the use of inhibitors. Manufacturers data sheets will give you the best instruction of how to begin the treatment of your system and also list the best way to do it as there’s a risk of over treating your system. This could open a real can of worms sometimes as it can reveal leaks in radiators and pipes that were previously blocked by the very corrosion you are trying to destroy. When the system is older it will definitely have a large build up of a sludge type of mass in its pipes from tears of service. The treatment is recommended and worth the effort either by you or a professional plumbing service and should add a longer life expectancy to your heating system.