It is imperative that you determine whether or not you have a sludge problem. Otherwise, it’s going to cost you lots of money. 

Sludge defined

Sludge is magnetite, black substance that is made up of rusted and dissolved metals from your HVAC system’s pipework. When the ferrous compound comes in contact with the air and water, the process of rusting begins. 

For example, the water inside the HVAC will react to the steel, which then forms magnetites. These are heavy materials, which is why it will settle on the lower levels of the pipeworks and radiators, such as the basement. As it builds up, it will wreak havoc in your boiler and to the entire heating system, which is precisely what you want to avoid. 

When you notice that you have a growing sludge problem, you will naturally seek the assistance of professionals to diagnose the problem and salvage what they can. However, if the problem persists even after their inspection, it may be an indication that you need to buy a new HVAC system.

This is why spotting magnetite presence in your heating system early on is very important because it will help you save on unexpected costs and stress. Here are several common signs you need to look out for:

  1. The radiators are cold at the bottom but scaldingly hot at the top.
  2. The radiators require more bleeding than usual.
  3. The pipework to the radiator heats up, but the radiator itself does not.
  4. The radiator does not heat up to the set temperature even when you turn the knob.
  5. The boiler pump is faulty and has leaks.
  6. The boiler parts are full of dirt.
  7. The flow is boiling hot, but the return is not even closely hot.
  8. The radiator makes gurgling sounds.
  9. The utility bill increases.

If you allow sludge to build-up, it will restrict water flow into the pipeworks and will begin to clog the pipe. Fixing this problem can be expensive, primarily when the sludge blocks the pipes of the heat exchanger. This is especially damaging for the latest models of heating systems that have narrow pipes. If there is sludge, your heating system’s heat exchanger will need to be changed. If you do not want to change it, you will have to replace the entire system instead. 

The presence of magnetite in your heating system can make matters worse. If you do not solve the problem early on, you will need to change your radiators and even your entire boilers if the problem escalates. As a result, your system will overheat, and it will shut down completely. Remember, the presence of sludge can damage the boiler and its pumps, the radiators and the valves, the pipeworks on the heat exchangers, and more. 

Magnetites are inevitable, but there are precautionary methods you can take to reduce its presence in your heating system. If left untreated, this mineral will clog up the pipeworks and will damage your heating system completely. You may only notice its presence after seeing your utility bill from the previous month, and by then, it may be too late. 

If you are experiencing HVAC sludge problems, rent a temporary boiler while the professionals fix the problems. Get in touch with us today for temporary boilers in London!