Why do I need a magnaclean filter?
Magnaclean filters are added to central heating systems to remove sludge and dirt. They are recommended and sometimes required by boiler manufacturers.
Sludge and dirt in heating systems is one of the biggest causes of boiler breakdowns. Magnaclean filters (and all the other types of filter) play a massive part in reducing those breakdowns.
Each year when the boiler is serviced the filter should be cleaned. Magnaclean filters are prone to leaking especially after servicing. This guide will help you if your magnaclean filter is leaking.
Why does a magnaclean leak?
Each year when the boiler is serviced the magnetic boiler filter should be opened and cleaned.
The water from your central heating system is held in the magnaclean by a round rubber seal (an o ring).
Even when cleaned properly the seal on the lid of the magnaclean can still leak.
How do I know my magnaclean is leaking?
When your magnetic boiler filter is leaking it would normally show itself by a puddle under the filter. The boiler pressure drops or crusty marks on the filter itself.
My magnaclean is leaking where can I get the parts?
The leak is usually from the big seal inside the lid. This is available as a kit by clicking here from amazon or from other plumbing suppliers. The different models of Magnaclean have slightly different sizes.
If you aren’t confident or competent get a professional to replace the seal. Or get the service engineer back to fix the leak.
How do I change the seal.
Before you change the seal gather the following materials:
- a shallow tray to catch any drips of water.
- the big spanner for the magnaclean lid.
- a small spanner to close the isolation valves.
- paper towels to remove the sludge from the filter and clean the seal.
- a bin bag to remove any sludge or dirty paper towels.
- gloves to save your hands from the sludge.
Before you start keep in mind that the filter will be dirty inside. The sludge will stain clothes, hands and anything else it touches.
- Turn off the two valves on the pipework. When they are open they are in line with the pipe. When they are closed they are across the pipe.
- Place a tray or towel under the magnaclean.
- Open the vent on top with a radiator bleed key. If the valves are correctly turned off some water will come out but will stop.
- Wait until the water stops coming out the vent. When it stops you are sure the valves are working.
- Using the big spanner provided turn the lid anticlockwise while holding the body of the filter. When the filter starts to move unscrew it by hand and look inside the lid. There is a thick rubber seal inside the lid. Take this out and replace it with the new seal. Use some of the silicone grease on the seal that comes with the kit.
When the seal is replaced reassemble the filter. Once the lid is hand tight using the spanner turn the lid but only by a quarter of a turn.
Close the air bleed on top then reopen the valves. Dry any spilled water. Open the air bleed to remove any air.
Check the Magnaclean after the seal replacement to make sure it is not leaking.
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