Rating of the best products and fluids for flushing heating systems for 2020

Most often, the crystallization of salts in the coolant itself, as well as rusting of the metal in the inner cavity of pipes / radiators, lead to inefficient operation of heating systems. Subsequently, this can lead to a complete decrease in the service life of the entire heating system and its complete clogging. To prevent such a situation, it is necessary to periodically clean the heating circuit using mechanical means and chemical liquids.

IMPORTANT! It is necessary to distinguish between the options for such cleaning: cleaning with the help of means includes mechanical methods of removing foreign particles (washing, blowing, electric shock), and cleaning with a liquid consists in the chemical dissolution of the resulting blockages, by pouring solutions based on concentrates / powders into the heating system, or ready mixes.

Poor heating system maintenance and its signs

The efficient functioning of the heating system is characterized by the unimpeded movement of the coolant through the channels intended for it, while nothing should be an obstacle to such movement. Sometimes circumstances develop in such a way that there are no obvious visual signs of blockage, and the system stops working with full efficiency. This happens because scale settles inside the channels on the walls or a sufficient amount of debris has accumulated in them that can slow down the flow of the coolant.

It is possible to diagnose such a situation by carefully following each stage of the work of the entire heating structure and identifying some indirect signs:

• The system heats up much longer than it was before (for autonomous heating);
• The operation of boiler equipment is associated with the appearance of extraneous noise;
• Electricity / gas consumption has increased significantly;
• The temperature of the radiators in different parts of the structure differs significantly;
• The temperature of the conductive pipes is significantly higher than the temperature of the heating batteries.

However, uneven heating of radiators cannot always be caused by blockages. Perhaps it was just airing. In this case, you just need to remove the air plug by means of the Mayevsky crane (a special device installed on the battery).

It should be noted that in dwellings with centralized heating, flushing of the system, as a rule, is carried out only by employees of the heat supply organization in a simultaneous manner for all apartments and for the entire system as a whole. In private households, this procedure is carried out by the owners or specialist contractors. In addition, for modern heating systems, it is quite difficult to determine any single period of the flushing frequency - too many parameters affect this. For example, in district heating, the circulating water must constantly go through a water treatment cycle, which significantly reduces the level of pollution. However, in reality, heat supply companies do not always carry out this procedure in a timely manner, and this leads to an increase in foreign particles in pipes every decade.

In principle, the building codes in force in the Russian Federation require cleaning annually for both centralized heating systems and autonomous ones. According to regulatory documents, exactly a twelve-month period is sufficient for the accumulation of debris in the channels, which can reduce the heating efficiency.

Cleaning methods for heating systems

The use of one or another cleaning method will depend on the length of the heating system channels, the volume of the transferred coolant, and other parameters, therefore, it is possible to use several options:

• Mechanical;
• Hydrodynamic;
• Hydropneumatic;
• Electrohydropulse;
• Chemical.

The first and last methods can be completely carried out by the owner of the room on his own using simple improvised means (hose, tank) or liquids (chemical solutions). The rest will require special equipment or the invitation of specialists who perform such work on a contract basis.

However, when using any of the above methods, certain rules must be observed, violation of which can make cleaning ineffective. Therefore, before starting any procedure, you must familiarize yourself with the order of its implementation.

The first method is mechanical flushing

It is necessary to make a reservation right away that such a cleaning is primarily focused on removing floating debris in batteries, and to a lesser extent it is able to remove scale formed on the inner walls of the channel. If the design contains a circulation pump, an expansion tank and shut-off valves, then they will have to be cleaned manually and separately.

You need to start cleaning by closing the valves that limit the flow of water into the channels. In private houses they are located in front of and behind the boiler, and in apartment buildings they are located in the basements.

Next, you need to drain the water from the channels. For this, there must be a special crane that is installed during the installation of the entire circuit. If it is missing, then you can use a simple plug on the battery by simply unscrewing it. The main thing is to choose a plug that is further and below all available.

It is better to drain the water carrier by means of a regular hose, which should be led into the toilet or into a large container. After draining, you simply need to open the valves by starting a new flow of water.

Method two - hydrodynamic flushing

To use this method, it will not be possible to do with a simple hose, and you will also need special equipment - a pump operating under high pressure. In some cases, the pump is specially connected to the break in the heating ducts as far as possible from the discharge point of dirty water. However, by and large, this role will not play if you use a special hose with a limit switch. The end piece will have small diameter holes through which the high pressure water will escape.

It is the effect of the water supplied under increased pressure that will make it possible to extremely effectively eliminate dirt / salt deposits inside the pipes.And the hose itself can be specially connected in the most problematic sections of the circuit, which were previously identified in places where the radiator was insufficiently heated.

When choosing a hose for hydrodynamic flushing, it is necessary to take into account its stiffness parameter - the stiffer the hose, the further from the inlet pressure can be applied. However, this applies only to straight sections, the effect will be noticeably reduced at channel turns. Experts advise that when carrying out hydrodynamic flushing, it is necessary to sequentially and separately flush each section of the entire circuit, and not hope that an instant effect will be achieved if the entire system is flushed from one end to the other.

Method three - hydropneumatic cleaning

This method is the most laborious and expensive, but at the same time the most effective. To implement it, you will need rather bulky equipment - a special compressor equipped with a pneumatic gun. The essence of the hydropneumatic method is to supply an enhanced air pressure inside the heating system, while superstrong turbulent currents with enormous kinetic energy are created inside the channels. Due to this process, build-ups are torn off from the inner surface of the pipes and the accumulated dirt is blown out of the radiators.

It should be noted that the flows go along the contour not permanently, but periodically in the form of short bursts, which are created by means of a pneumatic gun. The compressor itself is connected to the system through a check valve. It is this connection that avoids the flow of water into the compression apparatus.

Hydropneumatic cleaning can be carried out both without dismantling the batteries, and with it. In the first case, it is necessary to remove the plug on the farthest / lowest radiator and through the adapter on the hose, discharge the waste and dirty water into the toilet or a large container. The compressor and airgun should be attached to the farthest and highest radiator. The first pumping of air should be carried out in a direction that will be opposite to the direction of the normal circulation of the coolant. To increase the efficiency of the entire procedure, you need to change the direction of air supply and discharge of debris, changing the place of connection of the compressor and the garbage hose in places several times.

The efficiency of the hydropneumatics can be increased several times by performing the procedure on the removed radiators. This will be due to the fact that the blowdown area on the dismantled radiator will be much smaller, respectively, the air flow, passing over a smaller area, will lose its strength less, providing a better cleaning of the channel walls. At the same time, it will be possible to be less worried about the presence of debris, which may remain after cleaning in the channels, since it will be successfully washed with water at the first connection.

Method four - electrohydropulse

The essence of using this method is the application of an electrical impulse, by means of which salts that settle on the walls of pipelines are destroyed. The peculiarity of this method is precisely expressed in the fact that it is aimed precisely at combating such contaminants, and the walls of the channels themselves are not subjected to any damage.

For the production of an electric pulse, a special electric generator with special attachments is used. When connected with a coaxial cable, the electric pulse installation generates an electric discharge at the end of the nozzle, the shock wave of which easily destroys all salt deposits. Upon completion of cleaning, the entire heating system must be flushed with water to remove any remaining foreign matter. The main advantage of this method is that it almost does not require any serious disassembly of the entire heating circuit, and the removed slag can be simply washed off into the sewer without fear.

Method five - flushing with chemical solutions

Today, this is the most common way to deal with blockages in heating circuits. Most homeowners like this method because it requires a minimum of effort to implement it, and even more so, there is absolutely no need to dismantle the radiators.

The disadvantages of this method include the fact that not all mixtures can successfully interact with some types of batteries. For example, highly corrosive solutions are absolutely not suitable for aluminum batteries. Yes, and the waste liquid must (usually) be disposed of in a special way and in special places, and not just pour it into the sewer.

In cases where the preliminary check did not reveal any special contamination in the system, then the following means can be used for preventive cleaning:

• Caustic soda;
• Highly concentrated vinegar solution;
• Generally available acids (phosphoric / phosphoric);
• Milk whey, etc., etc.

In other cases, it would be preferable to use specialized industrial compositions: usually their packaging describes in detail the symptoms of pollution with which this or that liquid fights, recommendations are given on the materials for the manufacture of pipes in which this composition can be used, and detailed and step-by-step instructions are provided. by application.

For especially strong cleaning fluids, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the time intervals during which the reagents act. At the same time, it is worth remembering that for autonomous systems it is necessary to periodically turn on the pump for uniform circulation along the entire coolant circuit, which contains the cleaning liquid.

In order to effectively destroy scale / dissolve foreign particles in the flow, after pumping the fluid into the circuit, it must be left there for a period of several hours to several days. After maintaining a certain period, the entire pipeline must be flushed with clean water in order to reduce the effect of chemical cleaning agents on the inner walls of the pipes.

The chemical method also has a gentle cleaning option - it is called dispersed. With it, a separate reagent is introduced into the pipeline, which dissolves only foreign particles floating in the flow or weakly attached to the channel walls. In this case, no damage is done to the material from which the pipes are made. Completion of the dispersed procedure is similar to the usual one - complete cleaning of the pipeline with clean water.

Rating of the best flushing agents for heating systems for 2020

Concentrates

3rd place: CleanMaster TermoTactic PCM-10

Not a bad concentrate for the majority of heating circuits used in Russia. To make it ready, you just need to dilute with clean water, but better with distilled water, in the proportions indicated in the instructions. Does not adversely affect any metal conductive pipes are made of.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	10
Work component	Orthophosphoric acid
Price, rubles	1330

• Does not damage plastic / rubber pipe seals;
• Fast cleaning period in circulation - from 2 hours;
• Has a disinfecting effect.

• Static cleaning increased - up to 4 hours.

2nd place: Cillit-HS 23-Combi

This liquid concentrate is intended for use in pipelines where the medium temperature does not exceed 80 degrees Celsius. It is characterized by general versatility, it fights well against lime deposits. The set includes a pre-cleaner of the RS brand.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Germany
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	20
Work component	Hydrochloric acid
Price, rubles	23300

• Good completeness;
• No negative impact on polymer materials;
• The water hardness does not matter for dilution.

• High price;
• Extra large packing rate.

1st place: Warm House 65

The liquid is highly stable and contains ingredients that provide long-term protection of the channel walls from scale. Separately, it resists excessive foaming. It has a contrasting composition of a pink hue, the saturation of which adjusts the density of the required dilution.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	20
Work component	Ethylene glycol
Price, rubles	2600

• Does not destroy the tightness of the circuit;
• Has a visual level of the required dilution;
• Low price with a sufficiently large container volume.

• Poorly interacts with domestic autonomous boilers "Galan";
• It is not recommended to bring to a boil.

Powders

3rd place: Manta Ecologica EC-MIX

Designed to inhibit the formation of deposits, enhances heat transfer efficiency. The powder itself is non-toxic and does not require protective gloves when diluted with water. Convenient packaging allows you to choose the right dosage for dilution correctly.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Italy
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	2
Work component	Natural solvents
Price, rubles	1000

• Extends the service life of radiators;
• Easy to use;
• Convenient packaging with a dispenser;
• No smell.

• Small container size.

2nd place: Cillit-Kalkloser P

Universal powder designed for cleaning heat-combustible media and household appliances (kettles, coffee makers, washing machines, etc.). It is used at temperatures from +50 to +60 degrees Celsius. Perfectly fights scale and salt deposits. Has a negative and destructive effect on polymers.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Germany
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	5 x 1 kg
Work component	Natural acids
Price, rubles	1220

• Odorless;
• 5 packs included;
• Possibility of increased heating of the solution.

• Aggressive interaction with polymers.

1st place: SteelTEX ZINC

This sample of concentrated powder is specially designed for cleaning polymer pipes from sludge, lime deposits, various scale. After its use, the heating of the heat exchanger batteries is restored "before our eyes." At the same time, heating costs are reduced. Among other things, it can be used as an additional ingredient in pumps during hydraulic flushing.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Germany
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	5
Work component	Sulfamic acid
Price, rubles	5300

• Easy to use;
• Multifunctional;
• Works great with polymers.

• Overpriced when comparing package weight and price.

Ready formulations

3rd place: Syntilor "Watesup"

Professional type cleaner. It can be used both for cleaning the circuit itself and for internal cleaning of boilers of autonomous systems. Works well with all types of dirt: from corrosion to limestone deposits. Does not negatively affect the structure of polymer seals. It belongs to the moderate 3rd class of hazard.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	1
Work component	Synthetic inhibitors
Price, rubles	500

• Low cost with high efficiency;
• Does not corrode plastic;
• It is positioned as a professional cleaning agent.

• Toxic - use protective equipment (mask and gloves) during work.

2nd Place: Pipal HeatGUARDEX Cleaner 808R

This liquid can be used both in home heating structures and in industrial ones. A professional product specially designed to deal with bulk pollution from 3 years of age or more. Chemical flushing with this liquid, on average, increases the service life of the entire structure by 10 years.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Italy
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	1
Work component	Hydrochloric acid
Price, rubles	2500

• Fights stubborn dirt;
• Low consumption for efficient work;
• Multifunctionality.

• Not found (for its segment).

1st place: Alpacon Degreaser

Another expensive, versatile and professional tool designed for use in almost any system. He is equally sensitive to plastic pipes and rubber gaskets. It is able to remove not only limescale and rust, but also actively dissolve wax, grease, particles of earth or sand.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Italy
Standard packing size, liters / kilograms	25
Work component	Natural solvents reinforced with a synthetic base
Price, rubles	17000

• The price corresponds to the increased container volume;
• Versatility;
• Low toxicity.

• Not found.

Instead of an epilogue

Currently, buying a cleaner for a heating system does not present any difficulty - it is possible to find it in any hardware store. The main thing is to correctly select the required type so that it can contact the material of the pipeline being processed without negative consequences. You also need to carefully study the instructions for use for the need to use protective gloves and other means. Regarding the sources of purchase: experts advise purchasing the purifier at retail if you need to do a small amount of work. In other cases, it is better to buy funds through Internet sites, then it will be possible to save on large volumes of containers.