Why Do I Need a Magnetic Filter?

Powerful neodymium magnetic filters, or boiler filters as they can be commonly called, are fitted to your boiler’s return pipework, removing magnetic and non magnetic debris from the water as it flows through the filter before it goes through the boiler, having it installed on the return pipework will help stop your boiler getting clogged up.
Another factor to consider is the more radiators you have in your home, the bigger the potential of a sludge/ magnetite problem. The answer is a magnetic filter designed specifically to handle the volume of larger systems:
-Your heating system will heat up more efficiently.
-Will help to lower energy bills.
-Reduces your carbon footprint within the home.
-Increased boiler reliability, reducing the risk of expensive repairs.
-Lifetime expectancy of your boiler will increase.
-Having a magnetic filter can sometimes increase the boiler warranty.

The New British Standard BS 7593:2019 gives guidance for fitting magnetic filters on central heating systems. This new standard replaces BS 7593:2006, which has been withdrawn with immediate effect. British standards relating to domestic heating systems are codes of practice that all Heating Engineers must adhere too. All installers will need to be aware of the following standards when it comes to the new British Standard:
-A Magnetic filter (inline) must to be fitted to every new central heating system.
-Carry out a chemical clean and fresh water flush before fitting the inhibitor.
-Cleaning can be improved with external magnetite capture equipment.
-An Annual water test to test level of inhibitor and system cleanliness.
-Every 5 years or sooner, new inhibitor should added.
-Biocide is essential in cooling and low temperature heating systems like underfloor heating.
-Consider the use of biocide for higher temperature systems like solar thermal.

What Causes Sludge to Build Up?
As heated water flows through the metal pipes of your boiler and central heating system, rust can form due to electrolytic action and oxygenated water. The rust formed along with other dirt and debris will eventually build into a black mud-like substance, commonly referred to as ‘sludge’. If the sludge isn’t removed in some way from your system, it will eventually cause serious problems for your boiler, radiators and central heating pipes. Another factor to consider is the more radiators you have in your home, the bigger the potential of a sludge/magnetite problem. The answer is a magnetic filter, designed specifically to handle the volume of larger systems. Common signs you have sludge build up include:
-Loud noise from the boiler and/or radiators; this is called kettling.
-Radiators taking a long time to heat up, or just getting lukewarm.
-Lots of black debris coming from radiators when bleeding them.
-Boiler regularly breaking down.
These problems will cause your boiler to run less efficiently as it will be increasing your heating bills, and eventually will cause your boiler to fail beyond repair.

Magnetic filters available:
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Filter
-Plastic body construction

Designed by ADEY
-Can increase the length of your boiler warranty when fitted and registered with a new boiler installation.
-Provides full heating protection for the boiler and whole system.
-When fitted with the Max range by an Ideal Max accredited installer, this can increase your boiler lifetime up to 12 years.
-Provides full protection for your boiler and central heating.
-Brass body construction for hardwearing long term use.

Fernox Omega 1
-Brass construction for long term use

Trappex centramag Genesis filter
-Brass construction for long term
-Internal mesh to catch non magnetic debris.
-Powerfull magnet

Adey magnaclean professional 2
-Easy installation
-Push-fit fittings to slide filter onto main body

Is it Possible to Install a Magnetic Filter to my Current Central Heating System?
Whilst it is easier to have a Magnetic filter installed during a new boiler installation, they certainly can be fitted as an after market option to your existing central heating system pipework. Factors like location of your existing pipework may be a factor. If it is possible to add a magnetic filter to your current heating system, we would recommend you give us a call for a quote today.

Do Magnetic Filters Require Cleaning?
The sludge that the magnetic filter is clearing from the heating system needs to be removed from the filter itself every now and then. You can ask an engineer to do this during the annual service of your boiler. The sludge and debris will collect within the filter body over time, it will need to be emptied and the filter cleaned. The best time to do this is on your boilers annual service by a gas registered engineer.

What if I Don’t Have a Magnetic Filter?
A magnetic filter will prevent sludge build up and other contaminants before it causes a blockage within your heating system or boiler; this will in turn leave your system needing a powerflush to clear any blockages. If the sludge hardens and get impacted, then no amount of flushing will clear the blockages. If this happens you will need new pipework or even worse a new boiler installed. Preventative installation is the best course of action to keep your central heating running smoothly.
In conclusion: should I get a magnetic filter fitted?
When having a new boiler installed, you want to know that you’ll be able to rely on it to provide your home with heating and hot water for many years to come. This is where a magnetic filter can help. As sludge and dirt build up in the pipes, your boiler will slowly lose efficiency, which can then lead to your energy bills increasing. A boiler filter will capture all of the dirt and debris before the water is prevented from flowing through the system.