Give water quality the attention it deserves

Installation and maintenance of a new or existing system should never be done without considering how to maintain the water quality that keeps the system running. If you haven’t spent a good deal of time thinking about the impact of water quality on hydronic heating system components, such as ECM (electronically commutated motor) pumps and heat exchangers, it is time you do. Boiler manufacturers now understand the importance of water quality, and this isn’t just from an increase in awareness across the industry; it’s from experiencing failed boiler returns due to poor water and magnetite in the system water. As a result, some boiler manufacturers now have recommendations on cleaning and protecting systems, as well as clauses in their warranties if a boiler fails due to poorly maintained water.

So as a contractor or service technician, what should you do? Typically, any hydronic heating system water in residential or commercial applications should be tested. The ultimate way of extending the life of an existing system or protecting a new one is to clean and flush the water and then defend it with a magnetic filter and inhibitor.

A black sludge forms as air and water mix with system metals in an untreated hydronic heating system.

What is magnetite?

Magnetite, also known as iron oxide, is a black sludge that forms as air and water mix with system metals in an untreated hydronic heating system. The particles are as small as eight micrometers in diameter. To put this into perspective, the average diameter of a strand of human hair is 70, which is why these particles are often not visible to the naked eye.

As magnetite circulates and accumulates inside the system, it affects heat transfer and boiler efficiency, especially nowadays, because high-efficiency waterways are smaller. More importantly, iron oxide buildup can lead to equipment damage or failures, such as blocked heat emitters, ECM pumps, and heat exchangers. The latter can lead to costly repairs and even boiler failures.

In short, a high-efficiency system is only as efficient as the water circulating through it.

How do I test for poor water quality?

The best way to test for poor water quality is to find a water test kit that tests for crucial parameters, such as copper, chloride, pH, water hardness, and iron. A water test kit will explain how these factors can cause corrosion or scale buildup in the system and will also come with a colour chart and an analysis chart to identify and restore poor system water.

In addition, an inhibitor test will be included to determine whether enough inhibitor is in the system.

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Why install a magnetic filter on top of using a water treatment cleaner and inhibitor?

The best way to explain it is to compare it to car care. You would still install an oil filter in a new car. You wouldn’t wait for the engine to get dirty before deciding to fit a filter onto it. That is the same theory behind installing a filter on a hydronic heating system, even if you’re using chemicals.

With an old heating system, even if you clean it and use an inhibitor, there’s nothing to prevent magnetite from building up again. So, the purpose of a magnetic filter is to provide ongoing protection.

A cleaner is designed to lift stubborn magnetite from surfaces, such as pipework and heat exchangers. The magnetic filter is designed to capture this, plus any future magnetite particles.

Also, keep in mind that an inhibitor is not a preventer. It slows the rate of corrosion, but it does not necessarily stop all of it. Magnetite uses up inhibitors, so both should be used together to stop ongoing scale and magnetite from forming.

An inhibitor’s purpose is to provide a protective layer on system components to prevent buildup, while the magnetic filter will capture any particles circulating through the system.

Can I use just an air and dirt separator, instead of a magnetic filter?

If you need to remove air from a system, you need to do it from the flow side of that system, where an air and dirt separator should be used.

If you need to remove magnetite, you need to do it from the return side, where a magnetic filter should be installed.

It’s important to note that magnetite is not dirt. Consequently, magnetite or finer magnetic particles may not be captured. Both filters are essential for the system, but a magnetic filter is needed to capture magnetite.

Magnetic filters are designed to capture stubborn magnetite that has been lifted from surfaces using a cleaner.

What are the benefits of installing a filter and treating with chemicals that a contractor can explain to the home or building owner?

The most obvious benefit to the owner is that the heating system works more efficiently, meaning it will use less energy and is less expensive to operate.

Also, the owner will get more even heat distribution throughout the structure, eliminating the need to constantly turn up the thermostat to increase the set-point temperature in different rooms.

Finally, the heating system is less likely to suffer breakdowns, because critical components such as the heat exchanger and the circulator are protected from iron oxide. Deposits of magnetite tend to accumulate anywhere there are low-flow areas in the heating system.

How do I sell this service to a home or building owner?

The easiest way to explain is to show them the water. Take a sample of the system water and test it in front of them. Show them the magnetite. Then explain what will happen to the system if it is not treated. If you can provide expert information the end-user is likely to understand and trust your advice.

It’s essential also to understand the end-user’s needs, so if they are unsure or can’t afford the complete solution to start with, provide a good/better/ best offering. That way, they can choose a level of protection that suits their situation and needs.

In addition, if it is an existing system and components have failed or leaks are present, show them to the end user, instead of just replacing or fixing them. Often owners have never seen their systems or don’t know what’s happening in them. If you can show the customer the evidence, they’re more likely to opt for a solution.

Some boiler manufacturers have clauses in their warranties if a boiler fails due to poorlymaintained water.

Another way to sell this service, whether it involves a new or existing boiler, is to show the owner the boiler warranty manual and explain that the service protects their boiler investment