Cleaning magnetic Filters on Central Heating Systems

Thanks for your video. I have an altenic filter and an engineer who came for a random other reason told me that I should clean that one, and then I forgot about it... so today, 2 years after buying the house, that came to my mind and google was not very helpful at telling me how these should be cleaned. But it looks simple enough thanks to your video. I will give it a try tomorrow and hopefully not flood the house!

[@patbreslin5793]

I've just had a new boiler fitted with one of these. This video explained it very well. Thanks.

[@MuttleyDon1988]

+Pat Breslin - Thanks Pat - glad it was of help.

[@infatuationsencumbering2251]

A VERY WELL PRESENTED VIDEO. GOOD DESCRIPTION ON HOW THIS FILTER WORKS. THANK YOU

[@robclough8869]

Hi, if removing the lid you should replace the rubber o-ring (there's a spare in each box) and always tighten up the lid using the spanner. Thanks.

[@MuttleyDon1988]

+Rob Clough - Hi Rob, you are of course absolutely correct. At the time of making the video, not many of us were aware of the problems appearing later with this model. The o ring should really be changed at each time of opening - along with a good clean around the top rim and seating. Fernox are of course now selling 'service kits' with o rings in for later services after having used the one spare. It is also tempting in light of this, to clean the filter by removing the magnet and flushing, whilst 'tapping' lightly on the centre of the top of the filter. I have no problem with you highlighting this. MD

[@adburn1066]

Is it really okay to pour that sludge down the sink. Does it not block the u bend? I flushed some radiator gunk down the toilet and it’s all gunky and black in there now. 😢

[@Thursdaym2]

Thanks for that. Would just add, be careful not to cross thread the top, easily done working in a very confined space and above head as I was. Seemed to screw on with no problem but got leaks at first and took several efforts to close correctly.

[@miketait1640]

Happened to me last week. Service engineer didn’t put lid on correctly and I was left with a leak. Following day the boiler pressure was reading zero.

[@stefanotalamini1950]

Hi, is it mandatory to turn off the system when cleaning the filter? Wouldn't be enough just turning the two red valves, clean the filter and then turning them again? What can happen if we do not turn off the boiler? Thanks

[@derekthomson3025]

Thank you for this. I now feel confident to do my own.

[@MuttleyDon1988]

Thanks Derek - glad it could be of help. As correctly pointed out below by Rob, the rubber 'o' ring should be replaced when stripping down as these have started to leak. Fernox supply a spare with each unit, but service kit 'spares' are available from merchants.

[@brrymcgolly]

Hi. I have a question 🤔. Should the Scale Filter. Connected to the hotpipe.. Or should it be connected to the cold pipe.

[@sean550]

Can you add inhibitor to it when open before putting back top cover

[@Martindyna]

7:11

[@MetroTitanD78]

What do I do if one is leaking from the lid?

[@marianbernadettefulopp3768]

What is the best tool to use to remove the lid of a Boss magnetic filter. No specialised tool is supplied with the filter? Brian Watkins

[@MuttleyDon1988]

Hi Marian - There should have been a tool supplied with your filter. Did you fit it yourself, or did a tradesperson fit it and take the tool away? I'm sure if you get in touch with the manufacturer's they will send you one (in the UK, Boss is sold under 'contract' through Plumbase I think). Failing that, really, only a very large wrench would do it, although generally they are supposed only to be done up 'hand tight' where possible.

[@marianbernadettefulopp3768]

Thanks for your helpful comments. As a point of interest, the manufacturer did send me a universal tool, but the size didn't fit. Thanks again Marian & Brian Watkins Swansea

[@philromans4171]

get a car oil filter to match size they are ajustable

[@steves1460]

I have the same predicament and I have purchased to strap branches. One to hold the body and the other two place around the lid. Being rubber, they won’t damage the plastic.

[@godders1966]

Thanks for adding that.

[@MuttleyDon1988]

+godders1966 - thanks for watching and hope it has been of help. MD

[@RonniesPokerRants]

Is there a chance that these filters can be the source of a leak in my boiler cupboard?

[@viko2273]

A good one, thank you.

[@exwhyz33]

is flushing an existing system necessary before fitting a new filter or is it recommended.

[@MuttleyDon1988]

Hi exwhyz33 - thanks for interest. It should always be noted that 'any' magnetic filter fitted is not going to 'clean' the system. (despite what many heating engineers will try to get away with telling you). The filter will help to keep the sludge and muck levels down and will definitely help the system and its efficiency. As for cleaning/flushing the system first, this would always be preferable, especially if you are fitting a filter 'because' of problems of sludge, this is really required. Don't forget to add a decent corrosion inhibitor e.g.: Fernox F1, Sentinel X100, Adey MC1 to the system. Do come back with any other questions at any time.

[@cliffcarlo180]

How often would you personally recommend that this is done on an average domestic heating system?

[@MuttleyDon1988]

Hi Cliff, Really I suggest to all my clients (those that are happy to do this themselves) that they clean it as often as they are getting lots of muck out. So if you clean it every few weeks and you are getting less deposits, increase the gaps between cleaning. Do have a spare pack of 'O' rings on hand for as and when needed. Available from most plumber's merchants. Good luck and thanks for the interest and for watching.

[@tommyneil303]

Are these filters fitted on the flow or return?

[@walt42]

return

[@jeremywestern7067]

NEVER fit the tf1....the lids start leaking after 3-4 years... 😡I use sentinal now...

[@PetrusKozak]

🥳🥳🥳

[@neiljohnson5858]

have a look at the pipefilter video pal