How to clean out a Fernox TF1 filter

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Cleaning out a Fernox TF1 , Today we are going to show you how to clean out a Fernox TF1 Magnetic central heating filter. First of all we need to turn the boiler off , so this is an ideal logic but what ever boiler you have just turn it off. So the way i do it is first of all i turn the two red valves off on some models these will be black and then remove the little black cap on the bottom of the filter. I then connect a washing machine hose you can just tip it into a bucket but I prefer the hose , this is also close to the floor then you can just divert the spray where ever you want to , we then need to remove the magnet out of the top , this is in a dry sleeve so you can just pull it straight out , we can then turn the black cap on the bottom and drain the filter down then open one of the isolation valves and just pour it into a bucket until it runs clear then just put your magnet back in place and open your taps, then top the boiler back up if required and turn the power back on . Thank you for watching our video how to clean out a Fernox TF1 Total Filter

[@uj1379]

..your video instruction was simple and easy to follow, especially for my small brain, thanks

[@mikebarton9539]

Thanks , very clear. The washing machine hose tip saved me a lot of mess.

[@AllenHart999]

Glad it helped

[@AllenHart999]

Thanks very much for your comment, please consider subscribing to support the channel 🙂

[@dkvalour3574]

A fool - proof method. Thank you.

[@tonyharmer8752]

Thanks for the info real useful.

[@AllenHart999]

Thanks for watching.

[@mwmingram]

Very useful thank you.

[@ionelbanu4451]

Thanks !!! Very useful

[@TMan-sq1wh]

Very easy to follow vid. Cheers

[@AllenHart999]

Thank you for watching.

[@mirogomez]

Thanks. Good video

[@gedheaton1415]

Super helpful video Alan, I would add to don't ever undo the big thread holding the pocket in unless you have a spare seal or you enjoy call backs.

[@AllenHart999]

Great tip!

[@hydrolics5449]

thanks it helped me out

[@AllenHart999]

Thanks for watching.

[@ogotuwaobuto5366]

Mine is leaking at the narrow part of the filter before the metal part and the cap you removed. Do I need a new rubber washer?

[@jameswilson2899]

Alan, any chance of showing the ERP red seal change, I found it to be a pain, any tips would be great. Jimmy wilson.

[@davidelgar4371]

What about removing top section needs removing to expose magnet plastic sleeve within this tends to hold the magnetic particles and sludge use paper towel or rinse

[@MurrayAmblerShattock]

Very professionally done.

[@AllenHart999]

Thanks for watching.

[@SimonFrewins]

How often does a Fernox TF1 need this done?

[@ponytrap12]

Aren’t we introducing air into the system? Should we not as an additional step be refilling the filter and bleeding before opening the return valve back to the boiler?

[@miketait1640]

What size of washing machine hose did you use? 22mm?

[@normanewing3295]

Thanks!

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@user-xm5gf6xn7j]

Can I do this with a sealed tank

[@ninghir]

would I need to bleed any air out afterwards?

[@AllenHart999]

yes, Thanks for watching.

[@Dan-vx5vg]

Hi, thanks for the video. I am following it completely, however draining into a pot instead. No matter what i do nothing drains from the bottom of filter even with ball valve open it. When i open one or both red valves i just get a dribble for a few seconds. Please help, is it blocked?

[@Dan-vx5vg]

Hi again, after tapping my filter many times i managed to dislodge the sludge and all came flying out. So this problem is sorted. However i have another question. What size spanner is needed to undo the top so i can dose with f1 cleaner? Thanks.

[@TONE11111]

@@Dan-vx5vg f1 has a nozzle that fits/screws onto bottom of valve, open top valve and spray for 30 seconds until you feel the shudder as it stops. the top lid opens with a plastic spanner (should have come with the filter) you can clean the inside rod once opened.

[@andrewgill5654]

How would I then add the inhibitor without taking top off?

[@13ynysybwl]

don't take the top off

[@SNIPERS327]

Mine is dripping water, how deos that affect the performance of the Boiler?

[@AllenHart999]

I would advise you call someone out to fix it for you. These are good filters if installed correctly. Fernox do a service kit if it needs new washers. Thanks.

[@SNIPERS327]

@@AllenHart999 . Thanks for you reply, shall I carry on using the boiler or get the filter checked first?

[@AllenHart999]

I would advise you to get someone out to it so you do not cause any more damage, You should be able to use it until you get someone.

[@SNIPERS327]

@@AllenHart999 . Thanks mate

[@chrisbailey4759]

Hello everyone, Did you know that Fernox will not sell you a replacement magnet assembly for their Filters, even if you have just installed a new one and dropped the magnet assembly breaking it making the filter useless, No you have to buy a complete new filter. What an excellent customer service policy.

[@theondebray]

Can't you rebuild it?

[@chrisbailey4759]

@@theondebray Hello Theo, I suppose its possible, but that is not the point. The filter has to have the magnet to do its job, its a critical part of the filter, I believe its a simple case of greed on Fernox's part, they are cashing in on their customers misfortune. When I contacted them, I explained that I would pay for the replacement part and P&P costs, but no, they refused point blank, saying a complete filter would have to be purchased, which in its self is not very environmentally friendly is it. I will never purchase another Fernox product, nor will I recommend them to anyone in future, terrible customer service and I think they have an appalling company environment policy.

[@ScorchedEarth-cd5cl]

I can`t line my yellow arrow up. The lid is tight with no leaks but arrow in wrong place.

[@AllenHart999]

Should be fine as long as its not leaking. Thanks.

[@ScorchedEarth-cd5cl]

@@AllenHart999 cheers

[@Enpassantful]

I don't think that is how you are supposed to do it. The way I do it is, turn the red valves off to isolate the filter, remove the magnet, attach a hose (optional) open the valve at the bottom of the filter with the black cap, then turn the small bleed screw within the large nut at the top of the filter to release the pressure, filter then empties. Close valve when filter has emptied, remove large nut 18mm, fill with F1 protector, replace large nut, tighten up bleed screw. Open red valves, turn on CH to circulate F1. Job done.

[@theondebray]

Good point, quite right. The only reason I like to flush thru by opening one valve, is to provide a little more force, and get rid of any crap that may come down from the header tank, like bird feathers, mouse droppings, slime etc. (I've seen it all!)

[@13ynysybwl]

see orsen carte

[@BritRael]

How do you do it if there are no isolation valves fitted?

[@grayhalf1854]

I was wondering the same thing! The TF1 is available both with and without valves so it must be a common question for those who don't have valves.

[@tonyarnold9784]

@@grayhalf1854 Looking at the instruction manual I believe you just begin to undo the fliter valve and water will flow from it. Then just close it.

[@grayhalf1854]

@@tonyarnold9784 Hi Tony, yeah, fitted mine ages ago and have drained off the dirty run-off a few times. The most important thing to do is to ensure that the boiler is off and there is no movement of the water in the pipework... once the pump has stopped running just remove the magnet from the sheath, then you can open the valve to drain whatever the magnet has collected. (Not even half a cupful for me). Close the valve, put the magnet back in, turn the boiler back on and leave for another year!

[@tonyarnoldphotography9757]

@@grayhalf1854 Thanks for rapid response! I have no obvious on / off switch on boiler but i guess i can just turn thermostat right down so it doesn't come on? Also at bottom of the F1 it just has a small bit of metal (uncertain of term) to grab with a wrench and not a contol you can simply turn in your hand. (My system not flushed on boiler fitting and think it blocks and stops water flow. Pressure then drops as water finds its way to a weak joint which i have found under the house). BGas did clear the filter last week but system dropped in pressure again and i reckon dirt again, hence trying to solve. Tedious!

[@grayhalf1854]

@@tonyarnoldphotography9757 The plastic valve cover that you unscrew has a slot in it that fits into the valve allowing you to turn it on an of without use of a separate tool (I guess the plastic could get brittle over time but mine is fine so far. You could always use a wrench / adjustable spanner anyway). If you're losing pressure there's probably a dodgy joint somewhere... dye in the water might help find it - or even cheapo perfume can help! It's also possible that the system could lose pressure via the pressure relief valve - if you can identify it (it probably vents outside) you could hang a bag over it to collect any water that is expelled. Failing that get a trusted local gas safe engineer in, probably a better option than British Gas unless you're on a service plan with them 👍 Edit: sorry missed the bit where you said you'd found the leaking joint. I'll leave it in in case it's helpful for someone else though. Bear in mind that if the pressure drops too far the boiler won't fire so it might be that rather than gunk in the system blocking the boiler and stopping it from working...

[@aftabsaddique9867]

😂😂😂

[@davidsaint5217]

Rubbish. You need to open the top with big ring spanner. You only pulled out clean magnet The dirt is stuck in the magnet holder inside the lid. Flushing through doesn’t clean all the gunk off

[@mulletheadbanger]

I thought it was just me !

[@theondebray]

Rubbish. Such is the cyclonic design, the non-magnetic material sinks to the bottom. For the magnetic stuff, take the magnet out, wait a couple of minutes for the magnetic material to sink down, then flush it out. I have fitted a number of these over the years, have one here at home, which I flush out once a year. I only take the top off (with the plastic ring spanner provided) to top up the CI, instead of clambering into the attic. The plastic cap at the bottom is meant for opening / closing the bottom valve. Excellent bit of kit.

[@13ynysybwl]

if you take the top off you you are inviting problems these are infamous for having leaks after the top has been removed.As shown the pressure of mains water is strong enough to clean the residue stuck to the inside when the magnetic force has been removed (why do you think that the water going into the bucket is discoloured)

[@kenc.9067]

I just flushed mine basically like this video (although nothing happened when I opened the outlet valve - I had to open the inlet valve to get a pressure flush. A good deal of gunk came out. Oh, and can we say poppycock instead of rubbish? Are those two words interchangeable? (I'm from the US, not UK).

[@xxxxxxxx3476]

@@kenc.9067 You're obviously a gentleman . That's the difference !!!!