Descaling hotwater pipes
Discussion
The hot water system is in a desperate need of a descale, as the water round here has more limescale than H20 in it. The bath is now taking an age to fill up, and so MD domestic and nagging services has requested some remedial action . Now I wonder if someone can help with some questions on the process for descaling.
I will be using sulphamic acid for this, at a 10 % solution and would like to know if I can introduce the acidic solution directly into the immersion heater via the electric element hole, as this will save me having to pump or carry the solution into the ceiling.
What can I use to prepare the solution in, as I will be needing at least 100 litres of acidic solution to fill the immersion tank, so does anyone have a suggestion for a container/s to use in preparation of the solution ? I was thinking along the lines of a steel drum of sorts but someone might have a better idea out there.
Any suggestions on a pump to fill the immersion heater with the solution ? Bearing in mind it will be a strong acidic solution it will be pumping.
Once the solution has been used up and neutralised with an alkaline, is it okay to dispose of it down the drain ?
Any pitfalls or suggestions will be helpful. How I love DIY projects, give me a seized engine any day.
Thanks.
I will be using sulphamic acid for this, at a 10 % solution and would like to know if I can introduce the acidic solution directly into the immersion heater via the electric element hole, as this will save me having to pump or carry the solution into the ceiling.
What can I use to prepare the solution in, as I will be needing at least 100 litres of acidic solution to fill the immersion tank, so does anyone have a suggestion for a container/s to use in preparation of the solution ? I was thinking along the lines of a steel drum of sorts but someone might have a better idea out there.
Any suggestions on a pump to fill the immersion heater with the solution ? Bearing in mind it will be a strong acidic solution it will be pumping.
Once the solution has been used up and neutralised with an alkaline, is it okay to dispose of it down the drain ?
Any pitfalls or suggestions will be helpful. How I love DIY projects, give me a seized engine any day.
Thanks.
Simpo Two said:
Traveller said:
the increased sodium content of the water is an issue for the wife medically
You keep one tap unsoftened for drinking water.Simpo Two said:
Hmm - wonder if you could put the water softener in the roof and save a kitchen cupboard?
No, just no.Assuming you have a hot water cylinder, OP, I'd guess that the bulk of the problem is scaling of the fitting in the top of the cylinder. I've often seen this 22mm hole reduced to 3-4mm by scale. Pipes don't scale very easily despite what softener companies tell you. They also think that heating pipes scale.....
Ferg said:
Simpo Two said:
Hmm - wonder if you could put the water softener in the roof and save a kitchen cupboard?
No, just no.Never mind, you can tell me all the reasons why not at Lavenham
Yours ever,
Simpo the Dangerous.
Ferg said:
pies said:
A water softener will not remove the scale already present
I'd challenge that. The soft water WILL remove scale. Not particularly fast, but it will.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff