Fernox central heating filter.

[dobbslc]

I want to clean out the Fernox filter on my central heating but the plumber has not fitted any valves to isolate it! Can these be cleaned without draining down the whole system?
Pic of filter

 

[Shox Dr]

Doesnt lock like it. most have either built in valves are you put them in.

 

[julianf]

if its a sedimenter type thing, you could undo the drain at the bottom, and pray that it seals up again after?

 

[dobbslc]

I'd have pulled him up on it if I had noticed before but it's too late now

 

[Olderisbetter]

If i fit a tap i add a service valve, no reason not to do the same on a filter

 

[voipio]

The plumbing looks new enough to still be under warranty, so I would try and get the plumber back in to sort it. Having said that, it's probably OK to drain the filter as it is, since the system pressure should decrease fairly quickly, and then use the filling loop to give the final flush. It wouldn't drain down the whole system, nor should a drain down be necessary. The ventilation system pipe is in the way a bit, though (sorry, stating the obvious!!).

PS: in the instructions for the "slip socket" version, which appears to be the one installed in your system, there is no mention of closing any valves before cleaning the filter, just stopping the boiler and system pump first.

https://files.plytix.com/api/v1.1/file/public_files/pim/assets/45/7d/ae/5f/5fae7d45c573435950d65e1e/texts/bf/87/03/62/620387bfabaf87760b63b94c/62248-TF1-Omega-Filter-22mm-Slip-Socket.pdf

It's on page 6 in the instructions.

 

[dobbslc]

The plumbing looks new enough to still be under warranty, so I would try and get the plumber back in to sort it. Having said that, it's probably OK to drain the filter as it is, since the system pressure should decrease fairly quickly, and then use the filling loop to give the final flush. It wouldn't drain down the whole system, nor should a drain down be necessary. The ventilation system pipe is in the way a bit, though (sorry, stating the obvious!!).

PS: in the instructions for the "slip socket" version, which appears to be the one installed in your system, there is no mention of closing any valves before cleaning the filter, just stopping the boiler and system pump first.

https://files.plytix.com/api/v1.1/file/public_files/pim/assets/45/7d/ae/5f/5fae7d45c573435950d65e1e/texts/bf/87/03/62/620387bfabaf87760b63b94c/62248-TF1-Omega-Filter-22mm-Slip-Socket.pdf

It's on page 6 in the instructions.

Thanks for that!
Yes the vent pipe is a bit close but the picture makes it look worse (I fitted this!)
I've seen a tube vid where they don't drain anything down so maybe that's why, I'll have a look at the instructions thanks.

 

[Ross365]

Could somebody tell me what a slip socket is? Mr Google is not very helpful on this.

 

[voipio]

A slip socket is a fitting with no threads or barb, so basically a compression fitting, or one employing rubber seals; maybe more appropriate for PVC fittings than copper. I could be wrong, though!

 

[Blobber]

Could somebody tell me what a slip socket is? Mr Google is not very helpful on this.

Slip socket or coupler is one with no stop or ridge in the centre of the fitting so it can be slid along the pipe work, normally for repair work in tight places

 

[waddycall]

That’s designed to be cleaned by pulling the magnet out and then opening the drain valve so nothing wrong with the plumbing. There’s a cap for the valve so even if the valve doesn’t seal fully the cap should seal it (as long as the washers good).

 

[dobbslc]

I went to clean it today but the water was too hot! No way to stop a leak without getting burnt! I'll try tomorrow when everyone has had a shower and the heating is off!

 

[dobbslc]

Ok it's done!
So I now know that this type of filter can be cleaned without any valves either side.
Looks pretty clean to me,

That's all that came out after three years!
Thanks all!