Over the years where I’ve changed old rads for new,I think I’ve only topped back up with inhibitor maybe once,my dilemma is,if i add a bottle next time what if it is too much,is it better to have too much than too little?
How many radiators do you have? In all probability, it should be fine but if you are really worried you can buy a test kit: https://fernox.com/product/express-inhibitor-test/
Fernox claim you can not technically do any damage overdosing the system. https://fernox.com/cpt_faqs/can-i-overdose-fernox-protector-f1-filter-fluid-protector/
Very interesting,never knew there was such a thing. I have 16 radiators and I’m in the process of replacing one which had discoloured and looked old,obviously when emptying the water I’m losing inhibitor every time.
I removed a radiator to tile a wall. When I put it back, do I have to add inhibitor? I had no idea. Was looking at the link below to try and figure out whether or not I have to add it. https://www.diyplumbing.co.uk/central-heating-inhibitor-what-is-it-how-to-add-it/
Never because I only bought the house in the last few years. It's got tanks in the loft and a tank in an airing cupboard for hot water/heating. These pipes also feed power showers.
Years ago we were told to test the effectiveness of the inhibitor by drawing a little water off, dropping an iron nail in it and seeing if it rusted. That would not test the efficacy of other constituents other than rust prevention of course
Partly depends on how much water you drained or if you just closed the valves and opened the radiator up. You don't have to add inhibitor though, but it can help your system and boiler last longer. It is not the same water that feeds the showers. If you haven't had it done for a good few years, it cannot hurt, but testing the water is best idea if you can.
Look at the state of the water in the F&E tank in the loft for the central heating. If it contains lots of sludge or is dirty, drain the system down and flush through with clean water and redose fresh inhibitor as per the number of radiators you have.
The power shower has 2 pipes from the loft, one hot and one cold. Are you saying that the radiator takes cold water from tank in loft then heats it up? Or takes cold water from the mains supply? I closed the valves from the pipes and then detached the radiator and drained the water that was in it. I am not sure if my system is "primatic" or not.
Do you have a small F&E tank in the loft fed from the main cold water? If so, what is the state of the water from the F&E tank?
I doubt its possible to have too much inhibitor by simply adding another bottle. If the system is rather old, you could take the opportunity flush it through, then top up with clean water and fresh inhibitor.
Yes, I have an F&E tank. The last time I had a look at it was 2 years ago (it looked fine) so I'll need to climb into the loft and take another look. If it's gungy then I'll drain and re-fill with added inhibitor. Thanks! @Tilt I'm used to combi boiler systems, never had a tank system before. Seems very old fashioned to me! I do have a couple of DIY books, will see if there's anything in there about heating and hot water. The pressure from the shower is absolutely fine, not weak at all. Running the cold tap from the bath, however, is very slow. Clearly the cold water water is not fed from the mains like the sink is.