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Cleaning Radiators

Unknown
Unknown
in THE MAIN WALL
I have a one pipe steam system and the radiators have never been cleaned for at least 80+ years. Having never opened the radiator pipes I have no idea of how dirty inside they might be.

Is it better to stay with a "if it works don't fix it" attitude or would it be beneficial to crack open the supply line and flush them out? Any thoughts on what works well to clean the inside? With the high fuel costs I'm going over my system trying to tune it to maximum efficiency.
Thanks for your input.

Comments

  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 2,992
    I never seen a need

    Remember they get steam cleaned every time they heat up.

    The radiators are pitched back toward the supply pipe so any solids is in the radiator would flush back in the system.

    Once water breaks steam it leaves any minerals back in the boiler .

    Also while on the subject if the boiler water is muddy I would suspect steam leaks. Too much fresh water in the systems solids will collect in the boiler .

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Unknown
    Unknown


    Thanks Ed. I guess corrosion was my big concern as I didn't realize how much flushing they actually get and 80+ years is a long time. Nice to hear the insides remain reasonably clean. To the best of my knowledge the system has been never be opened other than for upgrading the boilers when they wore out. I have no idea how old the steam system actually is. The house is 200+.
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