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Cleaning Boiler and Radiators? Hercules System Cleaner or Rectorseal 8-Way

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HandyFS
HandyFS Member Posts: 125
edited October 2024 in Radiant Heating



Is it common to clean a hot water boiler if it hasn't been done in a long time? Or if there are no issues present? This particular system sat dormant for a year or two, with some passages empty. The system got back up and running fine and has been fine for last heating season, but I was considering doing a cleaning just in case it may help clean some things up that have accumulated inside. Some radiators had freeze damage and the system was partially drained and sat empty. Old replacement radiators were put in place. So plenty of internal surface rust was present I am certain.

When I brought the system back online, I did some fill and flushes and the water was clear. I haven't checked the water condition since the system went offline all summer, but I'm assuming it has gotten dirty again. There was no visible sludge or anything like that when I drained the boiler from the lowest point.

Weil Mclain Gold Oil Fired Setup with indirect water heater, 2 zones with common Taco circulators, and about a dozen cast iron radiators. Nothing fancy in the system.
I've seen people also mention a product called Rector-Seal 8-way.

Is it good practice to put some in?


Hercules® Boiler and Heating System Cleaner

Hercules Boiler Cleaner

Rector Seal 8-Way
Rector Seal 8-Way Cleaner/Conditioner

Comments

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 2,203
    • 8 Way is for steam systems. I wouldn't use it for hot water. A dirt separator on the return would be a better bet than introducing chemicals.
    image.png
    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
    HandyFS
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,798
    image.png

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 2,203
    edited October 2024
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1814427#Comment_1814427

    If you want to risk pump seals with a strong base, via con Dios. And if it did work without cooking anything where would all that loosened crud go?

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
    HandyFS
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,798

    The same place it goes when using the other additives that aren't 8-way, I guess. Don't shoot the messenger, but I doubt Rectorseal would advise the use of a product if it would harm boilers.

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

    HandyFS
  • HandyFS
    HandyFS Member Posts: 125

    Thanks for the replies so far all. I don't want to add more components at this time since the piping is no easy task for me, but dumping a bottle in would be an easy effort. Seems like the reviews are positive everywhere I read on that Hercules.

    I am going to read around a bit, but I was thinking drop a bottle in, let it circulate a few days, then flush it.

    If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it maybe?

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,798

    Regardless of the product, be wary of adding too much…the directions seem to be written by the sales department

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

    HandyFS
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 27,453

    Rhomar and Fernox are other brands and they have these easy to use dispenser cans. Screw it on to the boiler drain and pull the trigger.

    The kit includes the cleaner, test kit and inhibitor to add. Once the pipes cleaned the inhibitor helps prevent further corrosion.

    Screenshot 2024-10-15 at 2.23.45 PM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    HandyFS
  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 2,203
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1814438#Comment_1814438

    Oh the boiler is fine, the pump impellers on the other hand.... Seen it happen so I'm rather wary absent something to catch the flakes.

    No messenger shooting involved. :)

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
    ethicalpaulHandyFS

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