Just been informed by british gas that what I thought was air in the system is in fact hydrogen and isn't covered by the contract I have with them.

They want 3-400 quid to sort it out, by adding some stuff to the system, letting it circulate for a bit then draining and re-filling the system.

Is this something I can fix myself, and if so how!

cheers,

greg

yes you can do it yourself, it's easy.

Don't know what the "stuff" would be, but you can get Fernox cleaning stuff for about £20 and the additive about £25.

Basically drain a little out of the system from the drain point or a downstairs rad. Let it circulate for a few days or so. Then drain whole system, fill with fresh, drain, refill, add additive, bleed, and bob's your uncle.

I might have missed something that's specific to the hyrdogen, but I suspect the above method will sort it out, it's a fairly universal rob.

How did they know it was hydrogen btw?

Paul

>> How did they know it was hydrogen btw?

bled it, but a match infront of it and it popped out, then put dry tissue in front of the escaping air and it ignited it!

Greg

how would you explain an exploding central heating system to the insurance company!

I think the hydrogen must be a function of either bacterial or corossion activity. Either way, Furnox is the stuff, stops the rads rusting, pipes furring and things growing, essential for any system.

There's a whole heap of stuff available from places like B&Q.

Paul

it comes from internal corrosion. As the rusting process progresses the hydrogen is produced.

hope this helps

Hi ....Hydrogen in the heating system is caused by a specific corrosion process which has electro plated the inside of your radiators with copper thus producing a byproduct which is hydrogen, the only effective way to deal with this is to power/jetflush the system which will cost 300-400 pounds. There is not an cheap alternative.

Mog

I had my central heating power flushed before I got a new combi boiler installed. It cleans all the crap in the pipes and inside the rads. I think it cost about £250 for the power flush.

Hydrogen given off is a sign of galvanic action where certain pipe and fitting materials are joined and cause electrolysis.

Usually also shows up as holed galvanised F & E tanks.

Recommendations are now to have pipework & fittings in single metal (or plastic) or ensure that pipework and fittings are fitted in this sequence from inlet to point of use to stop any reaction:

Galvanised Steel - uncoated iron - lead - copper

If hydrogen is found then it may be more cost effective to redo the pipework as it'll return sooner or later.

Contamination of pipework can also produce methane rather than hydrogen, but this means a lot of organic (i.e. bird s*** via the header or F & E tank or even your own s*** from backflow being in the pipework in stagnant conditions.
If so then I'd rather not have a cuppa at yours if you don't mind.

Nick

If so then I'd rather not have a cuppa at yours if you don't mind.

Which is why kitchen supply comes direct from mains, but teeth brushing is optional...

Paul

Must admit that only real problems I have come across are flat conversions pre 1980s and older hotels, for bodging the drinking water supply points.
I believe that hotels are a major disgrace. I'd bet big bucks that a lot of holiday bugs are from filling up the room kettle from the basin tap or having a swim/ spa in the slightly tacky and run down facilities installed in the 70s/80s, just to get a few more AA stars....

That stinks! If they had a look at the system before the contract, then I would imagine they have to honour it, or advise you BEFORE allowing you to take out the contract and pay the premiums. Esp as it seems to be only a bleed and refill with some antifreeze...

funnily enough when I questioned that this opt out isn't anywhere in my contract, they've been around and added some stuff, taken water away to sample, and are coming back in a few weeks to review!

greg

Gregh..I've seen a few British Gas contracts and they all exclude jet/power flushing the heating system.

Mog

Mog,

the exact clause excludes power flush UNLESS you've paid for it once (like I have) then all future ones are free :D

Greg

AHHHHHHH.......you will be alright then...