All About Boilers- Part 1 – Magnetide Test

All About Boilers- Part 1 – Magnetide Test

3 October 2025 BoilerCare 0

<Watch the video on YouTube>

The Hidden Threat in Your Heating System

In this compelling video demonstration, John uses a simple demo jar to show the real-time effects of magnetite – the dark, sludge-like substance that’s silently building up in your central heating system. The visual demonstration is striking: within seconds, you can actually see the powerful magnet attracting and collecting the harmful debris from the water sample.

Magnetite is more than just dirt. It’s a black iron oxide that forms when water, metal pipes, and radiators interact over time. This seemingly harmless sludge can cause severe damage to your heating system, including:

  • Complete pipe blockages that prevent water from reaching radiators

  • Boiler overheating and potential component failure

  • Reduced heating efficiency by up to 40%

  • Higher energy bills as your system works harder to heat your home

  • Cold spots on radiators that never seem to warm up properly

What Makes This Video Essential Viewing

John’s demonstration goes beyond theory – he shows you exactly what happens when magnetite accumulates in your system. The video reveals how this debris settles in areas of negative pressure, typically where the cold feed connects to your pipework system. When pipes become completely clogged, you might find that after removing and refitting a radiator, water simply won’t flow – it just sits in the tank in your loft because the system is totally blocked.

The magnet test that John demonstrates is particularly revealing. Simply running a magnet along copper pipework can show if pipes are full of magnetite – the magnet will actually stick to the outside of the pipe because of all the metallic debris inside.

Understanding Turbidity: The Water Quality Indicator

The video also introduces the concept of turbidity – a measurement of cloudiness in water that indicates the level of suspended solids present in your heating system. John explains how this cloudiness gradually clears as the magnetic filter does its work, providing a visual indicator of water quality improvement. High turbidity levels signal the presence of rust, magnetite, and other particles that can cause serious system damage.

The Eco-Gas London Difference: Power Flushing Excellence

What sets Eco-Gas London apart is their commitment to exceeding industry standards. John explains that their power flushing process goes far beyond British Standard requirements, incorporating:

  • Individual radiator agitation – each radiator is treated separately with hot water and chemicals

  • Physical vibration of radiator bottoms to dislodge stubborn deposits

  • High-powered magnetic collection to capture all loosened debris

  • Complete system restoration to near-original condition

This thorough approach follows the BS7593:2006 Code of Practice, which mandates proper system cleaning, especially when installing new boilers. The standard requires a six-step process including cleaning, flushing, magnetic filter installation, inhibitor protection, testing, and ongoing maintenance.

The Worcester Advantage: Premium Magnetic Filtration

John mentions that Eco-Gas London fits Worcester magnetic filters[transcript], and there’s good reason for this choice. Worcester Greenstar System Filters offer several advantages:

  • Dual-action filtration capturing both magnetic and non-magnetic debris

  • High-capacity magnets that can capture up to 300-500g of metallic particles

  • Flexible installation options – under, above, or remote from the boiler

  • Built-in chemical dosing capability for easy system treatment

  • Visual isolation indicators for straightforward maintenance

These filters can reduce energy bills by up to 6% and significantly extend boiler lifespan by preventing contamination of critical components.

Why Professional Power Flushing Matters

The video emphasizes a crucial point: cutting corners will come back to bite you[transcript]. Many heating engineers offer quick-fix solutions, but proper power flushing requires time, expertise, and the right equipment. The process typically takes around 8 hours for a 10-radiator system and involves:

  1. Chemical cleaning to break down existing deposits

  2. High-velocity water circulation to mobilize sludge and debris

  3. Individual radiator treatment with flow reversal techniques

  4. Turbidity testing to ensure water clarity meets standards

  5. Inhibitor dosing to prevent future corrosion

  6. Magnetic filter installation for ongoing protection

The Cost of Inaction

Research shows that poor water quality is the number one cause of central heating system breakdown. Without proper maintenance, you risk:

  • Expensive boiler repairs or complete replacement

  • Radiator replacement due to internal corrosion damage

  • Pump failure from magnetite accumulation

  • Heat exchanger damage requiring costly repairs

  • Voided manufacturer warranties due to system contamination

Watch the Video and Take Action

This demonstration video from Eco-Gas London provides invaluable insights into the hidden world of heating system maintenance. John’s expertise and clear explanations make complex technical concepts accessible to every homeowner.

The visual evidence is compelling – seeing magnetite being extracted in real-time drives home the importance of proper system maintenance. Whether you’re experiencing heating problems or want to prevent future issues, this video will change how you think about your central heating system.

Don’t wait until problems develop. Power flushing and magnetic filter installation are investments in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and long-term heating costs. As John demonstrates, the right approach can restore your system to near-original condition and protect it for years to come.

Watch the video when it’s released on Eco-Gas London’s YouTube channel – your heating system will thank you for it.

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