ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Flushing Will Ensure Longevity

    All hot water radiators should be flushed two to three times when first installed, says Bill Rayno, an engineer with R and J Consulting in Oakland, California. Corrosion inhibitor should then be added to protect pumps and other components. This last step should not be taken with a radiator with aluminum pipes, however, as the metal is too reactive.

    On the Other: It's Not Necessary

    Radiator water gets dirty but doesn't need to be flushed, says a technician at Approve Plumbing in Gilbert, Minnesota. It's recommended only for large commercial systems with expensive boilers. Don't flush any system that has an outdoor boiler, though. These contain antifreeze, which is expensive to replace.

    Bottom Line

    A heavy steel or cast iron radiator will last generations after the initial flush and addition of corrosion inhibitor, says Rayno. The closed circulation loop and today's modern filter systems will ensure proper heating. Approve Plumbing notes that while flushing isn't necessary, it can't hurt to do so.

    Source:

    Approve Plumbing, Gilbert, Minnesota

    Bill Rayno, Engineer, R and J Consulting, Oakland, CA

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