Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need chemical water treatment?

Corrosion is a process in which a chemical action causes deterioration especially in metals being eaten or worn away. Common causes include poor commissioning leading to fouling of the system by installation debris. Air ingress can also cause corrosion, as the oxygen in the air will oxidise the metals. System problems can include leaks, sludge deposits, blockages, noise, cold spots, reduced efficiency and eventual system failure.

Of course, corrosion and limescale build up leads to a much wider range of problems than just sludge formation, hence the need to add a corrosion inhibitor once the system has been cleaned. This is particularly important now that more vulnerable metals, such as aluminium, are commonly being used in central heating products.

What is BuildCert?

BuildCert is the product certification arm of WRc-NSF. They provide independent third party certification of building and plumbing products to national and international standards and criteria. BuildCert is accredited for product certification by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, UKAS. To ensure that chemical inhibitors meet a satisfactory performance requirement Water Treatment Manufacturers, BuildCert and laboratories developed the DWTA Industry Specification for the performance of Chemical Inhibitors for Use in Domestic Hot Water Central Heating Systems. The Specification was published in February 2006 and is now being used as a benchmark for chemical inhibitor manufacturers as a basis for developing chemical inhibitors and by BuildCert to offer 3rd party Certification.

Do I have to use water treatment?

The Domestic Heating Compliance Guide specifically requires the use of chemical inhibitors both for new build heating systems and when a new heat source (boiler) is fitted to an existing heating system. The Guide also refers to BS 7593:2006 “Code of Practice for Treatment of Water in Domestic Hot Water Central Heating Systems”.

The Guide states: “Central heating systems should be thoroughly cleaned and flushed out before installing a new boiler. During final filling of a system, a chemical treatment formulation should be added to the primary circuit to control corrosion and the formation of scale and sludge. Reasonable provision would be to follow the guidance on how to prepare and commission systems given in BS 7593:2006.”

What about Hard Water?

Limescale in hard water areas reduces the efficiency of heating and hot water systems and increases running costs, and with over 60 percent of the UK being supplied with hard water this is an important issue to address. Research has shown that a layer of limescale just 1mm thick will reduce a boilers’ efficiency by 7.5 percent, while a 12mm layer will increase heating costs by 65 percent.

Use the Guardian water treatment range to meet the latest legislation and install to best practice!! So these are the benefits to the end user and to the environment. The big advantage to the heating installer is that offering this level of peace of mind to customers is an important part of getting repeat business and referrals.