The circulation pump of the system can be used to circulate the cleaning solution; however equipment which provides a more rapid circulation can provide a more effective clean. When using an external cleaning rig, the product can be dosed directly to the buffer tank of the rig (follow equipment manufacturer’s instructions). I bled the towel radiator in the bathtroom and then siphoned some water out so I could pour in 1L of Sentinel X800 It is recommended to use the Sentinel – X800 at least once a year for optimal system maintenance. However, the frequency may vary depending on the specific needs of your central heating system.

Versatility is another remarkable feature of the Sentinel – X800. Unlike other cleaners on the market, this product is suitable for both hot and cold central heating systems. Whether you have a residential or commercial property, the Sentinel – X800 is your go-to solution for maintaining optimal system performance. Professional-Grade Quality Sentinel X800 Jetflo is a powerful, highly active cleaning agent for use in central heating systems. It is specifically designed for use in conjunction with power flushing equipment and will remove objectionable iron oxide and calcium based deposits from heat exchangers, radiators and pipe work. Its unique composition allows Sentinel X800 Jetflo to act as a penetrating dispersant under neutral pH conditions, eliminating the need to clean with conventional acids and the problems associated with them. The formulation also contains agents to help protect metal from corrosion. What next? Add Sentinel X100 inhibitor, to prevent corrosion and the build-up of limescale, the main causes of central heating and boiler inefficiency. The horizontal, front facing filter is designed to be fitted in the most restrictive of spaces whilst delivering fantastic debris capture. A good cleaner is Sentinel X400, or X800 which is somewhat more aggressive. X400 can be left in the system, but will cease to loosen sludge after about 4 weeks. X800 should be circulated and the system drained and refilled several times to remove it. Fernox and Kamco are reputable makers of similar products.

The solution

Thank you all for your advice, I have tried to do what I can to resolve the heating issues I have been having. So just to paint the picture I will layout the mistakes I have made as somethings that should have been obvious simply wasn’t to me. I located the drain valve just outside the property and opened it to drain the central heating system - left it for about an hour

For large or heavily fouled commercial systems, the cleaning period may have to be extended and the cleaning temperature elevated. Not sure what cleaner is best for the job? We’ve created a handy cleaner comparison to help you choose the right cleaner for your system. X800 Fast Acting Cleanershould be circulated, preferably at normal operating temperature, with all valves open and the pump turned to maximum flow for a minimum period of 3 hours or until satisfactory performance is restored.

I'm not sure if I should be draining it out tonight, (as I had planned), as that is 24hrs rather than the single hour they 'quote', or if leaving it in longer is beneficial?

Recommended dosage: 1 litre of X800 is sufficient to treat a typical domestic system of up to 10 radiators. For maximum performance circulate from 1-24 hours.X800 is non-aggressive and can be left in the system over 24 hours, however this may cause debris to re-settle reducing effectiveness. If the deposits you are dealing with are proving to be particularly stubborn, not remedied by the application of the aforementioned cleaners, a more potent product may provide the solution. Sentinel Deposit Remover is a mildly acidic formula designed to dissolve obstinate magnetite and scale deposits. To achieve the best results, it is advisable to solely use the Sentinel – X800 for cleaning your central heating system. Mixing it with other cleaning products may affect its effectiveness. If an open system you will have a small (4 gallon) tank in the loft. Turn off the boiler and water feed to the tank. Remove all the water (which is likely to be filthy) from the small (Feed and Expansion F&E)) tank. Drain some more water from the system (3 or 4 litres) and add the chemical to the tank. Turn on the water feed and let the tank fill until it stops normally. Turn on the boiler, and run the system. After a suitable period (max. 4 weeks for X400, say a day for X800) drain the system, refill and repeat two or three times. If a sealed system (combi, or non-combi but with no F&E tank but with an expansion vessel either inside the boiler or external to it) you will need to add the chemical another way. Often a tall towel type radiator will do. Turn off the boiler. Bleed water from a radiator bleed point until the boiler pressure drops to zero. Take the whole bleed plug (not just the square headed bleed screw) out of the top of the radiator, syphon out 1.5 litres of water and replace with the chemical. Replace the plug, top up the system water to normal boiler pressure (say 1.3 bar if you don't know what that is). Run the system as above. You will still have to do a full drain down and repeat a few times as above. If you don't have a suitable towel type radiator you can get the chemicals in various "easy add" versions. I've never found these easy to use.Its formulation also contains agents to ensure the protection of system metals against corrosion during the cleaning as well as preparing the installation for the addition of Sentinel X100 Inhibitor. We recommend that a filter is installed on all systems, in conjunction with a cleaning of the system, to capture any existing debris. Our range of cleaners is comprehensive and can be choosed based on the scenario that presents itself. See our cleaners and system cleaning-related products here. Recommended dosage: 1 litre of X300 is sufficient to treat a typical domestic system of up to 10 radiators. Circulate from 1 hour to 7 days for maximum performance.