Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => Plumbing => Topic started by: Walleye on November 03, 2021, 11:38:23 AM

Title: Cleaning plate exchanger
Post by: Walleye on November 03, 2021, 11:38:23 AM
I have a 10 plate exchanger in my shop basically so I can have hot water to wash my hands in! Its fed with raw unsoftened water from my well so its pretty crappy water. In the past I have flushed CLR through it to clean it out with good results. Well now its almost completely plugged. IS there anything that would clean it better that wouldn't harm the exchanger? Its currently soaking with CLR so I'm hoping it will eventually break somewhat loose. 
Title: Re: Cleaning plate exchanger
Post by: WoodMOJoe on November 04, 2021, 09:33:19 AM
I literally just came here to ask the same question!

Our water is extremely hard and will plug up a 20 plate exchanger in 1 1/2 to 2 winters use.

I have the flush ports already on my plumbing.

Title: Re: Cleaning plate exchanger
Post by: RSI on November 04, 2021, 10:19:11 PM
I would throw the 10 plate away and get a 20 for starters.

Depending on what is in it, just vinegar might be all you need to use. It will require pumping it through though. Just dumping it in will never clean it out completely. When I have done it, I just pump out of a gallon jug of vinegar and put return hose into jug too. Run pump till it is as dark green as it will get and then swap out to a new jug. Keep doing it till it stays clear.

You should be able to do the same thing with stronger chemicals but need pump and hoses that are compatible.
Title: Re: Cleaning plate exchanger
Post by: WoodMOJoe on November 05, 2021, 05:35:38 AM
Thanks RSI, I should have thought of vinegar.

Cheap and readily available I will give it a try.   :thumbup: