Hard water causing boiler to break down AGAIN

[Shaz]

I live in the Kildare area. 2 years ago, we paid €950 to a plumber to get rid of the limescale in our radiator system. We needed to do this because the boiler was broken, was then fixed but advised by the serviceman that we need to treat the water in the radiator system.

Now, the boiler has broken down again. It comes on for an hour and then breaks down each time. We contacted the same crowd and was told that they did not guarantee that the water in the radiators did not need to be treated periodically and that we probably have an open water system into the radiators. Their words against ours; although I would not have paid €950 knowing that it would not be the end of the problem. I would have tried to get the problem solved once and for all.

Anyways, pls could I get some advice:
Is the best solution to get a water softener system in instead of closing the open water system into the radiator?
What water softener system to use that does not require chemicals or salts?
Who can do the installation?
Is €750 a reasonable amt to pay to clear the limescale in the radiators? I believe that this is necessary otherwise the boiler can't be fixed? Is this correct? Besides, the radiators are not heating up well at the moment.
How do I find out if we have an open water system?
Can anyone recommend a plumber that can clear the limescale in the radiators?

Thanks.

 

[Towger]

Unless you boiler is a combi, the only way for that to happen is if your heating system has a serious leak in the first place. Even then the lime would build up the boiler, clogging the heat exchanger. Anyway, time for a new plumer to have a look at it.

 

[DavyJones]

I don't fully understand the content of your post. Have you a gas boiler? what type?. Heat exchangers on certain boilers are prone to getting blocked. Have you an open vented heating system I.E Is there a small water tank in your attic feeding the rads with water.

If there is a small tank in attic, tie up the ballcock with some string to prevent it refilling. Leave it for a few days and see if the water level in the tank drops much. It it does you have a leak in your system and this would explain a build up in limescale as fresh water is constantly entering the system. normally the heating water is dead and is pumped around the system for years until it is drained out.

What exactly did they do 2 years ago? did they remove the radiators from the walls and flush them out? did they hook a flushing machine up to the system and power flush it? Did they addd inhibitor when thye refilled?

You can add a cleaning agent to the system yourself which is quite easy to do depending on your DIY skill level.