Water in radiators: what flows, is there in summer and why is it black - Setafi

One of the questions of utility consumers is related to whether there is water in the batteries in the summer. In most cases, the coolant is present all year round, as this is the main rust prevention measure. But sometimes the water becomes almost black. Why this happens and what to do is explained below.

Can there be water in the radiators in summer

In most cases, water remains in radiators, risers and other elements of the heating circuit all year round, including in summer. This is done in order to ensure uniform pressure, but most importantly - to protect the inner surface from rust.

It is important to consider what kind of water flows in the radiators. This is a technical fluid that may contain additives that protect pipes from scale and rust. However, it is impossible to completely insure against this, so pipes and radiators will still partially rust. In advanced cases, even black water appears in the heating system.

To minimize corrosion, the fluid is left inside the circuit for a whole season. Due to this, the inner surfaces of pipes, batteries and other elements do not come into contact with air. Otherwise, oxygen will only accelerate decay, so it is periodically bled from the system.

At the same time, although the water is in the batteries in the summer, it does not move, since the circulation pumps are turned off during the warm period. When the season comes, they are turned on again, and the liquid begins to flow at a certain speed.

Moreover, immediately before connecting the pipes, they begin to rinse, driving water through them several times. In this regard, it is useful to know why there is a jumper on the heating battery. If the radiator is equipped with taps (top and bottom), it is advisable to close them during flushing so as not to clog once again.

Why does black water appear

The main reason why battery water is black is due to the oxidation of iron by oxygen. The gas reacts with the material of steel pipes and radiators, resulting in the formation of oxides, such as Fe2O3. These substances have a characteristic brown tint, and in large quantities can give a dark light.

There is also a characteristic unpleasant odor. It is associated not only with rust, but also with stagnant water. This phenomenon is especially often observed at the beginning of the heating season, since from May to September the liquid actually just “stands” in pipes and batteries.

If precipitation does not accumulate in large quantities, this phenomenon is acceptable. But when the water supply to the battery begins from above or below (in September or October), dirt can accumulate in tangible volumes. Then you need to start cleaning on your own or by contacting the management company.

How to clean radiators

To do this, you can use several methods:

1. One of the most effective options is to blow out the batteries in the apartment. For this, special compressor equipment is used.
2. Flushing - shut off the taps, remove the radiator, bring it into the bath and rinse under pressure, first with hot, then cold water. After that, put back and connect to the system.
3. Using soda ash - as in the previous case, remove the battery, drain the water and pour in the powder, wait 30-40 minutes, and then rinse under pressure.
4. Rinsing with an air gun is a good way to remove scale.

Thus, water is always present in the heating system, but it moves only during heating. It is the liquid that protects the inner surfaces of pipes and radiators from rust. But even in this case, it is gradually formed, so flushing is required periodically.