How to remove condensate and rust from pipes with your own hands

How does corrosion in pipes appear and what does it lead to?

As the water temperature rises for every 10 ° C, its ability to cause corrosion doubles and the ability to dissolve CaCO3 and CaSO4 salts decreases, which leads to accelerated scale formation.

However, it is not only reactions between different chemical elements that harm heating systems. Substances that are dissolved in any water have the ability to settle and attach to the walls of streams.

These chemical processes contribute to the formation of rust and scale in the heating system, which reduces pipe clearance and heat transfer.

A corrosion inhibitor is used to prevent or slow down corrosion processes in heating systems. Various additives and reagents are used to reduce the formation of scale.

Sodium hydroxide

Lye is one of the most effective anti-rust products. Alkaline products can be used to remove rust stains from plumbing fixtures. They are applied directly to the stains and left to work for about 20 to 25 minutes. If the size of the smudges is too large and ordinary household chemicals cannot cope, it is recommended to use an active alkali - caustic soda. In a saucepan with boiling water (2 liters), dissolve 50 grams of caustic soda. The resulting solution is poured onto the rust stain and left for 10 minutes. Such agents remove rust without mechanical impact and are unable to damage surfaces.

Helpful information

Tips to help clean the pipe from rust efficiently and safely:

so that the chemical compounds do not damage the pipe walls, they must not be left inside for longer than the time indicated in the instructions;
after cleaning is completed, the treated surface must be rinsed with a sufficient amount of water;
preventive cleaning must be carried out at least once every 3 months;
when working with chemical compounds, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment: respirator, mask and rubber gloves.

Consequences of clogging

Regardless of what the source of clogging of the heating pipe is, the outcome is almost always the same:

after a certain moment, the pipes are clogged;
the movement of water in the pipes is reduced and later even the water pump will not be able to pump water through this system.

Things are much worse with thermosyphon heating, where there is no such pump. As a rule, after clogging, heat is not allowed through and the pipes remain cold. And this is only part of the trouble. In addition, the boiler itself begins to heat up strongly, which can lead to its breakdown.

Some owners carry out an annual cleanup of the blockages of such a system by changing the water. In other words, the old unclean, rusty water is drained and filled with new. And this is reasonable, because when the old water is drained, a small amount of chips and rust leaves it. But there is also an opposite side. Iron and oxygen are needed for rust to appear. If the pipe is metal, then iron is always present in it, but oxygen is contained in the water. As a rule, when you do not change the liquid in the heating system for a long time, the oxygen content in it decreases significantly, which means that the rusting process stops. With a constant change of water, on the contrary, its activation occurs. Summing up a small summary, we can say one thing - this method helps to get rid of a small amount of rust, but, on the other hand, we only speed up the new process of its formation.

Causes of pipe clogging

Rust is inevitable when pipes are made of metal. Rust is a product of corrosion, a process when the metal is destroyed naturally under the influence of environmental components.
If corrosion strongly affects the material and spreads deeply, the pipes become unusable. We have to do a partial or complete replacement. Regular cleaning of rust prevents such neglected cases and saves costs for repairs.

The appearance of corrosion is associated with the composition of the water flowing through the communication systems. So, iron in a liquid leads to the appearance of loose rust. The content of an element in water often turns out to be higher than the norm, which is 0.3 mg per 1 liter.

Water treatment (filtration) is indicated for the prevention of corrosion in the system. It is recommended to protect equipment with corrosion inhibitors - compounds that form a protective film. Pay particular attention to the condition of pipes made of ferrous metals - less resistant to rust than non-ferrous ones.

The outside of the pipes is easier to clean than the inside. At the same time, rust is clearly visible. Mechanical cleaning is effective - manually, using auxiliary devices. Sandpaper, hard brushes, or a spatula will work. This is a time-consuming job, but quite simple - you can do it without calling specialists. After the remaining dirt is removed with water and the surface is wiped off.

Liquid rust removers are effective in removing rust spots. After treatment with a cleaning agent, the pipes are primed. It is recommended to select an anti-corrosion primer.

The inner surface of the pipes is more difficult to clean - it is better to entrust the work to specialists. Equipment dismantling, special tools and installations are often required. The exact method depends on the degree of corrosion, system type and budget. We can offer you the following professional methods for removing corrosion products.

The main reason is the build-up on the inner surface of the pipe. This is especially true in old houses. No sharp drop in pressure is observed. This is a long process, but from some moment the pressure becomes insufficient. As a result, the washing machine, boiler or water heater cannot function normally.

The sharp drop in pressure is due to one of the reasons:

Formation of limestone deposits, which are introduced into the water by municipal services at the DFS as an antiseptic.
Corrosion. Rust in pipes can grow to the point of obstructing water access.
Natural salts. This refers to the natural impurities contained in the water, even if it comes from a well or well.
Breakdown of the filtration station. Suspended solids entering the system accumulate in folds, fittings, valves, etc.

The result is always the same - no pipe throughput, pressure drop, lack of pressure. At the same time, there are methods that allow you to perform cleaning on your own.

As the water temperature rises for every 10 ° C, its ability to cause corrosion doubles and the ability to dissolve CaCO3 and CaSO4 salts decreases, which leads to accelerated scale formation.

These chemical processes contribute to the formation of rust and scale in the heating system, which reduces pipe clearance and heat transfer.

A corrosion inhibitor is used to prevent or slow down corrosion processes in heating systems. Various additives and reagents are used to reduce the formation of scale.

Regardless of what the source of clogging of the heating pipe is, the outcome is almost always the same:

after a certain moment, the pipes are clogged;
the movement of water in the pipes is reduced and later even the water pump will not be able to pump water through this system.

Things are much worse with thermosyphon heating, where there is no such pump. As a rule, after clogging, heat is not allowed through and the pipes remain cold. And this is only part of the trouble. In addition, the boiler itself begins to heat up strongly, which can lead to its breakdown.

Iron and oxygen are needed for rust to appear. If the pipe is metal, then iron is always present in it, but oxygen is contained in the water. As a rule, when you do not change the liquid in the heating system for a long time, the oxygen content in it decreases significantly, which means that the rusting process stops.

To remove various deposits in the plumbing or heating systems, an internal pipe cleaning is performed. Many experts recommend to carry out preventive cleaning and flushing of pipes from scale and rust at regular intervals.

Currently, there are several methods aimed at increasing the throughput of pipes, with the help of which it will be possible to carry out preventive and cleaning measures:

hydraulic shock;
using special chemicals;
using sandblasting;
using abrasives.

Using this technique, high-quality cleaning of water and heating pipes from rust and scale is carried out. Only specialists should perform such work. They also use the appropriate equipment, through which rust is removed from the internal surfaces. It is connected to the system, after which compressed air is released into the pipes.

Under high pressure, the air stream cleans any contaminants as efficiently as possible. Thanks to the hydraulic shock, there is no need to dismantle the entire communication, therefore, cleaning activities can be carried out in all weather conditions and temperature conditions.

When carrying out these activities, you should follow the safety rules, which are regulated by the relevant regulations, therefore it is better to entrust the implementation of such work to professionals.

With the help of this device, a water hammer is applied

Since in the process of active operation of pipes, rust and scale accumulate on their internal surfaces, which significantly reduces their throughput, and also has a negative effect on water quality, some specialists clean the communications using special means (citric acid, chemistry). With their help, pipes are cleaned from scale in communications of any length.

Cleaning pipes with chemicals

Chemical elements can, if used incorrectly, compromise the integrity of the pipes, so they must be used in full accordance with the instructions.

Cleaning the inner surface of pipes from scale and rust and other contaminants can be carried out by means of sandblasting. This procedure is carried out under controlled pressure, using a continuous flow of air mixed with abrasive. To apply this cleaning method, it is necessary to dismantle the heating or water supply system, which is very problematic when they are located in hard-to-reach places.

However, for small layers, there are handguns commercially available equipped with a sand container.It is worth noting that they will not be able to cope with serious deposits.

Sandblasting machines for pipes - professional and manual

This method provides for the addition of special abrasives to the water flows passing through the pipes, which remove rust and other deposits from the inner surfaces, and in fact is an analogue of sandblasting.

It has its advantages and disadvantages:

high consumption of abrasive;
it takes a lot of time to complete the work;
as an abrasive, it is necessary to use special materials with certain parameters.

Special powder for abrasive pipe cleaning

Before you clean the pipes from rust, you should decide on the method according to which these activities will be carried out. Some specialists also use for these purposes such devices as cables, the diameter of which is an order of magnitude smaller than the pipes. The movement of the cable along the communication is carried out using an electric or pneumatic drill.

In order for rust not to spoil the heating, you need to prepare the system for start-up in advance. To this end, you need not just pour water into the pipe, but add a special antifreeze to it. Its action is the same as in the engine fluid, that is, it guarantees good heat transfer through the pipes, and also forms the protection of metal surfaces from oxidative processes and prevents the origin of lime deposits and other deposits. This alternative is quite expensive, but makes it possible to forget about constant cleaning.

We offer you to familiarize yourself with the Well ring (43 photos): the dimensions of the support options for the candle well, the diameter of the product with the lock, the O-ring

The entire cleaning stage is relatively simple and does not require complex techniques. The process will proceed as follows:

pipe cleaning;
cleaning the heating boiler itself.

Pipe cleaning

The easiest way to clean the heating system is to use chemicals. All we need is to buy a product that can dissolve rust and other types of deposits.

Ordinary citric acid, which every housewife has, can act as such a remedy. It must be dissolved in water, it is advisable to use a three-liter jar, since a large amount gives a greater effect. All this solution must be poured into the heating system. Subsequently, it is immediately necessary to light the boiler, set the temperature to a high mark, and it remains to wait twenty-four hours. Later we drain this water. We wash the pipes by filling and re-draining clean water.

Cleaning the pipes in areas that are heavily corroded is not advisable, as this procedure can damage the pipe. The best solution is to completely or partially replace the pipes in the system so that it can be operated with maximum efficiency in the future.
In the event that insignificant accumulations of rust and scale are found, a number of cleaning measures can be carried out and the pipes can be returned to their previous operational characteristics.

Fine sandpaper. This manual cleaning process is laborious and should only be used in small areas. The desired section of the pipe is wrapped with a sheet of "sandpaper", the hands are protected with gloves and, embracing the pipe, they make movements from side to side.
Brushes. You can use a metal-bristled brush or put a cable brush on the grinder.

A suitable brush should have a spiral braid

Special chemicals. There is a wide range of corrosion converters and rust modifiers on the market. Their principle of operation is often in the transformation of corrosion products into compounds that are safe for metals.

"Tsinkar" - the most famous remedy for the fight against external rust

How can you perform internal pipe cleaning?

Currently, there are several methods aimed at increasing the throughput of pipes, with the help of which it will be possible to carry out preventive and cleaning measures:

hydraulic shock;
using special chemicals;
using sandblasting;
using abrasives.

Water hammer cleaning of pipes

Using this technique, high-quality cleaning of water and heating pipes from rust and scale is carried out. Only specialists should perform such work. They also use the appropriate equipment, through which rust is removed from the internal surfaces. It is connected to the system, after which compressed air is released into the pipes.

With the help of this device, a water hammer is applied

Internal pipe cleaning with special products

Cleaning pipes with chemicals

Chemical elements can, if used incorrectly, compromise the integrity of the pipes, so they must be used in full accordance with the instructions.

Cleaning the inner surfaces of pipes using sandblasting technique

Cleaning the inner surface of pipes from scale and rust and other contaminants can be carried out by means of sandblasting. This procedure is carried out under controlled pressure, using a continuous flow of air mixed with abrasive. To apply this cleaning method, it is necessary to dismantle the heating or water supply system, which is very problematic when they are located in hard-to-reach places.

However, for small layers, there are handguns commercially available equipped with a sand container. It is worth noting that they will not be able to cope with serious deposits.

Sandblasting machines for pipes - professional and manual

Cleaning the inner surfaces of pipes with abrasives

It has its advantages and disadvantages:

high consumption of abrasive;
it takes a lot of time to complete the work;
as an abrasive, it is necessary to use special materials with certain parameters.

Special powder for abrasive pipe cleaning

Before you clean the pipes from rust, you should decide on the method according to which these activities will be carried out.Some specialists also use for these purposes such devices as cables, the diameter of which is an order of magnitude smaller than the pipes. The movement of the cable along the communication is carried out using an electric or pneumatic drill.

Pipe cleaning outside

If the pipe is damaged only from the outside, it is still quite possible to correct the situation. How to clean the water pipe from rust in this case?

For this, there are the following methods for eliminating corrosion:

Mechanical... To do this, you need an emery cloth, a spatula, an ordinary abrasive (for example, a metal kitchen sponge). Cleaning is carried out by simply wiping the pipe: if we are talking about a thin layer of corrosion, then it is removed quite simply. Then the surface cleaned is washed with soapy water. As for the method of painting a pipe for rust, practiced by some, this will only cover up from visual viewing the process of pipe decay, which will continue in the future.
Acid... Vinegar or citric acid can be found in every home. To prepare the solution, you will need equal proportions of these substances. A brush or sponge is used to apply the mixture to rusty pipe sections. After waiting for about three hours, the smeared areas should be washed off with warm soapy water. If, after this procedure, complete removal of corrosion has not occurred, the following method will come to the rescue.
Alkali... There is also no need to run to the store, since all the necessary ingredients are available in any household. Take two tablespoons of baking soda, and dilute in 1/3 cup of warm water. After the soda is well dissolved, the finished paste is applied to the rusty places of the pipe. Before that, it is advisable to already clean the pipe mechanically. To wash off the soda, a few drops of vinegar are added to warm water, which makes it possible to completely remove the soda bloom. The holding time after applying the alkaline paste is no more than 20 minutes, in order to avoid damage to the pipeline surface with a caustic substance.
By special means... On the shelves of hardware stores, there are a lot of anti-rust agents, both preventive and cleaning type of action. In the process of application, you should strictly adhere to the attached instructions. No experiments with such substances should be carried out, since the alkali contained in their composition can seriously damage the metal.

After the cleaning of water pipes from corrosion is completed, they are treated with a special primer mixture containing anti-corrosion components. This primer can also be used after mechanical cleaning is complete. It is important to ensure that the liquid contains a rust converter, otherwise all the work done will be in vain.

Choosing a quality cleaning agent for the heating system

Today, many special products for flushing heating systems are presented on the domestic market, however, not all of them are of high quality.

Choosing a low-quality reagent, you risk not only not getting the desired result, but even harm your pipes, since some components can cause significant damage to their surface.

When buying a composition, you need to make sure of the good reputation of the manufacturer and be sure to check all the necessary quality certificates. If they are available, you can be sure that the cleaner will certainly show good efficiency and will get rid of rust and sludge in one treatment.

The composition of such agents, as a rule, includes acid and special inhibitors, which prevent the etching of the metal and, as a result, the formation of corrosion on it. They not only wash the pipes, but also reliably protect them from rust for a long time.

How to protect the surface from the formation of rusty deposits?

To prevent pipes from rusting and rotting outside, they are covered with special soil compounds, for example:

FL-053,
GF-032,
PF-o46, etc.

Prevent corrosion by coating with enamel or paint. In this case, you need to monitor the quality of the applied layer and regularly update it.

There are no specific ways to protect the inner surface of pipes from rust. In order to prevent them from rotting, you need to wash them once every 2 months with special store-bought formulations, or with weakly concentrated acid solutions.

DOCKER THERMO is an effective cleaning agent for heating systems. Recommended for the treatment of boilers, high and low pressure boilers, condensers, heat exchangers, pipelines, for washing household water heaters. The selectively active composition of the substance allows you to flush systems not only with metal, but also with plastic or rubber tubes. Concentrate.

Photo: Bosch. To ensure the long-term operation of the heating system, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance. In addition to checking the pressure, you should also monitor and, if necessary, adjust the pH value of the water in the heating system.

Among all the dangerous phenomena, the most "popular", perhaps, is the precipitation of scale - this is the name of the solid insoluble sediment of calcium, magnesium and some other metals. It is formed as a result of heating tap water to 60–65 ° C, in which these salts are contained in the form of ions. All parts of heating and hot water supply systems that come into contact with water can suffer from scale, but sediment is most intensely formed on heating elements of electric storage-type water heaters. They also need additional protection. Most storage devices are equipped with a magnesium anode, which, gradually collapsing during the oxidative reaction, protects the heating element from scale formation, and the tank walls from corrosion.

Photo: Buderus. To prevent corrosion of the boiler, the combustion air must not contain aggressive substances. Corrosion-promoting halogenated hydrocarbons, chlorine and fluorine compounds

The magnesium anode must be replaced if it is severely worn. The condition of the rod is assessed visually during the annual service inspection. Usually, the anode is supposed to be changed every 1-2 years, so when buying it is worth clarifying where the part can be purchased and how exactly it needs to be replaced. However, at the present time, models of water heaters with a titanium anode connected to a protective current source ("superimposed current") have become widespread and do not require replacement.

As for the heating systems of country houses, in well-equipped closed circuits in small volumes of circulating coolant (several tens of liters), the risk of scale formation is small. And in order to avoid it, it is enough, as water enters the house, to carry out its general preparation aimed at reducing the hardness, reducing the content of calcium and magnesium ions (we talked about this in detail in the article "Water - and nothing superfluous", No. 1/2015. ). Another thing is communal boiler houses, where there are significantly larger volumes and constant leaks that have to be compensated. In such cases, both additional softening filters in the water make-up system and magnetic water activators, which are popular today, can be used.

Photo: De Dietrich. Titan Activ System Kit (De Dietrich) made of superimposed titanium anode and power supply. Its advantage is that the anode is not consumed during operation.

A much greater danger for domestic heating systems is the corrosion of the metal of the heating installation. It can occur due to the ingress of oxygen from the air into the heating system. Possible oxygen penetration routes are leaks in the heating system, vacuum zones, an undersized expansion tank or plastic pipes without a protective layer.It is difficult to fight corrosion, it is much easier to ensure the tightness of the system in advance by correctly designing the circuit and using pipes with a protective layer.

Corrosion damage usually occurs when oxygen continuously enters the heating water. To avoid this, the heating system must always be closed. In cases where it is impossible to create a closed system, special measures must be taken to protect against corrosion when treating the water used for heating. In addition to filling the heating system with demineralized water, special chemicals can also be added. They bind free oxygen or form a film on the surface of materials that protects against corrosion. In addition to checking the pressure, the pH value of the water in the heating system should also be monitored and, if necessary, adjusted. It should be between 8.2 and 9.5.

Sales Support Engineer, Bosch Thermotekhnika

Features of the use of inhibitors

Specially developed reagents for heating systems have the following features:

Protects all types of metals from corrosion;
Reduce the adhesion of water-soluble components;
Prevent the formation of precipitation of insoluble substances in the heating system;
Designed for use at temperatures above 100 ° C;
Effective protection period - 5 years;
The regent should occupy 2 - 2.5% of the total volume of the coolant in the heating system. This significantly reduces the cost of protecting heating systems;
The additives contain volatile substances that, when evaporated from water, create a protective layer on surfaces that does not come into direct contact with the coolant;
The additives do not contain harmful substances;
Slows down the development of bacteria and algae.

Rust control

pipe cleaning;
cleaning the heating boiler itself.

Pipe cleaning

The easiest way to clean the heating system is to use chemicals. All we need is to buy a product that can dissolve rust and other types of deposits.
Ordinary citric acid, which every housewife has, can act as such a remedy. It must be dissolved in water, it is advisable to use a three-liter jar, since a large amount gives a greater effect. All this solution must be poured into the heating system. Subsequently, it is immediately necessary to light the boiler, set the temperature to a high mark, and it remains to wait twenty-four hours. Later we drain this water. We wash the pipes by filling and re-draining clean water.

Another similar technique is the use of food vinegar. To achieve the best effect, you need a lot of it. But there is also a more safe option - the use of hydrochloric acid, mainly 10 or 20%. This chemical is excellent at cleaning pipes. But you need to be careful with this substance, since too high a concentration can significantly damage the heating system.

This operation is suitable only for small blockages. If the pipes are clogged thoroughly, then the compressor will help out.Most often, this method is called hydropneumatic cleaning.

The process will proceed as follows:

we connect the compressor to the heating system;
we connect the compressor to the pipe and start;
flushing begins with a simultaneous combination with pneumatic blows;
disconnect the pipe going to the boiler (bottom);
we put some container next to it so that dirty water flows there;
clean water must constantly flow into the riser (during the discharge of unclean water).

The compressor is expensive and if you don't want to spend money, then you can dismantle the radiators (each separately). That is, they are flushed under tremendous water pressure.

Boiler cleaning

There may be deposits in the boiler itself. In addition, there are more of them here than in pipes. The fact is that it heats up very much, due to which the process is accelerated.

Chemicals are used here. The whole work is quite simple: you need to disconnect the heating pipes, take a pump that is combined with a boiler and water is admitted through it, with chemistry added in advance. We drain all the dirty water and then rinse it with clean water.

Having mastered all the considered tips, you will be able to flush the heating system with full confidence on your own.

Due to the peculiarities of operation, heating pipes and radiators constantly have to come into contact with water. And, as you know, metal, when interacting with a liquid, is prone to oxidation and, as a result, the formation of rust.

Corroded areas can gradually cause leaks. But first of all, this phenomenon is fraught with a decrease in the heat transfer of the entire heating system as a whole.

In combination with lime deposits, rust clogs the passage of pipes and creates a deposit on their inner surface, which prevents the normal heating of the room. In this case, fuel consumption does not decrease, but on the contrary only increases. That is, you spend more money on heating and at the same time you do not get the desired result.

Based on the foregoing, it follows that it is imperative to take timely care of how to flush the heating system from rust.

Cleaning profile pipes from rust in different ways

To choose the best option, you need to carefully study each method of cleaning pipes from rust. They start with a simple mechanical action on the outer surface of the pipes. For delicate tapping, a wooden mallet is used, or the force is precisely measured when working with a metal hammer. Decorative and protective coatings can be protected at the impact site with a damping pad. The detached impurities are washed out with a stream of water into the drainage.

This machine is only suitable for open sections of the track. It takes some skill to break up blockages and keep the paint coat intact. Too strong blows can damage the welded seam, break the tightness of the seals. Such influences can damage the connected pressure gauge, other control devices, solenoid valves. Disconnect the associated products prior to performing this procedure.

Another mechanical method of cleaning profile pipes from rust is distinguished by a directional effect. To reproduce it, you will need a specialized plumbing cable in a corrugated sheath. This anti-rust filter is capable of navigating curved tracks without compromising functionality. A rigid metal wire brush is attached to the output node. For rotation, use a manual or faster electric drive.

a special cleaning machine is required;
working length and permissible bending radius are limited;
tees, bends and other complex components of the system will have to be disassembled;
scratches form on the inner surface, which contribute to the subsequent fixation of new dirt.

Mechanical surface treatment on the outside can be organized using a sandblasting machine.Equipment in this category delivers abrasive particles at high pressure. Instead of sand, sometimes specialized granular materials are used. It is better to entrust the execution of such work to professionals, since it is impractical to purchase an expensive kit for a one-time procedure.
A similar conclusion should be made after studying the technology of hydraulic shock effects. This option also requires specialized hardware. Without sufficient qualifications, pipes can be deformed too much. The algorithm is carried out in strict accordance with the instructions that ensure safety for the performers.

Sandblasting the profile pipe from rust is most effective in straight sections. The hydraulic action is also suitable for bends, so fewer dismantling operations are required. In either case, you will have to pay for the services of specialists.

In the retail network, you can find reagents created to clean pipes from rust, calcium and other contaminants. Below is a typical manufacturer's instruction:

the liquid is drained from the system, filled with fresh water;
open locking devices to ensure unhindered circulation in a closed loop;
create a working composition from a concentrate diluted with water in the recommended proportion;
pour it into a special tank;
connect equipment that ensures the movement of the train along the contour at a given speed for 12-24 hours;
remove the solution with impurities;
flush the system, neutralize acid residues with an alkaline solution.

Personal protective equipment is used to safely clean the profile pipe from rust from the inside with potent reagents. They use rubber gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and glasses. If chemical compounds get on the skin, they are immediately removed with soap and water.

Dedicated reagent wash equipment is not very expensive. It can be rented in some cities. Well-equipped standard kit:

overload protected pump;
devices and valves for control and regulation of pressure;
working solution tank;
a heater that accelerates chemical reactions;
connecting tubes, power frame with wheels.

When pipe cleaning is performed

Corrosion changes can also form in heating systems. When they appear, the efficiency of heating the premises will significantly decrease, and the operating costs will greatly increase. The expediency of cleaning depends on the degree of damage:

Cleaning the pipes in areas that are heavily corroded is not advisable, as this procedure can damage the pipe. The best solution is to completely or partially replace the pipes in the system so that it can be operated with maximum efficiency in the future.
In the event that insignificant accumulations of rust and scale are found, a number of cleaning measures can be carried out and the pipes can be returned to their previous operational characteristics.

External and internal removal of corrosion traces

Liquid rust removers are effective in removing rust spots. After treatment with a cleaning agent, the pipes are primed. It is recommended to select an anti-corrosion primer. The inner surface of the pipes is more difficult to clean - it is better to entrust the work to specialists. Equipment dismantling, special tools and installations are often required. The exact method depends on the degree of corrosion, system type and budget.We can offer you the following professional methods for removing corrosion products.

We carry out external cleaning from rust

The outside of the pipe usually suffers only from the appearance of rust. You can remove an unwanted problem using the following tools:

Fine sandpaper. This manual cleaning process is laborious and should only be used in small areas. The desired section of the pipe is wrapped with a sheet of "sandpaper", the hands are protected with gloves and, embracing the pipe, they make movements from side to side.
Brushes. You can use a metal-bristled brush or put a cable brush on the grinder.

A suitable brush should have a spiral braid

Special chemicals. There is a wide range of corrosion converters and rust modifiers on the market. Their principle of operation is often in the transformation of corrosion products into compounds that are safe for metals.

"Tsinkar" - the most famous remedy for the fight against external rust

Effective methods for external cleaning

It is not difficult to clean the surface from the outside. There are four methods for removing rust to work:

Mechanically. Sandpaper, special attachments for power tools are suitable. Corrosion will be eliminated, after which rinsing and protection with a primer (paint) is mandatory. It is forbidden to paint over rust. Only after mechanical cleaning. Otherwise, high humidity (water passes under pressure through small pores and joints) will destroy any pipe in a short time.
You can't do without the use of acid. We mix household ingredients (vinegar and citric acid) in different proportions. We apply the composition. There will be no trace of the plaque in 2-3 hours. But for convenience, it is better to first go through point 1.
Cleaning with lye is in progress. Classic soda in the amount of 3 tablespoons is dissolved in water. Apply to rust, then remove with vinegar. But soda will work only on a thin layer of rust, thick parts, again, it is more correct to clean out with a tool with a nozzle. It's faster this way.
With the help of special chemicals (not for household use). We are talking about industrial formulations or concentrates.

Any method makes sense if you properly protect the outer surface after cleaning the surfaces with abrasives, for example. After all, steel, cleaned from the outside, will oxidize again after some time.

How to fix this, see below.

Selection and recommendations for the use of an inhibitor for the heating system

One or another inhibitor must be selected based on several indicators:

1Uses an open or closed expansion tank; 2Type of construction materials used: ferrous metals, alloys based on copper or aluminum; 3PH value of water; 4Indicators of "hardness" of water (the amount of dissolved salts in the coolant).

Depending on the hardness and acidity of the coolant, as well as the characteristics of the heating system, it is necessary to choose an inhibitor of a certain composition. The following additive compositions are distinguished:

Orthophosphate. The reagent forms a protective film, causes the precipitation of salts, in case of their large amounts. It is necessary to add to the coolant based on the proportion of 10 - 20 mg / l. It is used in heating systems where elements are made of ferrous metals with a water Ph level of less than 7.5 units. Chlorine concentration in water of 300 mg / l and more levels the effectiveness of orthophosphate and leads to metal corrosion. Can be used in combination with zinc polyphosphate or phosphanate additive;
Polyphosphates. They are used to protect pipelines made of ferrous metals with water Ph up to 7.5 units. No water softening is required when using polyphosphate. The amount of chlorine also does not affect the properties of this inhibitor. The effectiveness of the action of polyphosphates is increased with the help of zinc. The optimal amount is 10 - 20 mg / l;
Phosphonates.It is used only in combination with zinc, orthophosphates or polyphosphates. The composition will be effective at a concentration of 10 - 20 mg / l and at Ph 7 - 9. Protection of ferrous metals is provided by the addition of calcium;
Molybdate. The reagent protects ferrous and aluminum alloys. It is necessary to add to the coolant at the rate of 75 - 150 mg / l, in order to reduce the amount of the composition without reducing the efficiency, the addition of phosphorus components is required. Recommended water Ph is 5.5 - 8.5. Hard water causes the molybdate to precipitate. Chlorine and sulfur impurities neutralize the use of molybdate, but without the occurrence of pitting corrosion;
Silicate. It is used for soft water at a concentration of 10 - 20 mg / l. Provides protection for systems made of ferrous metals and copper alloys with water having a Ph 7 and higher. A protective coating forms on surfaces over several weeks;
Zinc. It is used as an additive to other additives: orthophosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, molybdates. And also with combinations of inhibitors that do not contain zinc: orthophosphate / polyphosphate, orthophosphate / molybdate, a mixture of phosphonates in the amount of 0.5 - 2 mg / l. Zinc strengthens the protective film and reduces the amount of the main inhibitor. If the Ph of water exceeds 7.5, it is necessary to use zinc stabilizers;
Benzotriazole. The required concentration is 1 - 2 mg / l in water with Ph 6 - 9 for the protection of copper alloys;
Tolitriazole. A benzotriazole analog;
Calcium orthophosphate. Used to eliminate the adhesion of calcium phosphate deposits. The content of calcium orthophosphate in water should be 10-15 mg / l;
Polyacrylates, polymaleates, hydrolyzed polyacrylamides and acrylate substances. Used for biological contamination. The optimal concentration is 2-3 mg / l;
Chlorine and bromine are used to kill microorganisms. A concentration at the level of 0.1 - 0.5 mg / l is sufficient. Chlorine is effective only in water with a Ph below 8. If the pH exceeds this value, bromine is used;
Zeolites. Used to soften water;
Nitrite. Used in closed systems, it causes the formation of a stable iron oxide film on the surface. Effective in concentrations of 250-1000 mg / l and increasing Ph up to 9 - 9.5, by adding borax. The amount of nitrite can be reduced to 300 mg / l if the same amount of molybdate is used. Nitrites lend themselves to decomposition by bacteria, therefore, in the complex, it is also necessary to use a non-oxidizing bactericide, copper corrosion inhibitors and a polymer dispersant;
Alkalis (caustic soda, ash). Used to increase the Ph of water to 9 - 10.5 units.