Plugged heater coil

cjs966

New member
Had an obstruction somewhere in my system that I isolated to my coil. Tried reversing the water flow via my garden hose to see if it would dislodge it, but to no avail. Tried compressed air didn't work. Any ideas out there before I end up ordering a new coil which will keep me out of work for a few days.
 
I do get some flow of water through the coils. But there is enough restriction in the coil to cause the unloader to cycle. Can I recirculate CLR through my pump and coil or is CLR too harsh for the pump?
 
You need to get some coil cleaner, Russ has it, he can tell you how to do it.

I am not sure if store-bought chemicals will do the job correctly or damage the coil or pump.
 
Coil cleaner is best, but in a pinch any acid will do. Make sure it is chemically buffered.
 
The only snakes I can get a hold of are for min. 2" DIA pipe. I was thinking of trying electricians fish tape but I'm afraid the turns of the coil are too tight. Has anyone tried electricians tape in a water coil?
 
A fish tape will make it on some coils but there are others that I have seen with a significant bend at the end it would not go around. Your best bet is to flush the acid through it with a shuflo pump that will dislodge the buildup and any rust in the coil.
 
It wasn't the coil after all. After process of elimination it seems that I had a faulty flow switch. Replaced it and all seems well.
 
That is good, saved you a lot of time and labor and some chemical cost.
 
Not to mention the cost of a new coil @ approx. $2000.00
 
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