Coalpail.com Forum

What is the preferred method to clean a coil. I should say that it is already installed.

Hook up the coil to a booster pump and a open container to circulate for extended period, you would add chemicals into container...be sure to flush/neutralize when complete.

This works the same whether coil is installed or it is removed.

Sorry I cannot prescribe a chemical to use...Google may help there.

The preferred method uses a nasty acid that you want no part of.

I got some citric acid I am not sure what the heat will do to it though. It is a 8gpm coil only flowing 2 presently. Enough for shower and sink with no problem.

Muriatic acid is customary. Available at supply houses. You will also need what's called an acid pump. And some tubing and hose clamps,....and gloves and eye protection

I use a little giant pump with a washing machine hose from a 5 gal bucket to the inlet of pump ;then another hose from the outlet of the pump to one side of the coil and a third hose from the other side of the coil to the bucket. fill bucket 1/2 full with water and start pump. once flow is established slowly add muriatic acid to water. The hose will start bubbling like crazy. Add additional acid to the mix until bubbles subside. Then repeat process using baking soda . you wont get bubbles with the soda so dump a bunch in and let it run for 7-10 min. Then have a beer.

Either of those acids will work. The citric however is non toxic and won't burn if you decide to splash around in it.

if the muriatic acid makes you nervous; you can use cider vinegar( acetic acid) itll just take longer as its diluted .

I thought you just installed the coil a few months ago?

Phil May wrote:I got some citric acid I am not sure what the heat will do to it though.

Other than heat it up, nothing. Use the citric, it is safe and can be disposed of easily. The stuff is used in candy and pharmacuticals. I used to use it to clean a membrane filter in a wastewater system. If you have to play with an acid, this is the one you want.