How to Clean a Y-Strainer Filter
Flow errors are among the most common issues homeowners face with their heat pumps, as discussed on the Renewable Heating Hub forums. Often, the culprit is a blocked Y-strainer filter, which can restrict the system’s flow and cause operational issues. The good news? Cleaning the filter is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.
Why Clean the Y-Strainer?
The Y-strainer filter plays a crucial role in preventing debris from circulating through your heating system. Over time, sludge, rust and other particles can accumulate, leading to reduced efficiency or even flow errors. Regular maintenance helps keep your system running smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Y-Strainer
1. Prepare: Grab a bowl or container to catch any water and a spanner or water pipe pliers.
2. Shut Down: Turn off the heat pump and wait for the distribution pumps to stop.
3. Isolate the Filter: Locate and close the valves on either side of the Y-strainer.
4. Loosen the Nut: Place your bowl underneath the strainer and use your spanner to loosen the nut (lefty loosey). Once loose, remove the nut by hand.
5. Clean the Filter: Take the gauze filter and nut to a sink. Rinse them thoroughly under running water, ensuring all debris is removed.
6. Inspect: Check the water collected in your bowl – it’ll give you an idea of how dirty your system is.
7. Reassemble: Reinsert the clean gauze filter into the nut and screw it back onto the strainer (righty tighty). Tighten by hand first, then snug it up with your spanner.
8. Check for Leaks: Slowly reopen the valves while watching for leaks. If there’s any seepage, isolate and re-tighten.
9. Restart: With no leaks and the valves fully open, restart your heat pump.
When to Call for Help
If flow errors persist after cleaning the filter, the issue might lie elsewhere. Consult a heating engineer or your heat pump manufacturer for further support.
Routine cleaning of the Y-strainer can significantly enhance your system’s performance, keeping your home warm and your heat pump efficient.
Buy Bodge Buster – Homeowner Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: https://amzn.to/3NVndlU
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzn.to/4bWkPFb
Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast
Thanks for this guide @editor - I managed to clean mine with the help of your guide without any mishaps 😀
A suggestion for a natural follow on - a similar guide for cleaning a magnetic filter?
Samsung 12kW gen6 ASHP with 50L volumiser and all new large radiators. 3.645kWp solar (south facing), Fox ESS inverter.
Solar generation completely offsets ASHP usage annually. We no longer burn ~1600L of kerosene annually.
@old_scientist nice suggestion, but we had our magnetic filter removed a few years ago. If anyone wants to volunteer a video, we'll gladly edit and publish it.
Buy Bodge Buster – Homeowner Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: https://amzn.to/3NVndlU
From Zero to Heat Pump Hero: https://amzn.to/4bWkPFb
Subscribe and follow our Homeowners’ Q&A heat pump podcast
- 22 Forums
- 2,062 Topics
- 45.2 K Posts
- 98 Online
- 3,330 Members
Join Us!
Trusted Installers
Struggling to find a reliable heat pump installer? A poor installation can lead to inefficiencies and high running costs. We now connect homeowners with top-rated installers who deliver quality work and excellent service.
✅ Verified, trusted & experienced installers
✅ Nationwide coverage expanding
✅ Special offers available
Latest Posts
-
RE: Vaillant & OVO partner up to offer Heat Pump Plus
Slippery slope starting
By Johnmo , 1 hour ago
-
RE: Commencing on an ASHP Installation Process
@jamespa I also suspect the 5.11 figure was used as a j...
By Sheriff Fatman , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Planning Update: 1 Metre Boundary Rule for Heat Pumps Has Been Scrapped
The order, despite it's title, appears to apply to Engl...
By JamesPa , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Getting the best out of a heat pump - is Homely a possible answer?
Isn't the easiest way to do all this, register as an in...
By Johnmo , 3 hours ago
-
RE: Say hello and introduce yourself
@cathoderay Ah yes, that’s the name! The Heat Pimp, It’...
By Toodles , 4 hours ago
-
RE: Jokes and fun posts about heat pumps and renewables
@editor Oh come on…. it’ll only take him 10 or 15 minut...
By Toodles , 1 day ago
-
By the way, I also think our industry need to get on bo...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 2 days ago
-
RE: Ripped Off: How UK Homeowners Are Paying Gas Prices for Wind Energy
That's a curious conclusion with which I am struggling,...
By JamesPa , 3 days ago
-
RE: Rate the quality of your heat pump design and installation
Cool sounds good
By Johnmo , 3 days ago
-
RE: Grant Aerona3 - Home Assistant control via Modbus
That's interesting, @grantmethestrength. I'm a little s...
By Majordennisbloodnok , 3 days ago
-
@allyfish That's impressive. We are on a similar journe...
By ChandyKris , 3 days ago
-
RE: Enabling WiFi: Samsung ASHP on Smart Things App
Hi, good to hear. To be honest, I've given up with the ...
By Profzarkov , 3 days ago
-
RE: Solar Power Output – Let’s Compare Generation Figures
I feel like a record is on it's way this month. Scotlan...
By Andris , 4 days ago
-
RE: Discharging battery to grid whilst charging EV
@majordennisbloodnok Well, I tried it and nothing burne...
By AndrewJ , 4 days ago
-
RE: Using AI to optimise your system
@marvinator80 Two of the best resources on Youtube that...
By Grantmethestrength , 4 days ago
-
RE: Renewables & Heat Pumps in the News
@johnmo Ours is powered from solar energy (with grid ba...
By Toodles , 5 days ago
-
RE: Heat Pump Manufacturers Recommending Buffer Tanks
I'm curious who you think are the reluctant ears. Cert...
By JamesPa , 6 days ago
-
RE: Battery sizing - How low can you go!
The second 6.5 kWh Growatt battery was installed today....
By ChandyKris , 1 week ago
-
RE: IVT Greenline high pressure switch and electrical cassette errors
Your system seems to be more modern than mine, mine was...
By abbote , 1 week ago