Magna Clean Installation Guide 2026
How magnetic filters protect your heating system from sludge damage. Everything Hampshire homeowners need to know about Magna Clean installation.
A Magna Clean magnetic filter is one of the best investments you can make for your central heating system. These clever devices continuously capture metallic debris from your heating water, preventing the sludge buildup that causes cold radiators, noisy boilers, and expensive breakdowns.
In this guide, I'll explain how magnetic filters work, why they're particularly important for Hampshire homes with hard water, and what to expect from installation.
What is Magna Clean?
Magna Clean is the leading brand of magnetic filter for central heating systems. Manufactured by ADEY, it uses a powerful neodymium magnet (12,000+ gauss) to attract and capture iron oxide particles (magnetite) from your heating water.
Powerful Magnet
12,000+ gauss neodymium magnet captures microscopic particles
Continuous Protection
Works 24/7 while your heating is running
Easy Maintenance
Clean annually during boiler service
Why "Magna Clean" Specifically?
While there are other magnetic filter brands, Magna Clean has become the industry standard. It's the brand we recommend and install because of its proven performance, reliability, and the quality of the magnetic assembly.
Magnetic Filter Comparison: Top UK Brands
While we recommend ADEY MagnaClean, here's how the leading magnetic filter brands compare. All offer good protection, but there are differences in magnet strength, design, and features.
ADEY MagnaClean Pro2
Industry-leading filter with the strongest magnet. Best-in-class capture rate. The UK's #1 choice.
Fernox TF1 Omega
Good alternative with integrated chemical dosing point. Slightly lower magnet strength but solid performance.
Sentinel Eliminator Vortex
Hydrocyclone technology combined with magnet. Good for both magnetic and non-magnetic debris.
Spirotech SpiroTrap
Dutch-engineered dirt separator. Captures particles down to 5µm. Premium option with excellent build quality.
Worcester Bosch Greenstar
Designed specifically for Worcester boilers. Twin-action filtration. Premium price point.
Grant Mag One DUO
Universal fit with 500-micron mesh for non-magnetic debris. Great for oil boilers and heat pumps.
Our Recommendation
For Hampshire homes, we install and recommend the ADEY MagnaClean Professional2. With the strongest magnet on the market (12,000+ gauss) and a proven track record across millions of installations, it offers the best protection for your heating system.
While all the filters above provide decent protection, the MagnaClean's superior capture rate makes it our first choice - especially important in hard water areas like Andover, Marlborough, and Hungerford where systems produce debris faster.
How Magnetic Filters Work
Water Flows Through
Heating water passes through the filter body as it circulates around your system.
Magnet Captures Debris
The powerful magnet attracts iron oxide particles (magnetite) from the water, holding them inside the filter canister.
Clean Water Continues
Cleaned water flows back into your heating system, reaching radiators and your boiler without sludge.
Annual Cleaning
During your annual boiler service, the filter is opened and the collected debris is removed.
Benefits of Magna Clean Installation
Extends Boiler Life
By preventing sludge from reaching your boiler heat exchanger, you can add years to its working life.
Reduces Breakdowns
Fewer pump failures, blocked valves, and boiler lockouts means less disruption and lower repair costs.
Maintains Efficiency
Clean water means better heat transfer, keeping your system running at peak efficiency.
Prolongs Power Flush Benefits
After power flushing, a Magna Clean keeps your freshly cleaned system protected for longer.
Protects Warranty
Many boiler manufacturers recommend magnetic filters. Some warranties require them.
Cost-Effective Protection
A £125 filter can prevent repairs costing £500-1000+. It pays for itself quickly.
Why Hampshire Homes Especially Need Magnetic Filters
If you live in Andover, Marlborough, Hungerford, or anywhere in the Hampshire/Wiltshire borders, a magnetic filter isn't just a nice-to-have - it's essential protection for your heating system.
The Hard Water Challenge
Our local water supply comes from chalk aquifers and is classified as 'very hard' - over 200mg/l of calcium carbonate. This creates unique challenges for heating systems:
Hard Water Effects
- • Faster limescale buildup in boiler heat exchangers
- • Accelerated corrosion rates in steel radiators
- • More rapid sludge formation than soft water areas
- • Shorter intervals between power flushing needed
- • Greater strain on pumps and valves
Magna Clean Protection
- • Captures debris before it reaches the boiler
- • Reduces frequency of power flushing needed
- • Protects expensive heat exchanger components
- • Extends intervals between professional cleaning
- • Maintains efficiency in hard water conditions
Our Hampshire Recommendation
For homes in our service area (Andover SP10/SP11, Marlborough SN8, Hungerford RG17), we consider Magna Clean installation essential rather than optional. The hard water conditions mean systems produce debris faster than in soft water regions. Without a magnetic filter, you'll likely need power flushing every 5-7 years; with one installed, many systems can go 8-10 years between professional cleans.
Magna Clean Installation
What to Expect
Power Flush + Magna Clean Package: £575
The best value is combining power flushing with Magna Clean installation. You get a completely clean system plus ongoing protection - the ideal combination for Hampshire homes.
Get Package QuoteMagna Clean Maintenance
Magna Clean filters are designed for easy maintenance. The magnet assembly can be removed quickly to clean out captured debris:
When to Clean
- • Annually during boiler service (standard)
- • Every 6 months (new installations)
- • After power flushing (1-2 weeks check)
Cleaning Process
- • Isolate valves on either side
- • Remove magnetic assembly
- • Wipe off debris
- • Reassemble and restore flow
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Magna Clean myself?
We don't recommend DIY installation. It requires cutting into your heating pipes and soldering, which should be done by a qualified professional to avoid leaks.
Do I need a Magna Clean if I have a new boiler?
Yes - in fact many boiler manufacturers now require magnetic filters. Even new systems produce some sludge, and a filter protects your investment.
How long does a Magna Clean last?
The filter body should last 10-15+ years. The magnet doesn't wear out. Only the seals may need replacing eventually.
Is Magna Clean better than other magnetic filters?
Magna Clean is the industry leader with the strongest magnet (12,000+ gauss). There are alternatives, but we've found Magna Clean offers the best protection.
Do I still need power flushing if I install a Magna Clean?
If your system already has significant sludge, yes. The filter prevents future buildup but doesn't remove existing contamination. Power flush first, then install the filter.
Protect Your Heating System
Magna Clean installation from £125 across Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford. Combined power flush + filter package from £575.