Home/Central Heating/Guides/Magnetic Filter (MagnaClean) Installation — UK Cost Guide

Install a MagnaClean filter.

MagnaClean Pro2 or ADEY — catches sludge before it costs you a heat exchanger. Often a warranty requirement.

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Wrong installation position

Filter should be on return pipe (between radiators and boiler), close to boiler. Cheap installs put it elsewhere.

Not cleaned annually

Accumulated sludge in filter reduces flow. Should be wiped clean at every boiler service.

No isolation valves

Without these, cleaning requires draining the whole system. Always insist on valves.

Wrong size filter

Match filter capacity to system flow rate. Most domestic systems take Pro2 or TF1; large houses may need larger.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Adey MagnaClean Pro2, supplyMost popular UK brand
£80–£150
Fernox TF1 Omega, supplyQuality alternative
£90–£180
Adey MagnaClean Atom (compact)For tight installations
£70–£140
Install labour1–2 hours
£80–£180
Filter + install fittedMost common UK quote
£180–£350
Filter clean (annual service)During boiler service
£1–£40
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

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Magnetic Filter (MagnaClean) Installation — UK Cost Guide infographic

Magnetic system filters catch sludge before it damages your boiler — extending boiler life by 5+ years. Now mandated by many boiler warranties. Expect to pay £120–£300 for a UK MagnaClean or Fernox TF1 filter installation.

What Does the Work Involve?

Engineer drains a small section of pipework adjacent to the boiler. The filter (typically Adey MagnaClean Pro2 or Fernox TF1) is installed on the return pipe between the radiators and boiler. Two isolation valves allow maintenance without draining the whole system. System refilled, vented, and dosed with corrosion inhibitor. Filter checked every 12 months during boiler service — visible accumulated sludge removed.

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
Adey MagnaClean Pro2, supply80150Most popular UK brand
Fernox TF1 Omega, supply90180Quality alternative
Adey MagnaClean Atom (compact)70140For tight installations
Install labour801801–2 hours
Filter + install fitted180350Most common UK quote
Filter clean (annual service)040During boiler service
Inhibitor top-up2050Sentinel X100, Fernox F1

How Long Does It Take?

Filter install: 1–2 hours. Annual filter clean: 15–30 minutes.

DIY or Professional?

Gas Safe / qualified plumber installation. Wet system work near boiler. Annual clean can be DIY if proper drain and refill technique known.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

Heating engineer. MagnaClean and Fernox TF1 are the two market leaders — equivalent quality, just different brand. Get installer who clears the filter at annual service rather than replaces.

UK Regulations

No specific Building Regs. Worcester Bosch and Vaillant warranties now require a magnetic filter for full warranty (10 years).

Common Problems

  • Wrong installation position: Filter should be on return pipe (between radiators and boiler), close to boiler. Cheap installs put it elsewhere.
  • Not cleaned annually: Accumulated sludge in filter reduces flow. Should be wiped clean at every boiler service.
  • No isolation valves: Without these, cleaning requires draining the whole system. Always insist on valves.
  • Wrong size filter: Match filter capacity to system flow rate. Most domestic systems take Pro2 or TF1; large houses may need larger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a magnetic filter?

Yes — for any wet central heating system. Catches sludge before it reaches the boiler. Required by most boiler warranties (Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi).

MagnaClean or Fernox?

Both market leaders, equivalent quality. Adey MagnaClean is slightly more common. Fernox TF1 has rotational head for easier cleaning. Personal preference.

How often should the filter be cleaned?

At every annual boiler service. Quality engineers wipe the magnet clean as part of routine service. New install often has heavy sludge — clean at 6 months too.

Will a filter save me money?

Indirectly — by extending boiler life and maintaining efficiency. £200 filter protecting £2,200+ boiler is excellent value.

Can I add a filter to my existing system?

Yes — retrofit installation is common. Best fitted during a boiler service or power flush.

Will the filter affect heating performance?

Negligible flow restriction. Modern filters are designed for minimal head loss.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

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