Power Flush
What is Power Flushing?
Power flushing is the fastest and most effective way to flush heating systems with minimal disruption and dismantling. It is the process which is used to clean heating systems using water at high velocity, but low pressure. It usually involves the addition into the system of powerful cleansing chemicals and mobilising agents. These chemicals and agents clean heating systems by removing flux, sludge and other debris which has collected in the heating system over the years.
Why Power Flush?
The reason for power flushing your central heating system may be to remedy radiators which have cold spots and do not fully heat up. Or it could be a noisy boiler which has sludge inside the heat exchanger. Both of these conditions are caused by restriction to circulation which in turn is caused by sludge and corrosion deposits. Power flushing removes these deposits leaving a clean and efficient heating system. Power flushing will help to minimize fuel wastage, in turn reducing fuel costs.
Symptoms of sludge include:
- Radiators cold at the bottom but warm at the top
- Pump noise and failure
- Radiator thermostatic valves getting stuck in the off position
- Certain radiators not working
- Banging noise from boiler
- Combi boilers lack of HW performance, diverter valves gives regular trouble
- Boiler cuts out regularly requiring 'reset'
It has now become a manufacturer's requirement to Power flush the system before fitting a new boiler to uphold the warranty.
How does Power Flush work?
A power flushing pump is connected to the central heating system across the flow and return pipework so that high water velocity and instantaneous flow reversing device, dislodge and mobilise sludge and corrosion deposits. The loose debris is the flushed through the pump's drain - all without having to disconnect a single radiator. At the end of the flushing process your central heating system contains fresh water and an inhibitor is added to prevent future corrosion. The process can take 3-4 hours depending the size of they system.
The Benefits of a Power Flush?
- Cures flow and circulation problems
- Restores system efficiency, and possibly reducing bills
- Restores heat output to radiators
- Reduces boiler 'kettling'
To safeguard yourself, check that your gas installer is Gas Safe registered engineer (The Council of Registered Gas Installers) which is a legal requirement.