Power flushing is a plumbing process which uses high velocity water and chemicals to loosen deposits and sludge caused by corrosion within your heating system. This grime is then dumped out of your system and leaves your boiler, radiators and pipes completely clean; helping to regain maximum efficiency and circulation.
Power flushing is particularly advantageous to old heating systems, but should also be carried out if you intend to install a new boiler to an existing heating systems. This is due to most new boilers being condenser boilers which can be quickly damaged by already present contaminants within your pipes and radiators.
Signs that your system could benefit from a power flush
There are numerous signs to look out for before you should go ahead and arrange a power flush of your heating system. The most common symptoms are all those of generally underperforming heating; look out for cold areas on your radiators, excessive and uncomfortable noises that come from your boiler or heating pump, slow warming heating, water that isn’t getting hot enough and discoloured water from your radiators when they are bled.
Though the overall status of your heating system may be ‘functioning’ these inadequacies in its performance are all signs that a power flush is required. Ignoring these signs can lead to the total failure of your system, meaning costly repairs or even replacement.
The process of a power flush
To complete a power flush a heating engineer will connect a powerful low pressure/high flow pumping unit to your central heating system – either to the pump head of a combination boiler or to the circulation pump of a regular boiler. High strength cleaning chemicals are also added to the system which will help improve the flush. These chemicals can include a sludge crust breaker and remover as well as a lime scale remover and corrosion inhibitor. The sludge breaker is acid based and will help combat existing rust in your pipes and radiators, but there will be no acid left behind following the completion of the process.
The power flush process is usually a whole day job, taking around 6 hours to flush up to ten radiators and restore the balance of your heating system. Power flushing can cost anywhere from £350 to over £1000 depending on size and location of your system and whether the price of de-scaler is included.
The benefits of power flushing
There are huge benefits to a complete power flush of your heating system, from the improved efficiency of your system over all to lower energy bills. Radiator cold spots should be resolved and strange boiler noises cured. You can also expect an increase in your boiler and pump lifespan and the speed of your heating heat-up.
A power flush should always be conducted by a certified heating professional who can cleanly and safely carry out this procedure without damaging your heating system or property.