Is power flushing worth it?
Your guide to central heating powerflushing
Is power flushing necessary?
It’s touted by plumbers and engineers as a great way to tackle central heating system problems and keep your heating bills down; but does it really work?
We’ve broken down some of the more common questions surrounding powerflushing for central heating systems; so you can decide for yourself…
What is power flushing?
Central heating powerflushing is a process to clear away sludge, limescale and other contaminants from your central heating system.
It works by pumping water through the system at high speed, which should dislodge any nasty substances from your radiators and pipes.
If the contamination is particularly bad, your power flushing engineer may also use a chemical solution flush and hammering/magnetic tools to free up stubborn deposits.
After the system is clean, pH neutraliser and rust inhibitor chemicals will be added to prevent future corrosion.
How long does a power flush take?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the size and complexity of your central heating system.
For the average three-bedroom home, you can expect a power flushing to be completed in around 5 to 8 hours.
Is power flushing worth it?
Power flushing is usually most effective if you’re having certain issues with your central heating system, including:
- Cold spots on radiators
- Noisy boiler, radiator and/or pipes
- Noticeable drop in heating system performance
- Boiler or heat pump breakdowns
Before you seek out a power flush, though, you can try addressing the above problems by:
- Checking your boiler pressure – it should be between 1 and 2 bars
- Bleeding your radiators
- Re-pressurising your boiler via the filling loop
These might solve your issues, but if they keep coming back even after frequent radiator bleeds, a power flush is probably the best option. You should also get a power flush if the radiator produces brown or black water (or no water at all) when you try to bleed it.
Of course, if you’re not having any issues with your central heating, a power flush probably isn’t necessary.
It’s still a good idea to get a power flush every five years, though; as this can help you maintain the efficiency of your heating system, keep your heating bills low, and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Can powerflushing cause leaks?
For many homeowners, the idea of pumping water at high pressure through their central heating system sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
The good news is, power flushing is very unlikely to cause leaks in your system. The water is pumped at high speed, but the water pressure is relatively low at 2 bars.
However, it’s possible that power flushing can reveal pre-existing leaks, by clearing away the sludge and limescale that’s currently plugging up the holes in your radiators and/or water pipes.
Even without power flushing, these kinds of leaks will likely emerge in due course as the corrosion progresses; so a power flush could actually help you detect smaller leaks before they turn into big ones.
Plus, a good power flushing engineer will also be the best person to help you deal with any leaks uncovered during the flushing process; as they can provide a thorough inspection and supply and install any necessary replacement parts.
Can I do powerflushing myself?
There are no strict rules on who can perform a power flush – but DIY power flushing is definitely not recommended.
Proper power flushing requires specialist pumping equipment and potentially dangerous chemicals; not to mention the expertise of a qualified engineer who can oversee the whole process and diagnose any faults that might emerge.
Doing it yourself could potentially damage your central heating system and/or put your own health and safety at risk. You might also end up invalidating your heating system’s warranty and/or your home insurance.
It’s much better to leave the job to a qualified power flushing plumber or engineer.
Dynamika’s water experts can provide fast, affordable power flushing services for both homeowners and commercial premises across the UK.
To find out more, or to request a quote, call Dynamika us on 03333 22 0800 or get in touch online today.