Power flushing: what is it? The Power Flush cleans and treats your central heating systems. It is the generic term used for cleaning a central heating system with the aid of chemicals and a powerful self-contained flushing unit. With the aid of a flow reversing valve a high degree of system cleanliness can be achieved.
Why carry out a Power Flush? Over time your central heating system can develop a number of hidden and ominous problems.
1. Corrosion: Silent, deadly, costly… corrosion begins the moment water enters a heating system. When the water is hot, corrosion attacks with greater speed. Corrosion is generally caused by the presence of oxygen, but can also be brought about by galvanic effects, which occur when different metals are connected. Aluminum is especially prone and for this reason should never be connected directly to copper or brass. When corrosion occurs, black magnetite is formed which can restrict circulation in radiators, cause premature pump failure, and form deposits in heat exchangers which manifest themselves in boiler noise and lost efficiency. Gassing, another side effect of corrosion, requires radiators to be bled in order to restore circulation. Pinhole corrosion can give rise to alarmingly rapid perforation and loss of radiators. It is normally due to overuse of flux and lack of effective flushing in new systems.
2. Scale: The problem of scale varies considerably across the country depending on the water supply. In hard water areas such as the East and South East of England, scaling is especially severe due to the high lime content in the water. Lime gives rise to rapid ‘furring’ of the heat exchanger where it causes two major problems – noise and increased fuel usage. In modern boilers the effect of scale on boiler efficiency and fuel usage is dramatic. An eggshell thickness of scale can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10%. Scale often gives rise to boiler noise commonly known as ‘kettling’. This can be an extreme nuisance to the householder who has to put up with banging noises that can be heard all over the house.
3. Microbiological growth: Frequently open to the air from their position in the loft, feed and expansion cisterns are prone to contamination from a variety of micro organisms such as bacteria and fungi. Once in the cistern, they can breed and give rise to unpleasant growths and slimes, which can foul the heating system and cause blockages and deposits.
What should you look for? Symptoms that all suggest that a Power Flush is required:
- Boiler noise
- Radiator failure
- Inefficient boiler
- Radiator cold spots
- Kettling
- Failed pumps
- Leaking radiators and weeping joints
What will the Power Flush achieve? Power flushing the system is extremely effective in clearing and restoring central heating systems, which always lose their efficiency over time. To maximize your system’s cost effectiveness, boiler manufacturers recommended you schedule a power flushing service at a minimum of once every three years. Atlantic Plumbing & Heating’s high pressure Power-flush solution, including chemical cleansing and neutralizing fluid, will rectify any and all of the problems listed above if your system is otherwise fully healthy and functional.
Should you complete a power flush at the time of installing a new boiler? Definitely. APH recommends carrying out a power flush when we install a new boiler onto your heating system because it will maximize the benefits of adding a new boiler, support the boiler warranty, prolong the life of your new boiler as well as your heating system. It will also ensure you will gain the maximum cost effectiveness from the new installation for a greater length of time because the newly cleaned system now containing the newly introduced central heating inhibitor will act to prevent these symptoms describe above from developing.
Why choose Atlantic Plumbing & Heating to power flush your central heating system? APH technicians are fully trained and experienced in carrying out a power flush. Unfortunately during the past few years there has been an influx of so called professional “power flush” companies offering highly “discounted” rates for what in fact is a substandard product inexpertly applied. Severe damage can be done to the system when applying incorrect methods and “generic” power flush chemicals. Also, not all systems and boilers are the same so, for example, the choice of chemicals is vital when dealing with aluminum heat exchangers as these will corrode when using all standard available chemicals. So, along with expertise and experience, APH has state of the art, tried and tested equipment to ensure the job is carried out correctly and thoroughly.
In-line magnetic filter |
Magnetic filter removes Fe2O3 |
APH uses only approved |
Metre Check measures |
Like to know more about our expert professional power flush methods?
Give our office a call at 020 7736 0303 or simply follow this link.
We look forward to cleaning out your central heating system!
“You can call, we can help.” Ph: 020 7736 0303