Are you experiencing problems with your central heating? Do you hear strange noises coming from your boiler? You may be wondering: When do I need a powerflush? We look at how powerflushing works and when you need to arrange for it to be done.

What happens during a powerflush?

A power flush service can be beneficial to the health of your central heating. An engineer will use a specialised machine to pump a chemical throughout your central heating, including your pipes, radiators and boiler while at high pressure. 

Using the chemical in your system can flush out most deposits that can be harmful to the efficiency of your heating. Removing the debris and sludge blocking the pipework, the water can move faster and more freely.

The speed of a power flush depends on its condition and size. Many power flushes can take 8 hours, but others can take as long as 2 days. 

How does a powerflush work?

Firstly, an engineer will connect a pumping device to your central heating system. If the boiler is a combi, the pump will be connected to the pump head. However, if you have a system boiler, it will be connected to the circulation pump. This pump is used to spread special chemicals throughout your heating system pipes, boiler, etc. 

In some cases, the engineer may use a special kind of tool to dislodge strong blockages within the radiator to allow the chemical to work efficiently. Some engineers or companies might test the temperature before and after the power flush process has been completed to show you the improvements.

For a normal job, the process should not take longer than 6-10 hours, but this can change depending on the number of radiators in your home, the age of your central heating and the severity of damage and debris/sludge the central heating system. On occasion, the engineer may find more problems in the system that must be fixed, repaired or replaced. An ordinary power flush can be completed within 1 day, but this process can take more time depending on the severity of the damage. 

An engineer should be able to carry out the power flush and perform the repairs and replacements. 

What are the benefits of getting a powerflush?

There are a few benefits to having a power flush being done on your central heating system every few years. Including:

1.

Radiators heat up quicker

The power flush uses chemicals that fight most issues within the pipework, including blockages and rust. With the blockages removed, the hot water can flow faster and heat the radiators much better than before.

1.

Your boiler breaking down a lot

Do you have to call a Gas Safe registered Engineer out every year? The amount you are paying for the repairs, you could probably afford a replacement.

2.

Quieter boiler/radiators

With the pipework being freed up, the water can run throughout the central heating system easier and take a bit of stress from the boiler. The stress or noise can be caused because the boiler has needed to heat and send more water to get through the blockages. 

3.

More efficient energy

With water flowing better, you will need to spend less on energy or gas to heat the water and send it through the system. You will save more money after having the power flush done on your system and keep it healthy for longer. 

4.

More Reliable

A power flush is used to remove any deposits or rust in the heating systems. The power flush helps keep the central heating system and boiler healthy for as long as possible and reduce the chances of them breaking.

5.

Increased Lifespan

A power flush can help improve the longevity of your heating system if done every few years or so. The power flush will keep the central heating and boiler systems in the best condition for as long as possible and reduce the number of blockages and rust forming the pipework. 

When should I get a system powerflush?

A power flush should regularly be done every 5-6 years, but this depends on whether the system has had constant maintenance and servicing by an engineer (which should be done annually). The power flush is a preventative measure as some of the chemicals used are for stopping corrosion and limescale from occurring. Still, it also removes a lot of debris, rust and blockages within the system. 

Suppose you are planning on replacing a boiler and placing a new one in later on. In that case, it is suggested that you perform a good power flush on the central heating system first to ensure any debris and other harmful contaminants do not enter the new boiler straightaway. This will improve its quality and decrease debris entering the new boiler before the installation is completed.

Signs your system needs a powerflush

Your central heating system can give you a few signs that there might be some issues within it, and you require a power flush to fix them. Some of these signs include:

Who should perform a powerflush?

How much does a Powerflush cost?

The price for a power flush can change depending on the size and complexity of your central heating system. 

Although the prices for power flushes can change and sometimes seem a bit expensive, they are usually good for the health of your central heating system. 

The enhanced efficiency and potential savings from the power flush can be very beneficial and reduces the potentially expensive break downs in the future. 

Do you need a powerflush in the Southampton and Hampshire area? For more information or advice about power flushing, follow the link below.