Why power flush a heating system?

A power flush for a heating system is like a service for your heating system. When you service your boiler, you are only looking at the internal components of the gas or oil boiler. A power flush will clean the entire heating system, including the boilers heat exchangers.

Cleaning them, will remove any grime, sludge or lime build-up which reduces the efficiency of the entire heating system. Grime on radiators will cause cold spots and will reduce the amount of heat that a radiator are let out. Grime in a pump will cause additional wear and strain on the pump and will eventually stop it working. This will stop your entire heating system from operating. Grime build-up on your boilers heat exchangers will cause them to output less heat than when they were new.

The power flush chemicals will be forced around the entire heating system pipework and radiators and cylinder and this will get them shining internally. When we have finished with the cleaning chemical, we will input a system inhibitor to your heating system. This will prevent future build-up of grime, sludge or lime.

A Power flush is not required on all heating systems, though it can be beneficial for solving lots of heating system problems.

Please note that we will only power flush your heating system if we are replacing your boiler or installing a solar system at the same time.

Where would a power flush be beneficial?

•     Removing radiator water black or iron oxide sludge.
•     If your heating system is slow to heat up.
•     If you have cold spots in the middle of the radiators.
•     Unusual noises from your boiler.
•     Repeated pump failures.
•     Radiators must be bled of air frequently.
•     Pin hole in radiator body which is leaking.

What happens during a power flush?

1. The power flushing machine is connected into the heating system, either across the pump couplings, at radiator connections, or wherever makes most sense on your heating system.
2. Power flushing works by pumping water and chemicals at a high velocity through the heating system, to loosen and mobilise harmful corrosion deposits and to suspend them in the the moving water. The process is improved by the use of cleansing chemicals.
3. A flow reverse device, which creates turbulence in the pipes and rads will help "mobilise" and loosen the blockage.
4. The dirt filled water from your heating system is replaced with clean water and it is sent to a local drain. During the power flushing process, radiators are individually flushed by directing the full output of the machine through each radiator, one at a time.
5. When the power flush is completed your heating system is filled up with clean water and inhibitor to prevent further build up.
6. We can also fit a magnetic heating system filter. This will capture any future iron-oxide and magnetic debris in the heating system. Ask us for details on this.

If I am installing a new boiler do I need a power-flush?

The spacing between fins of the heat exchangers on modern condensing boilers makes them more susceptible to problems caused by debris in the system water. Boiler manufacturers recommend that old and dirty heating systems should have a power flush before installing a new boiler.

Is a power flush suitable for all heating systems?

Most heating systems are capable of having a power flush carried out. If you have an old gun barrell heating system with GB or steel pipes, we will run the power flush at a lower speed to reduce the pressure on the steel pipes.

How long does a power flush take?

Usually a 1/2 day for a standard house. If you have radiators with cold spots, we may need to insert a cleansing chemical the week before we call. This will help to soften the debris in these cold spots. This makes flushing more successful.

Is a power flush guaranteed to get all rads heating 100%?

Unfortunately not in all cases, though in the vast majority of cases we will get the radiators working far better than before hand. Some rads will have solidified sludge which cannot be removed. These radiators may need to be replaced.

How much does a power flush cost?

We will power flush a house with up to 8 radiators for €550. This includes the chemicals, flushing machine and labour. This takes about 4 hours to complete. Additional radiators will cost €35 each. If your system needs to be de-sludged, or is old and filled with debris, carrying out the power flush will easily save you 5% on your heating bills as well as ensuring your heating system is clean and clear of debris and sludge.