You can use both a power flush and a chemical flush to clean your central heating system.
When debris builds up, your central heating system can become a problem over time. Although you might think that a new boiler is necessary, it is not always the best idea as a system cleanse might just solve the problem.
This guide will help you make the right decision about whether to perform a power or chemical flush on your boiler.
What is a Power Flush?
A power flush is a deep cleaning of your central heating system. It removes sludge, dirt, and other debris.
Corrosion can cause rust and other debris to build up in your central heating system over time. This can cause problems. You may experience cold patches or noisy boilers due to sludge. In the worst-case scenario, this can get into your heat exchanger which is very costly to replace.
A flush can resolve many issues and prevent you from having to replace your boiler too soon.
Power flushes flush hot water with a mixture of chemicals at high pressure through heating systems. This should flush out any accumulated sludge and debris.
This will help to keep your boiler running smoothly over the long-term. A power flush should be performed every 5-6 years, or whenever a replacement boiler is installed.
What is a Chemical Flush?
Both a power flush or chemical flush can be used to deep clean your central heating system. However, there are key differences. Sometimes a chemical flush is called a system cleanse.
Chemical flushes don’t rely on pressure like a power flush. Chemical flushes instead use gravity to clear the system of all debris and then refill it with clean water.
Chemical flushes are, as the name implies, flushed with a mixture of cleaning chemicals. This helps to get rid of dirt, sludge, and other debris.
A chemical flush, similar to a power flush can remove clogs from your boiler’s pipes, making it more efficient.
Chemical flushes are performed by dissolving and flushing out the sludge in the pipes. This allows water to flow more freely and improves the efficiency of your central heating system.
A chemical flush is when clean water and an inhibitor (which is a type of limescale remover) are pushed through the system. We always recommend that you add a magnetic boiler filter too after.
What Do I need to do for a central heating system flush?
A system flush should be done every 5-6 years in most cases to maintain a clean boiler. A heating engineer should perform this service to extend the boiler’s life expectancy.
Before installing a new boiler, it is advisable to perform a system flush.
Other signs that it is time to flush your system include:
- Cold spots in the house or cold areas on radiators
- Radiators should be cleaned more frequently
- Radiators that do not produce enough heat can cause your home to become cold.
- Heating up radiators or turning on the heating takes time.
- When the system is in use, a noisy boiler (or radiator) is heard.
- Radiator leaks
- Leakage of water from the radiator can lead to dirty water
These issues can be found in your heating system, pipes, or radiators. It might be time to have a chemical flush or power flush.
Most often, problems in a boiler or radiator are caused by a buildup of sludge. To flush the pipes properly, you will need to hire an engineer who is gas safe. Professionals are the best choice as they can perform the chemical flush correctly and can find any other problems within your boiler.
What else can you do for your boiler and heating system?
When it comes to cleaning your boiler, you have two options: a chemical or power flush. A chemical or power flush can be a good first step to solve problems.
Before you can get a new boiler installed, you will need to flush the system. A deep clean can resolve some problems. A magnetic filter is an option for those who need to have longer-lasting relief.
Magnetic filters can be fitted into your boiler system’s pipes and provide similar benefits as regular power flushes. These include:
- Higher energy efficiency
- Lower energy bills
- Heating water and radiators faster
- Boilers with a longer life expectancy
Your heating system will eventually develop corrosion, as we’ve already mentioned. You should be aware of this because most boilers have metal internal-workings and constant water flow can cause rust. Problems arise when debris builds up and forms sludge. This can cause your boiler to stop working properly.
This can have an impact on the efficiency of your boiler. It will not only affect the efficiency of its operation but also its energy efficiency. This could increase your energy costs.
After you’ve had a chemical flush and a power flush, the engineer can install a magnetic filter in your boiler system. As the name implies, a magnetic filter attracts rust and other particles to the water as it flows through your system.
Magnetic filters use a strong magnetic material to capture and lift even small particles from water. A magnetic filter will capture rust and other particles and pull them out of the water. This prevents them from building up.
Magnetic filters are one way to prolong your boiler’s life and prevent it from bursting. The limescale remover inhibitor mentioned earlier can also be used to do the same thing. This is why they are often installed together.
You can prevent blockages in heat exchangers with additional filters. This will ensure your boiler works well and is energy efficient for many years.
What is the Average Time It Takes to Flush A Heating System?
The time it takes to flush a heating system can depend on its size, which can be determined by the number of radiators in your home and the severity of the problem.
After measuring radiator temperature, a professional engineer should be able to complete a system flush in about 8 hours. Sometimes, the flush can take more than 8 hours. If there are serious issues, it may take up to two days.
It is possible to take longer to work with an older boiler because there may be more problems with this type of system. A standard or old boiler can be easily flushed as an engineer will connect a powerful pump to it. A pump is required to connect a combi boiler.
This pump is used to connect to the flushing pump. The toxic mixture of chemicals and water can then be pushed through the pump.
This process should be done by a registered gas safe professional in England or Wales. Your warranty may be affected if you hire someone else or attempt to do it yourself.
What is the cost of power or chemical flush?
The cost of a power flush or chemical flush will vary depending on how severe the process is and how large your heating system is. A power flush cost more than a chemical flush but can sometimes be worth it.
The cost of this service can start at £300, but it may go up if there are more involved tasks, such as working with an older boiler or requiring more than one engineer. If you get more done, like installing a new boiler, this cost could rise.
Power flushing & boiler installation costs can vary depending on the gas company. When it comes to power flush vs chemical flush, most companies will always recommend a chemical flush.
Before you hire a Gas Safe registered engineer, get a quote to ensure that you can afford the process. If you qualify for financial assistance, such as state benefits, disability benefits or low income, you may be eligible.
You should only work with financial institutions that are licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority. This authority is authorized and regulated under the government.
Consider only a panel of lenders who have been authorized and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority. This ensures that the lender is legally registered in England.
