What is a Central Heating Power Flush?

Central heating is a major component of many homes in the UK, but over time your system can start to run into problems when debris is left to build up. While your first thought may be to get a new boiler, this is not always necessary. There are two options to flush the built-up debris out of your pipes, a chemical flush or a power flush. 

While both a chemical flush and power flush are designed to provide a deep cleanse of your central heating system, there are some key differences between the two. 

A chemical flush does not rely on high pressure whereas a power flush does. Instead, a chemical flush uses gravity to empty the system of debris and later refill it with clean water.

As the name suggests, during a chemical flush, a mixture of cleaning chemicals is flushed through the system which works to remove sludge, dirt, and debris.

What is a Power Flush?

A power flush is a process carried out by central heating engineers designed to remove the build up of sludge in the boiler, pipes and radiators that make up your heating system.

Over time, corrosion can lead to rust and other debris developing inside your central heating, which causes issues. The sludge can prevent water from running freely through the heat exchanger, which is why you might be experiencing cold patches or a noisy boiler. There are several issues that a flush may resolve, and it can prevent you from needing to get a new boiler prematurely.

During the process, a specialised machine circulates hot water and a combination of chemicals through the boiler, pipes and radiators at high pressure. This flushes out any potentially inhibiting deposits and keeps your water running freely throughout your system.

The length of time needed for a power flush depends on your system’s size and condition. Usually, a power flush can take up to 8 hours, but for particularly complicated or large systems it could take up to 2 days.

When does my system need a flush?

Power flushing is required when your system is heavily contaminated. This can be caused by several factors including incorrect installation, the system not being thoroughly cleaned before a new boiler was installed, bacterial growth or corrosion. 

In most cases, a system flush should be performed every 5-6 years to keep your boiler clean. This is something that should be performed by a central heating engineer and it can help extend your boiler’s lifespan. 

It’s not always possible to see the problems caused by the sludge in your heating system. But if you have leaking pipework, cold spots in your radiators, or a boiler breakdown, then a power flush could be the answer. The build up of contaminated water in the system is a contributing factor in roughly 87 percent of boiler breakdowns. 

Common signs to look out for

A system flush should also always be done on your central heating system before a new boiler is installed.

There are some signs that it is time for a system flush, and these may include:

• Cold spots around the house or cold patches on the radiators.

• Radiators need to be bled more often.

• Inadequate heat output from your radiators, making your house cold.

• It takes a long time for radiators to heat up or the heating to kick in.

• A noisy boiler or radiator when the system is running.

• Leaks from the radiators or dirty water coming from the leaks.

• Water is discoloured or no water escapes when the radiators are bled.

• A magnet attaching to copper pipe work (signs of iron sludge within).

• Boiler regularly breaks down or needs to be restarted.

• Hot pipes when the radiators are cold.

If you are experiencing any of these issues within your heating system, pipes, and radiators, then it may be time for a central heating power flush. 

A power flush is a good idea if you’re having a new boiler installed but have an old central heating system with old radiators. 

What are the benefits of Power Flushing my system?

Untreated sludge and rust in your central heating system can cause havoc. Your heating works inefficiently, costing you time and money when parts of the system fail and need to be replaced.

Having your central heating regularly serviced has some significant benefits for your home and your pocket. By improving the circulation of water in your heating system, your radiators will heat up more quickly, running with greater energy efficiency than before. That, in turn, results in lower running costs.

In the long run, a well-maintained heating system will have a longer life span with less likelihood of breaking down.

Is Power Flushing always the solution? 

No, if there is a broken part in your boiler, or elsewhere in your central heating system, power flushing will not fix it. Power flushing can improve the efficiency of your system and keep it running effectively but it cannot mend valves that have broken as a result of sludge in the system. Just as power flushing is not the solution to pressure loss, this is usually an indication of a leak in the system.

Conversely, not every system is suitable for a power flush or chemical flush. Your heating engineer should be able to advise you on whether they can perform a power flush on your particular system.

Systems that aren’t compatible with power flushing include electrical heating systems and radiators with twin entry valves. If your pipework is smaller than 15mm in diameter, it will require an alternative approach.

How much does it cost?

Prices for a central heating power flush can vary depending on the size of your heating system and the complexity of the job. Generally, prices can start at approximately £300 but may cost a much higher amount if the process is going to be more complicated, such as working with an old boiler, or if one requires more than one engineer on site. This cost can also increase if you are getting much more done, such as the installation of a new boiler.

Conclusion

Power flushing your boiler every 5-6 years will help to keep it running efficiently for the lifespan of your boiler, or when installing a new boiler. This will keep your home in the optimum condition and temperature for you and your household, as well as reduce running costs. 

The boiler in your home is needed at all times, providing both warmth and hot water. That’s why getting a boiler breakdown cover is so important. A boiler breakdown insurance cover gives you peace of mind in terms of covering the repair costs of breakdown of your boiler. 

With Smart Cover’s boiler breakdown insurance, in the event that your boiler breaks down, an engineer will visit, assess, and try to fix the problem, so that you’re not left without heat or hot water for extended periods.