The trained and qualified Gas Safe engineers at Tailored Heat provide a range of Power Flush services to homeowners and tenanted properties in Plymouth and other parts of west Devon and south Cornwall. You might be wondering: what is a Power Flush and why might your central heating system need one this autumn? All is revealed in our latest blog!
Why do heating systems need a regular Power Flush?
The fabulous sunshine we all enjoyed at the start of September makes it tempting to forget about the looming winter months for the time being. But nothing changes as quickly as the British weather – and before you know it, you’ll be flicking the ‘On’ switch on the central heating. Unfortunately, this won’t have a happy outcome for some people, as it’s often the first time any faults in the heating system make themselves known.
A common problem is the build-up of magnetite (sludge comprised of dissolved rust) and other debris in your radiators, which prevents them warming up properly and working efficiently. These dirty deposits circulate around the system when you turn on the central heating, clogging up your pipes, boiler and pump, and according to British Gas, causing up to 87% of boiler breakdowns!
It’s a fact of life that sludge and debris will build up in all central heating systems over time, especially in hard water areas. But you can keep the problem under control, and help prevent your boiler and/or pump breaking down, by having a regular Power Flush carried out by a fully trained Tailored Heat engineer (every 5 to 6 years is recommended).
What system flush services do Tailored Heat offer and how much do they cost?
We offer three types of system flush: a Chemical Flush, a Magna Cleanse and our all-singing, all-dancing Power Flush. We’ll usually recommend a Power Flush as it offers more thorough and effective cleansing than the other two types and the results are likely to last longer. It’s a little more expensive, but it will save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills and extending the lifespan of your boiler and central heating system.
The cost of your system flush depends on the age, size and complexity of your heating system, as well as the service you choose. You can find out more and view our latest ‘from’ prices at our Power Flush web page. Or, you can contact us to discuss your requirements.
What’s involved in a Power Flush?
A Power Flush works by circulating cleansing chemicals around your heating system at high pressure, using a special pump. This helps remove sludge, dirt and any other substances that might be stopping your boiler, pump and radiators working properly.
A Power Flush can take up to a day to complete. We may need to visit your property beforehand to add the cleansing chemicals to the system in advance, to loosen up the debris. On the day, there’s usually no need to remove your radiators. However, this can sometimes be necessary where there are very thick or large pieces of sludge that won’t flush easily through the radiator valves.
Your boiler, radiators and pipework will be flushed through until the water runs clear, after which we’ll put an inhibitor chemical into the system to help slow down future build-ups. Your system will then be rebalanced so each radiator can work to optimum performance.
After the flush has taken place, hot water will be able to flow more freely around your heating system – keeping you warm and toasty in the winter and helping reduce your gas or oil bills.
Occasionally, we may suggest (or need to carry out) additional works, but we’ll always discuss these with you and provide a transparent quote before we start. For example, we might recommend fitting a magnetic filter which provides longer term protection against rust build-up so your system can work more efficiently.
When should you consider having a Power Flush?
We always recommend a Power Flush before we install a new mains gas, LPG or oil boiler. This helps make sure everything goes to plan with the installation and you can enjoy cost-effective and efficient central heating and hot water straightaway.
A Power Flush is especially important if your radiators, pump and/or pipework aren’t being replaced along with the boiler and are more than four years old. After all, the last thing you want is for your shiny new boiler to be damaged or even written-off by dirt and sludge!
The tell-tale signs you need a Power Flush include:
- Low water pressure
- Cold patches on your radiators, especially at the bottom, which are still there or return after bleeding
- Loud noise, such as banging sounds, from the boiler, radiators and/or pump
- Dirty water and/or sludge leaking from the radiators
- Your pipes are hot, but the radiators are partly or entirely cold
- You keep having to restart or reset the boiler
- The boiler or pump stops working altogether
**We recommend testing your central heating now before the weather turns cold, so we can nip any problems in the bud and minimise repair costs.**
Don’t delay – book your Power Flush now!
If you haven’t had your system flushed for a few years, or you notice any of the above symptoms, get in touch with Tailored Heat straightaway. We’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and recommend the best type of flush for your heating system’s make, model and age.
By booking a Power Flush now, you’ll get an appointment faster than if you wait until later in the year, when our engineers are likely to be snowed under with boiler breakdowns and related issues. Don’t take the risk of living without central heating when winter sets in – book your Power Flush online now or call us on 0800 689 1826.