What is a power flush?
A central heating power flush uses specialist cleaning chemicals and pumps them through your entire central heating system under pressure. This removes rust, sludge and other debris that collects over time in the system and pipework. A power flush can also dislodge and remove limescale from the pipes and radiators, especially in hard water areas where limescale can block pipes and corrode fittings.
How can a power flush benefit your central heating?
As well as getting rid of debris, rust and limescale, flushing your central heating system keeps your radiators and heating running smoothly. By allowing water to flow freely throughout the system, you can reduce pipe noise and vibration, as there is no build-up of pressure or ‘bottle-necks’. Power flush your central heating system and you’ll have a quieter, more efficient central heating system.
Not only will it run more smoothly but it could save you money as well. An efficient central heating system keeps running costs down, regularly power flushing central heating systems extends their lifespan and minimises pipe corrosion.
How do you know if your central heating needs a power flush?
There are signs you can look out for, if you find that some rooms are warmer than others, or that the heat is not evenly distributed throughout your property, then you may need to power flush your system through to redistribute the hot water and improve efficiency.
Other indicators that your central heating system isn’t working as efficiently as it should be are long delays in the system reaching peak heat output, if one or more of your radiators is cold at the bottom but hot at the top, if you need to bleed radiators frequently, or if you notice excessive boiler noise or vibrating pipes.
Can your home or business benefit from a power flush?
Flushing a central heating system isn’t just a service for homeowners. At MG London, we recognise that regular radiator flushing can also be of benefit to landlords with rental properties, as well as business owners. If you have multiple occupancy rental properties, then regular radiator flushes ensure that all your tenants stay warm and comfortable, making your rental properties more attractive.
For business owners, you have to ensure that you’re providing a warm and comfortable working environment for your employees, and if your business is open to the public then a well-maintained central heating system creates a warm and inviting environment. Reducing your overheads and keeping heating bills down is a priority for everyone these days, so whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord or a business owner, regular boiler maintenance and central heating power flushes are essential.
How much does a central heating power flush cost?
At MG London, we try to keep the cost down to an affordable level for you. So a standard power flush costs £425 +VAT for a system with up to six radiators. If you have additional radiators then they are charged at an extra £25 +VAT per radiator.
How long does it take?
It really depends on the size of your central heating system, but a power flush should be completed within a day. It will take a little longer if you have a particularly big system or it is very dirty, but most average home central heating power flushes take between 4-8 hours to complete.
How do you do a power flush?
At MG London, we use the latest equipment to carry out a power flush. Our plumbing services regularly perform power flushes for homes, rental properties and businesses, so we’re well practiced in the technique of effectively flushing through central heating systems.
A specialized power flushing machine is used to pump cleaning chemicals through the system at high pressure. The machine is connected to the system somewhere within easy reach of cold water and a drain point, ideally connected in the place of the heating circulator pump. If it isn’t possible to isolate and remove the circulator then the power flushing machine can be connected across a radiator.
Water and a cleaning chemical is then added to the power flushing machine and circulated around the central heating system at high pressure for around 15 minutes. Once that is complete, our engineer will then flush each radiator individually, dislodging any build-up of dirt, rust and debris by banging the radiator. No damage is done to the system during this process.
Then our engineer will re-open all the radiator valves and flush your central heating system through until the water is completely clear. They will then add an inhibitor to the power flushing unit, which prevents future build-up of limescale, rust and dirt so that your central heating runs smoothly and efficiently. The engineer will then bleed any air out of the radiators and leave you with a fully functioning, efficient central heating system.
Other reasons for carrying out a power flush
Many boiler manufacturers stipulate that, if a new boiler is being fitted to an existing central heating system, a power flush has to be carried out to validate the warranty. This also guarantees the effectiveness of a new boiler, and prevents damage or contamination, prolonging the life of your boiler and your central heating system.
Our London based plumbers are always happy to help you get the most from your central heating system, whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or are running a business. To find out more about central heating power flushes and to book an appointment with one of our friendly team, simply contact us direct or use our online contact form and we’ll be happy to help.