Power Flushing
What is a Power Flush ?
A Power flush is when a specialized (motorized) machine is used to circulate water containing chemical cleaning agents around your central heating system to loosen up the magnetite, dirt and debris that accumulate in the system. This grime is then collected in a central reservoir within the power flush machine and disposed/removed out of the system. New fresh and clean water is then replaced and protected (using inhibitor).
Why do we Power Flush / What are the benefits?
Reasons as to needing to power flush include;- Damage or blockages within the boiler or controls; Blocked (cold) radiators including blocked radiator valves, poor performance of the central heating system and ultimately an increased expense of running an inefficient system.
We power flush to remove grime, dirt and magnetite out of the system. Imagine your central heating system is your circulatory tract your heart is the boiler and the pipes your blood vessels, by removing all restrictions in your veins, arteries and heart how, great would you feel and how much easier would everything be, especially with new fresh blood? That's why we power flush... to remove all the rubbish out and replace all of this water with fresh inhibited water.
Most manufacturers also indicate that if the circulating water is of poor quality, ( Not clean, inhibited (occasionally PH between 7-9) or not to current standards) this will void the Manufacturers guaranty.
Ultimately by having a clean unrestricted, more efficient central heating system you will use less energy, saving you money. It will reduce the risk of damage to the central heating system, causing your life to be more Zen.
For everyone whole loves Gaia (mother earth) By using less energy, "fossil fuels" you will be contributing to saving the planet and reducing your carbon footprint.
What is the process ?
So the first process is to gain appropriate access to the central heating system, we do this by identifying the best place to break into your central heating system. At Brompton Boilers we use the Kamco CF40 OR CF90 depending on the size of the property. As the machine works and is operated by a trained engineer they will first start off by completing a clean water flush and drain down, the cleaning chemicals will then be added system and circulated. After approximately an hour each radiator will be individually isolated and agitated to help loosen the debris and dirt. Once this process has happened to all the radiators the system is drained down and flushed again. Once the system is deemed clean, the machine and equipment will then be removed, system refilled with fresh clean water and neutralized of the cleaning agents as needed. Inhibitor will then be added to the system and the system will then be worked. Once the system has been worked all the radiators will be bled and the system balanced.
How Often Should we Power Flush?
Over the last few years there have been discussions on multiple forums, especially from the Manufacturers to set a compulsory time frame in which a power flush, system clean should be undertaken, but as yet it is ultimately, your choice for existing systems.
When installing a new boiler Many Manufacturers indicate that the central heating system must be cleaned, flushed and inhibited. So at Brompton Boilers if you are having a new boiler installed, moved or system alterations we may advocate a power flush so we work to best practice and help retain our high standards of workmanship.
The current recommendations and general consensus are that central heating system are cleaned and flushed every 3-5 years, But the system water must be checked yearly, which is why at Brompton boilers when we carryout a service we check the cleanliness of the central heating water and levels of inhibitor as standard.
How long does it take?
The time needed to power flush a central heating system is dependent on the type of system, the size of the system (size of your dwelling/home), and various other mechanical/plumbing issues. At Brompton boilers we allocate a whole day to these tasks. Firstly to ensure that the task is fully, correctly and efficiently completed and secondly to allow time for any adjustments/repairs or concerns to be addressed and resolved. To balance the system ensuring that the central heating is working to its optimal function. Once completed the system is then ready for the inhibitor to be added. and for the work areas to be cleaned.
For a small dwelling (FLAT) on average takes 3-5 hours.
A four bedroom house may take 5-8 hours to complete.