Your Guide to a Central Heating Powerflush

What is a powerflush? It’s a type of boiler repair where chemically treated water is pumped throughout your heating system to clear it of debris and rust. 

Debris and rust build up in radiators and pipes over time and turns into a nasty, unpleasant substance that professionals call ‘sludge’. This sludge causes heating systems to work efficiently and can lead to breakdown if untreated. In extreme cases, you could need a whole new heating system if a powerflush is not completed.

Signs Your Heating System Needs a Powerflush

• Noisy radiators and/or boiler- particularly whistling, banging, or knocking sounds
• Cold spots on your radiator, usually at the bottom
• It takes a long time for your radiators to heat up
• Radiators not getting warm enough, but the pipes are hot
• Discoloured water when bleeding radiators
• No water when bleeding radiators
• Your boiler is regularly shutting down

Benefits of a Powerflush

• Your heating system will have a longer life span
• Your boiler is less likely to breakdown
• Radiators heat up quicker
• Radiators reach a higher temperature
• Quieter heating system
• Your water heats up quicker
• Hot water reaches higher temperatures

What Happens if Sludge is Left Untreated?

If your heating system requires a powerflush but is left untreated, there could be irreversible damage; this damage can set you back a lot of money. In addition, your heating bills will rise as your heating system struggles to warm your home. Your water system will also suffer, hot water will become warm, and it will take longer for the water to heat up.

Sludge can damage the pipes in your system; this could lead to holes and, therefore, leaks. These leaks leave nasty stains. These stains could ruin your carpets along with the furniture. Ultimately, your radiators could need replacing, which is a pricey job.

How Does a Powerflush Work?

There are multiple ways to clear a heating system, but a powerflush is the most effective and quickest way of doing so. An engineer attaches a pump to your heating system, which pumps chemically treated water through the pipes, boiler, and radiators. 

The chemicals in the water remove dirt, debris and rust from the heating system. A powerflush also prevents this sludge from returning. 

A powerflush usually takes less than a day to complete, but in extreme cases can take longer. In these severe cases, the engineer may discover further problems that need to be addressed, such as replacing parts.

Who Can Perform a Powerflush?

A powerflush always needs to be done by a qualified engineer; they have the correct equipment and can perform the process properly and safely. Never be tempted to try to achieve a powerflush yourself. Not only could this ruin your heating system, but it could invalidate any warranty you have on your boiler.

Qualified engineers can also identify any further problems with your system and sort them out. For example, parts could need replacing; engineers can source these parts and fit them. After a powerflush is completed, your engineer will provide a certificate to prove the flush was completed by a professional. Keep this document safe, as you could need it for insurance/warranty purposes.

If you are concerned about the current standard of your heating system, here at SIMP, we are more than happy to help. Please E-Mail us or call us on 07856875294 for further information regarding our services.