Powerflush

How much does a power flush cost?

A power flush can take anywhere from one to two days to finish and usually comes with a price tag ranging from £300 to £500, depending on the size of your home. However, the benefits of a power flush are well worth the investment as it helps prolong the lifespan of your boiler and ensures optimal efficiency of your central heating system.

In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the indicators that suggest you may require a power flush, provide a detailed explanation of the process itself, and address any queries you may have. Armed with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision on whether a power flush is the right solution for you or if alternative options such as replacing your boiler or radiators are necessary.

How does a power flush work?

A power flush is an extremely effective method for eliminating obstructions in your central heating system, enabling water to flow freely through it. The power flushing process consists of several stages:

1. Initially, a skilled heating engineer will directly connect a specialized machine, known as a “pumping station,” to your central heating system. The connection will be made either to the pump head or circulation pump, depending on the type of boiler you have (combination or system). Alternatively, the engineer can connect the machine to the tails of a radiator.

2. The engineer will then spend approximately 90 minutes thoroughly flushing the entire system with water in both directions until it runs clean. In case there are any particularly problematic areas, they may utilize a durable pad attached to a hammer action drill, known as an “agitator,” to dislodge the sludge. This process will be carried out separately on heavily contaminated radiators.

3. If the issue is severe, the engineer may proceed to flush a potent blend of chemicals through the pipework.

4. Subsequently, the engineer will forcefully pass clean water through the pipes to eliminate all the contaminated liquid from the central heating system. They will ensure responsible disposal of this waste.

5. To prevent internal corrosion, the engineer will add a chemical neutralizer and thoroughly wash it through the system. They will also check the pH balance to ensure optimal conditions.

6. Finally, a dose of “inhibitor” fluid will be added to the system. This fluid serves to prevent corrosion and inhibit the accumulation of central heating sludge in the future.

How long does a power flush take?

The duration of the power flushing process for your central heating system depends on its size and condition. It could take anywhere from a few hours to two days to complete. However, for a three-bedroomed house, the process usually takes around six hours, provided that the issue is not too severe, the system is not too complex, and no parts require replacement. If you have a combination boiler or sealed system boiler, the process may take less time since the engineer will not need to cap off the cold feed or expansion piping.

Will power flushing get rid of all the sludge?

Despite the fact that a power flush can eliminate a significant amount of sludge from your central heating system, it may not be able to remove all of it. Nevertheless, if you have a combination boiler, you can request your engineer to detach the hot water heat exchanger and flush it individually on both sides before reinstalling it. This method aims to eliminate as much sludge as possible. This approach can prove to be effective, especially considering the high cost of replacing a faulty heat exchanger.

How do you know when you need a power flush?