A Powerflush is a cleansing process for your boiler which removes any dirt, sludge, rust and debris that may have accumulated within your system over time. If these substances are left in your heating system, they could cause blockages or corrosion and ultimately reduce the efficiency of your boiler – they could even eventually lead to a breakdown.
What happens during a Powerflush and how long could it take?
Using a specialised machine, a chemical is circulated through your radiators, pipes and boiler at a high pressure. This flushes out any potentially inhibiting deposits and thus allows water to flow freely throughout your system.
The length of time needed for a Powerflush typically depends on your system’s size and condition. Usually, a Powerflush can take up to around 8 hours to perform, however on particularly complicated systems, it could take up to 2 days.
What are the benefits of getting a Powerflush?
There are plenty of benefits of getting a Powerflush. These include:
- Enhanced energy-efficiency
- Improved system reliability
- Potentially lower energy bills*
- Reduced likeliness of boiler breakdown
- Could increase system lifespan
- Radiators can warm up quicker
- Better quality of heating and hot water
- Reduced noise from boiler and radiators
When should you get a system Powerflush?
Powerflushing is required when the system is heavily contaminated. This can be caused by a number of factors including incorrect installation, the system not been thoroughly cleansed before installation or bacterial growth.
If you’re getting a new boiler installed, the building regulations recommend that a suitable cleanse is carried out prior to the installation. This can vary from a simple system flush with clean water to a powerful Powerflush on more contaminated systems. This helps to prevent your new system from being contaminated and inhibited by the sludge and debris that was present in your old one.
Signs your system needs a Powerflush
There are a number of signs that could help you determine whether your system needs a Powerflush. These include:
- Cold spots on your radiators, particularly at the bottom
- The radiators require constant bleeding
- Noisy radiators and boiler
- Radiator leaks
- Frequent breakdowns
- Boiler constantly needs to be restarted
- Central heating takes a long time to heat up
- Some radiators struggle to heat up more than others
- Discoloured water when radiators are bled
- Cold radiators but hot pipes
Who should perform a Powerflush?
You should always ensure that a professional carries out any work on your central heating system. Qualified engineers will always carry their Gas Safe ID with them, you can ask to see it if you have any doubts.
Whilst there are no rules stating that you must be Gas Safe registered to perform a system Powerflush, you must be competent and able to complete the job properly. A mistake could make your heating system perform worse than what it did before and there are risks in using the specialised chemicals. We therefore recommend seeking the help of a professional.
HomeServe has a number of local expert engineers that are skilled in performing Powerflushes. You could get in touch today to help diagnose whether your system requires a Powerflush and to book an appointment.
How much does a Powerflush cost?
Prices for a central heating Powerflush can vary depending on the size of your heating system and the complexity of the job. Generally, prices can start at approximately £300. This may seem like a costly expense, however there are potential savings to be made due to enhanced system efficiency and this measure could help to prevent an expensive breakdown in the future.
Arranging your central heating Powerflush
To speak to a qualified advisor about Powerflushes and to find out how much it could cost to get one performed in your home, contact us today. Our qualified advisors could provide you with the help and advice you need to get your home heating working effectively.
*Source: energysavingtrust.org.uk. Saving calculated when replacing G-rated with A-rated boiler in a semi-detached house.