Power flush

The Proflush Professional System is regarded as one of the best power flush machines on the market, constantly being recommended on most recognized UK plumbing forums.

Why Power flush?

If sludge and debris is not removed from heating systems, it can accumulate in radiators, pipework and heat exchangers, causing severe blockages.  This diminishes the transfer of heat and can result in pipe, radiator valve and heating control servo valve damage. In some cases this will eventually lead to the premature failure of the boiler.

Powerflushing is a popular method of cleaning and maintaining a central heating system. A powerflushing unit sends water at high velocity through the system to dislodge and remove debris, limescale, and sludge build-up. A thorough powerflush will improve heat distribution throughout the property, subsequently lowering household energy bills and increasing system reliability.

When do I need a power flush?

There are a number of symptoms to look out for which could suggest that you have sludge or corrosion in your system.

• No water escapes when you bleed a radiator
• Cold areas at the bottom of your radiators
• Excessive noise from the boiler or the heating system pump
• Radiators cold but pipes are hot
• Heating is slow to warm up
• Cloudy tap water (limescale in system)
• Small leaks in radiators
• Some radiators struggle to heat up as well as others
• Boiler regularly shuts down and needs restarting
• Discoloured water when you bleed the radiators
• Noisy radiators and/or boiler

As part of an annual service, a Gas Safe engineer will perform various tests and visual checks on the boiler and heating system; during which the engineer may be able to identify potential areas of corrosion or sludge build-up. The engineer will advise if a power flush is required, and make you aware of any potential leak risks which may arise in the most corroded areas.

If you service your boiler annually then a preventative power flush every 5-6 years could be all that’s necessary to clear debris and prevent any substantial blockages occurring. However, the likelihood of rust and sludge forming often has a lot to do with the materials used on your heat exchanger. For example, copper heat exchangers are more durable than stainless steel which will corrode at a quicker rate.

We usually recommend having a power flush before a new boiler installation. This is to prevent any pre-existing rust and sludge in your pipework or radiators causing damage to your new boiler.

How much does a power flush cost?

The price of a power flush depends on the size of your heating system and the complexity of the work involved, but generally prices start at around £300. Although this may seem an expensive service, there are many benefits to a power flush which could help you save money over time.

What are the advantages of a powerflush?

Here are some of the ways in which your central heating system could benefit from a power flush:

• Improved energy efficiency
• A more reliable system
• Increase the lifespan of your system
• Reduced chance of a breakdown
• Hotter radiators
• Radiators will heat up quicker
• Quieter boiler and radiators
• Higher hot water temperatures