The Powerflushing Process Explained

Powerflushing is the extremely effective process in which pipe work, central heating systems and radiators are flushed out using cleaning chemicals and water. By using high velocity water at low pressures, a powerflush ensures your system can be thoroughly cleaned without compromising your pipework.

There are many benefits to getting your radiators powerflushed, and you will certainly feel the difference instantly in your heating system.

First developed in 1981 by powerflushing industry leaders Fernox, with the first machine, known as the ‘Fernox Squid’, launched in 1981/2. The special chemicals can be used to both speed up the powerflushing process and prolong the overall life of the system. The chemicals that are used in powerflushing often contain sludge breaking enzymes making them ideal if you have limescale or other contaminants in your system. The before and after slides shown were taken by the Fernox tech team during a very detailed study in the USA. This study was part of the data The Carbon Trust used to endorse Fernix chemicals with the ‘15% gas saving’ statement that accompanies the products.

The process of powerflushing involves an extremely fast jet of water directed through your system at a pressure high enough to remove debris from the pipes, radiators and boiler but low enough to keep anything from bursting or being damaged. The water is moving so quickly through your system the debris is essentially ripped from the inside walls of the pipes and radiators.

To protect your boiler the water does not enter your boiler, instead it circulates an extremely strong magnet that attracts any metallic debris stopping it from returning to the system and any none-magnetic fragments will be filtered.

Most of the current powerflushing technologies possess either a clear chamber or removable magnet where the debris is collected so you can see how effective the powerflush has been.

The aim of powerflushing is to restore full circulation to your heating system and also eliminate any noise that your boiler may be making. You will also find that your system will be running much more efficiently and you won’t hear as much external noise or as much rattling.

General use of your boiler over time can inevitably lead to to rust and particles beginning to circulate around the entire system, this is what is generally referred to as sludge. Sludge is very common and can end up causing damage by restricting the flow, completely blocking or possibly even bursting the pipes.
Sludge is much heavier than water so it stops the heat from reaching the top, but you may also find that you experience a restriction of water at various areas in the home as well.

If left untreated continuously you will notice your radiators develop cold spots, a sure symptom of built-up sludge filling parts of your radiator preventing water from circulating correctly. It starts from the bottom middle and grows up and outwards over time. This reduces the efficiency of your system leading to a potentially colder home and definitely a higher bill at the end of the month.

Check out our blog helping you identify common boiler problems.

It is important to remember that powerflushing doesn’t always guarantee that your system will last longer.  If the powerflushing process is not performed correctly, then it can burst weak pipes and could end up being quite a costly ordeal. Don’t worry though, our engineers know exactly what they’re doing.

Powerflushing isn’t the be all and end all of boiler care either. Once your system has been flushed you can’t just forget about it again, you have to look after it properly. If you neglect it, it could break down when you really need it to be working most. A regular, annual service is a great way of keeping your boiler working in great condition for longer.

Complheat Heating & Plumbing can treat most types of central heating system with a power flush treatment to extract these harmful deposits in your radiators and boiler. After your system has been cleaned, the system is filled with fresh water and a protective chemical to protect against future clogging.