Common Misconceptions About Power Flushing

Power flushing is the process of removing built up residue and deposits from a central heating system using a pressurised mix of water and chemicals. For central heating systems that are experiencing problems, it could be the ideal solution as power flushing aims to restore optimal heating to all rooms of the home.

But there are many misconceptions about the properties of power flushing and the effect it has on your systems. We address them here:

FALSE: Power flushing is done at a high pressure

Power flushing is completed under high circulation rates which moves the sludge so it can be removed, but not at high pressure.

FALSE: Power flushing can stop your system from losing pressure

Pressure in your system can drop if there is a leak of some kind, but power flushing cannot seal this leak. Although the leak could be caused by sludge and particles, the leak itself needs to be fixed to stop the pressure loss. Our qualified plumbers can do both; a power flush and fix the leak.

FALSE: Power flushing can repair broken parts

No matter how much you clean it up, power flushing does not fix a broken part of your heating system, and the broken boiler or system is not failing due to the fact it needs a power flush. Despite the fact that the sludge may have triggered it to break and will most likely break the brand-new part if it is not eliminated by power flushing.

FALSE: Power flushing your main heating removes lime scale

In simple terms, there cannot be a lime scale accumulation in the main heating side of your system. However, there can be an accumulation of lime scale in your hot water heat exchangers, plate heat exchanger in a combination boiler, and only on the normal potable water side, these heat exchangers are only found in combi-boilers and not present in open vented systems.

A conventional power flush is not the very same thing as having the lime scale flushed out of your warm water heat exchanger or warm water cylinder.

A central heating flush cleanses the boiler, radiators and pipes, while a warm water heat exchanger flush means eradicating the hot water heat exchanger; flushing it independently on both sides and refitting it into the combi-boiler. Getting both procedures done is the better choice if you are having problems with hot water on a combi-boiler system.

When asking for a quote from us, it is easier if you specify if you want “a central heating power flush” or “hot water heat exchanger flush” – but if you’re unsure of your system then we can happily work it out for you.

FALSE: Fitting a magnetic filter is as good as doing a power flush.

Your typical system pump might manage 15 litres per minute, as magnetic filters depend on the system pumps to move the sludge and they are not that reliable at moving heavy deposits.
But if they are fitted onto a system with some sludge that is currently running properly and fitted on the return pipeline into the boiler, magnetic filters work wonderfully and they’re a fantastic for protecting your boiler.

FALSE: Do It Yourself power flushing is simple.

The biggest problem with DIY power flushing is that you do not have any evidence of “power flush certification” in the end. If you have insurance coverage cover on your system, the insurer is going to request this and will most likely decline future and more work if you don’t have one. We provide you with proof of power flushing in the form of a certificate upon completion.
Power flushing is also difficult, and uses lots of dangerous chemicals which are best left to the professionals. After your system has been cleaned, the system is filled with fresh water and a protective chemical to protect against future clogging.