What we’ll cover…
- An explanation of a heating system flush/power flush
- Reasons a heating system flush might be required
- Signs that indicate a flush could be needed (noisy boiler, cold radiators etc.)
- The importance of hiring a professional to complete the flushing procedure
- Advantages of a full system flush (enhanced efficiency, component longevity, heat distribution)
- An overview of the power flushing process with the use of specialist equipment
- Hints and tips regarding routine maintenance flushes for optimal heating performance
- Factors and costs associated with a heating system flush
- Why DIY power flush attempts are not recommended
- How to prepare the home for a professional power flush
- Alternative heating system maintenance advice outside of system flushing
Completing a heating system flush
Boiler breakdowns are one of the very most frustrating scenarios for a homeowner to experience. The inconvenience of a compromised heating system cannot be underestimated, both from a comfort and financial perspective.
So where possible, you should do everything within your power to keep your boilers in prime condition, preventing a build up of sludge and ensuring that your system hot water is clean water.
Dirty water, debris and sludge rust can have a hugely negative impact on the efficiency of your boiler performance. So it is certainly a good idea to flush the system every once in a while.
But what is the system flushing process? And how can it be conducted to make sure your central heating system is more original Star Wars than Episodes 1, 2 and 3?
We’ll tell you everything you need to know in this article. Except how Jar Jar Binks was expected to become a beloved series-defining character. Some things are just inexplicable…
What is a power flush?
A power flush is a chemical solution, used for the cleansing of a central heating system. It will help to remove debris, rust and sludge from the pipes, and any other unwanted gunk that might be compromising the performance of your system.
Suffice to say, left unattended, these sort of remains can cause all sorts of issues – with the primary result that the central heating system won’t work to its full capacity.
Think of the dreaded voice of an infant child repeating the words ‘Peppa’ over and over again until you’re forced to abandon your series binge-watch for MORE ‘fun’ adventures with a family of swines.
That voice is akin to the sludge and debris chipping away at your central heating, with your boiler substituted for your sanity as the potential victim of an eventual breakdown.
With a power flush, you’ll eliminate all the disposable dregs from the system, stopping blockages and maintaining boiler efficiency, ultimately increasing its shelf life. It’s a great means to MOT your home heating.
And in effect, it’s an antidote equivalent to warm milk and Calpol.
How do I know if my boiler needs a system heating flush?
Listed below are some of the usual indicators that your boiler might require a heating system flush. Where possible, it makes sense to consult a gas safe registered engineer for power flushing advice.
How to identify if your heating system needs a power flush…
Telltale signs for a power flush
- Leaking radiators
- Cold spots on radiators, especially at the bottom
- Noisy radiators and boilers
- Cloudy tap water
- Repeated boiler issues, requiring regular restarts
- Some radiators not heating up as well as others in the house
- Louder than normal noise emanating from the heating system pump or boiler
- Radiators not heating up properly despite the boiler being switched on
- No water emerging when radiators are bled
- Dirty water emerging when radiators are bled
Furthermore, we’d also suggest the system needs a powerflush whenever you have a new boiler installed. As a general guideline, a heating system flush should occur every five or six years to maintain your boiler in premium shape for a long time.
This will help you ensure that all of your designer radiators, heated towel rails and any other home heating devices you have installed, are all working to their optimal capacity.
But how long does a power flush take?
How long will a power flush take?
Just how long a power flush will take can hinder on a range of factors, depending on the size of your property and your central heating system to name a couple. Power flushes will generally be completed quicker in combi boilers and sealed heating systems, as expansion pipes and the cold feed don’t require capping off.
Typically, a thorough heating system flush will take about half the working day to complete. For a three-bedroom home with a vented heating system, expect a five-hour power flush.
And we know what you’re thinking – “is it possible to complete a heating power flush on my own?”
Can I complete a heating system flush myself?
It’s not advisable. BestHeating would always recommend to enlist the services of a qualified professional to perform a heating system flush.
Grab a quote from a plumber with experience in handling the specialist equipment and chemicals involved in the power flushing process.
Prices can vary from system to system, but a full heating system flush will tend to cost around £400-£500.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few fairly easily detectable issues to look out for if your radiators aren’t heating up properly after summer, and finding them might save you a pretty penny in not actually needing the services of a professional heating engineer.
You should check for cold spots on a radiator, particularly towards the top, that would indicate sludge has formed in the system, and a radiator power flush could could be needed
If you notice cold spots on a radiator, especially towards the top, it would tend to indicate sludge is infiltrating the system. In such an instance, a radiator power flush is recommended. You can check if your downstairs radiators heat up while upstairs appliances stay cold, which would suggest a boiler pressure issue. And if your radiators are cold at the top but warm at the bottom, it is likely air locks have formed, and you need to bleed your radiator.
For further help and information about the best way to deal with radiators not working properly, browse our blog, Why are my radiators not heating up after summer?
Flushing radiators can certainly help improve their efficiency of performance, however it is quite an involved job and not really a ‘quick fix’.
You can check for cold spots at the foot of your designer radiators to see if they need flushing – if they are hot at the top and cold at the bottom, it probably indicates a conglomeration of debris and sludge within the radiator.
To flush the system, you can remove the radiator from the wall and flush it out using a pressure washer or hosepipe, ridding it from any unwanted debris that could be causing a blockage and preventing the rad from running efficiently.
For more tips on maximizing the performance of your heating devices, explore our blog, How to improve radiator efficiency and performance.
A heating system flush is a chemical solution that removes sludge, rust and other unwanted debris from within a central heating system or boiler, helping it to perform to its full capacity.
Also known as a ‘power flush’, the solution essentially combats blockages and central heating inefficiency.
Find out more in our full Advice Centre blog, What is a Heating System Flush?
Get in touch with BestHeating
There you have it. Now you’re all clued up on heating system flushes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us regarding any of your home heating queries. You can leave your questions or thoughts in the comments section below, or contact us via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
With a background in sports journalism, John counts content writing amongst his key passions. He’s always peppering our Advice Centre feed with reasoned and researched home heating tips, and providing expert solutions to the questions you want answering. Fine football and music connoisseur. In his own head, at least.
