Powerflush of your central heating system - have you had it done?

NIMAN · 27-09-2023 6:29pm #1

As we enter the colder months, I was wondering if such a flush would help my heating system? Wanting to see if anyone has had it done and their thoughts on it.

Did you notice much of a difference?

How much ?

How long did the procedure take?

Oscar_Madison · 27-09-2023 6:35pm

Did it this year for the first time in donkeys- radiators really were in a bad way- like nearly a quarter of the radiator coolish compared to the rest of it - all worked out well - great heat coming out - should have done it a number of years ago - would totally recommend but good luck finding a plumber now willing to devote a number of hours- I’d say they’re mad busy with fixing broken boilers and heating systems not switched on since the start of summer - I got my act together this year and booked the flush mid summer - it was done late July I think so all ready now along with boiler serviced

Im not usually this organised 😛

NIMAN · 27-09-2023 6:46pm

Thanks for that, sounds like something my system would benefit from.

Most of my rads are warm enough, but there's 2 big ones which aren't, and they are in important spots! One is main living room heater, the other is in the conservatory, which means that's like an icebox over the winter.

Plus, the system is now 22yrs old. The house had bad limescale until we moved in 12yrs ago and fitted a softener. So there's an amount of that clogging it up I'd assume.

So I'd definitely take a punt on getting it done.

AmpMan · 28-09-2023 8:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121166011#Comment_121166011

I just took the two bad ones off and flushed them in the garden.

It was very easy and I'd never done any "plumbing" before that.

Long Sean Silver · 28-09-2023 8:35am

if you've got very old/badly corroded rads, then power washing might "cause" more damage ie leaks. in such case you're probably better replacing them.

normally at this time of year i drain the system, refill it then add cleaner to the system. allow it to circulate for a couple of weeks. then drain the system again and add plenty of inhibitor. my rads are piping hot, never have a problem. that said i have 1 in the bathroom which i think i should replace very soon.

10-10-20 · 28-09-2023 8:37am

Agreed that it's the wrong time of year for an optional power-flush. Ideally it's a Summer-months job when boilers aren't creaking from the late-September chill.

embracingLife · 01-10-2023 2:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121167694#Comment_121167694

Unfortunately you're making it worse cos in few years time the rads will corrode through and leak and will have to be replaced. Something to do with flushing radiators with a garden hose isn't a good idea as it also includes air being introduced to the radiators due to them being separated from the heating pipes completely and air getting into them. Leaving the radiators intact on the walls still connected to the pipes is better for the flushing process.

Been there done that! Thought I was taking a short cut but I wasn't a happy camper when a year or so later the radiator corroded through and leaked, had to get replaced.

AmpMan · 02-10-2023 6:55am

Well the water in the heating system is the same water that comes from the hose (+ inhibitor) so I'm not too worried .

Sounds like you had underlying issues.

listermint · 02-10-2023 7:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058315806/powerflush-of-your-central-heating-system-have-you-had-it-done

Rented the stuff myself about 2 years or so ago. Did the entire system. Mines pretty original and old so no idea when it had been done.. a good few flat cold spots on rads and some dead rads.

Was fairly dirty tbh. I did it twice over 2 days to be sure. Then balanced the system. Night and day from it's previous state. Took my time as I'd never done it. And went over some rads a few times with Hammer.

Cost me price of rental, can't recall what that was maybe 250 off top of my head.

Would recommend it though very satisfied with results.

thebourke · 02-10-2023 8:24pm

how much does it cost to get the powerflush done?

listermint · 02-10-2023 10:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121186706#Comment_121186706

AFAIK it used to be around 500-800. A few years ago.

AmpMan · 03-10-2023 7:05am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121183530#Comment_121183530

Interesting. Do you just flush it with water or there some additive to help ?

Vented ?

there is a DIY method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNAIzBKNMpk&ab_channel=techydiy

listermint · 03-10-2023 12:35pm

Flush cleaners and water yes and yes mines vented system with attic tank.

AmpMan · 04-10-2023 10:46am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121188713#Comment_121188713

Thanks,

I'll give this a go in spring

tfeldi · 10-11-2023 11:34am

On the best timing of a powerflush. Can you explain why now is a bad time? Plumber recently replaced a radiator and complained about the sludge. So wanted to get it done sooner rather than later. 20 year old house with 4 year old boiler. Never had powerflush, just chemical flush 4 years ago.