What is powerflushing?

Over time, your boiler and central heating can start suffering from a buildup of all kinds of things, including rust, sludge, and general debris. Ultimately, this leads to problems developing, and the efficiency of your entire heating system is going to take a hit.

The result? A home that is harder to heat correctly, higher energy bills, and possibly a complete breakdown and need for a replacement that will cost you a fortune. There is a solution, however, and it’s known in the plumbing trade as powerflushing.

In this article, we’re going to go through what powerflushing is, how it works, and what the benefits are for your central heating system. Let’s get started with some of the basics.

What is power flushing?

Powerflushing is, in essence, a deep clean for your heating system. Carried out by a qualified engineer, the powerflush process involves using a powerful machine that sends water containing cleaning chemicals around the pipes and radiators in your home. The cleaning substances, which include sludge crust breakers, corrosion inhibitors and descalers, target all the things that cause debris and buildup in the central heating system, such as sand, sludge, and scaling.

Why should I do it?

Simply put, too much debris in your central heating could result in a complete breakdown – and a very expensive fix or replacement. Powerflushing can help you increase the lifespan of your heating system, lower your heating bills, and eliminate strange noises that emanate from your radiators and pipes. The reality for everyone is that heating systems are virtually invisible, and we have no idea what is going on in the background, often until it’s too late. A powerflush gives you the peace of mind that everything is clean and in good working order.

How often should I powerflush?

Heating experts recommend that you powerflush your heating system any time you install a new boiler but aren’t replacing all the pipes and other parts of the heating system. It will help destroy and remove any debris and contaminants from the pipework. There are some signs to look for, too, so if you notice any cold patches on your radiators, or your boiler system or heater is excessively noisy, it’s worth calling in a professional eye to give you some advice. Similarly, if you notice discolouration in the water when you bleed your radiator, it could be a sign there is a problem – and it’s the same thing if your radiators are taking far too long to heat up. Finally, make regular checks on your tap water. If it is starting to look cloudy, it could be a sign of debris or contamination in your pipes.

Can I do it myself?

Theoretically, if you have access to the right machinery and the correct chemical cleaning agents, nothing is stopping you from doing a DIY powerflush. However, unless you have been trained, it’s probably best avoided – calling a professional will ensure you don’t cause any damage to your heating system. Over the lifespan of your central heating system, the money you will save from a powerflush will exceed the cost in the vast majority of cases.