To powerflush or not to powerflush?

shays_mum

Thanks for all the replies, however we don't have a tank as the boiler works straight from the mains. I take it that we can 'inject' straight into the system via the radiator?, would i put it in a cold radiator & put the whole lot in one radiator? then switch on the heating on full to disperse?
Thanks for baring with me

Alan_M_2

In theory yes, you can buy the chemical in gun form, which means it comes in a tube that fits in a mastic gun and can be injected in to a radiator.

The system pump should then run this around the system, leave it running under normal operation for about two weeks, then drain the system completely (by shutting of the mains, isolating the boiler, finding the drain point, attaching a hose and running it out to a drain) fill the system back up and introduce an inhibitor in the same manor. (the inhibitor is a chemical that reduces the build up of rust and furring).

I used to use Fernox, but sentinal is the same thing - just another make.

You'r probably looking at about £50 in chemicals in total if you want to DIY it to get a belt and braces clean ( the injection chemical are more expensive than the liquids, they tend to be concentrates).

tooconfused_2

I powerflushed my own HOSEPIPE backflushed it from the header tank in the loft fit 15mm gate vallve to stop water going back into header tank fit t with another gate valve and a stub of copper attach hose open all drain cocks on lower floor first attaching hose pipes and running out to drain turn on water at main pressure Voila cheapo power flush

Skiduck

£20 ferroquest, inject it in and leave it in, no need to flush it out

Alan_M_2

vented systems are little more forgiving, OP has a closed pressurised system (combi boiler) as I understand it.

Alan_M_2

Skiduck wrote:

£20 ferroquest, inject it in and leave it in, no need to flush it out

How does that get rid of the build up of sludge and rust in the system? It's an inhibitor that stops it reoccuring...I quote the instructions from Ferroquests site:-

Sentinel Ferroquest is a powerful highly active cleaning agent for use in central heating systems. It is specifically designed to remove objectionable iron oxide or calcium based deposits from heat exchangers, radiators and pipework. Its unique composition allows Sentinel Ferroquest to act as a complexing and penetrating dispersant under neutral pH conditions, eliminating the need for conventional acid clean and the problems associated with it.
During the clean, passivation of the freshly exposed mild steel surface takes place.

Sentinel Ferroquest is suitable for use with all commonly encountered metals and alloys. Aluminium may be cleaned, but a maximum cleaning time of 3 hours is recommended.

Dosage.

Sentinel Ferroquest should be dosed at 1% of system volume, i.e., 1 litre per 100 litres of system water. To clean an existing system in accordance with BS7593, Sentinel Ferroquest should be circulated, preferably at normal operating temperature, with all valves open and the pump turned to maximum flow for a minimum period of 1 hour or until satisfactory performance is restored.

Where systems are badly fouled, a 2% solution, i.e. 2 litre per 100 litre of system water, is recommended but the product will not clear a completely blocked pipe.
Also for systems greater than 50,000 BTUs a 2% solution, i.e. 2 litre per 100 litre of system water, should be used.

More rapid cleaning may be carried out if Sentinel Ferroquest is used in conjunction with a power flushing device.

After cleaning, the system should be drained and flushed until the water runs clear. On refilling, the system should be treated with Sentinel X100 Inhibitor, or Sentinel X500 Inhibited Antifreeze.

catkins

You could try hiring a power flush and do it yourself. If you use a chemical to clean the system on a combi boiler you need to shut off one radiator by turning the valve at both ends. Then undo the three quarter inch nut to release water from the radiator. Undo the bleed valve and fill with chemical replace bleed valve tighten the nut you released to let water out and then open the two valves to refill radiator. Check pressure on boiler and top up as required. Good luck.

alanobrien

Alan_M wrote:

To an extent I agree with this post as I do with other points of view about the system, maybe you should sugget the OP's old/disabled mother dismantle each radiator and flush herself.

In the circumstances I think £250 to fully flush the system and probably reduce any further boiler bills seems a sensible idea.

If it were for my parents I'd probably pay for it on their behalf if they were struggling.

That comment is more than a little facetious and uncalled for, i would have thought a friend or relative(s) could help the OP.

That aside i would agree £250 for a powerflush is ok IF its really necesssary which is always questionable.

What did skilled tradesmen do before the advent of these high flow rate pumps ? They removed rads and flushed them manually just as i mentioned.

That is a cost effective alternative and one i am happy to suggest - this is a moneysaving site after all.

amcluesent

I've been told to steer well clear of aggressive chemical cleaners as they will open-up any pinholes in the pipes/radiators. Depending on the age of the system, you could end up with a huge task of stopping leaks and replacing pipe-run under floors etc.

Alan_M_2

amcluesent wrote:

I've been told to steer well clear of aggressive chemical cleaners as they will open-up any pinholes in the pipes/radiators. Depending on the age of the system, you could end up with a huge task of stopping leaks and replacing pipe-run under floors etc.

True to an extent, if you have an old system on the brink of failure or nearing the end of it's life then a powerflush is likely to accelerate or highlight any impending problems.

But if it's this close to failure, it needs replacing anyway.