power flush..do I really need it? and what is the real cost?

janbonjovi

macman wrote: »

BG invariably suggest an (expensive) powerflush as a solution to every CH problem. If you need one, get it done by an independent local RGI at half the price.
For £1,300, you might as well have a new boiler installed.

Yeah he did say about getting someone in to give us a quote for new boiler but then said nothing actually wrong with the boiler and should be good for at least another 5 years!!!!

Sarahwilltry

It's worth having a central heating water sample tested to see if a power flush is needed, at all. You send the sample by post and it can mostly be done for free.

Pincher

You need a filter like Magnaclean or TF1, otherwise loose flakes will cause problems down the line, even if you had a powerflush. The position is on the returning flow from the radiators, so it cleans up the gunk before the water gets into the boiler.

With the filter installed, you can try Fernox F3 to clean the system.
Check the filter often, because the cleaner will dislodge gunk.
Finally, drain out the system, refill once and drain again to clear out the F3. Finally, refill with Inhibitor.

With the system drained, it's an excellent opportunity to take down EVERY radiator and flush it out in the garden. If a radiator is totally blocked, so you can't even flush it, I would just buy another one, if you can get the same size. Perfect time to put in TRVs, of course. Don't over do the TRVs, you should leave at least one manual valve open, so the water has somewhere to go, otherwise the pump can overheat, and fail prematurely.

gas4you

£350 is a good standard price, especially with a 2 year warranty.

I would also advise a magnetic filter fitted at the same time.

But, as also said, it is probably something you could do your self. Hiring a powerflush machine is around £60 a day IIRC. Chemicals around £30.

ihateyes

BG are expensive, and if advised by BG i would get a 2nd opinion.

However, in their defence what people have to remember, if you do have a sludge problems that is knackering the pump/heat exchanger every couple of months, would you pay £200-£400 out every couple of months when someone could potentially be paying you £200 £300 for a contract?

roddydogs

Never had a powerflush in 28 years, CH work fine.