power flushing

Gerry_McLaughlin

I'm getting a bit fed up with the negative attitude towards power flushing.
British gas etc charge extortinate rates for this service, and command a monopoly by refusing to allow their customers to have it done cheaper by another company. They tell them that they can't guarantee their customers systems unless they complete the work themselves.
Their must be something illegal about doing business like this.
Power flushing in many cases is absolutely necessary. It takes up most of the working day to complete, and if done correctly will definately save you money.
I hear stories of people who's houses are only 5 years old needing new heat exchangers, pumps etc.They are told they need a power flush and then go on the internet and read about unnecessary work carried out.
I have been a Plumber for 33 years, and I can assure you that if you need a new heat exchanger after 5 years, it is caused by corrosion.
As soon as you introduce water to any metal it will start to corrode.
Heating systems have multiple types of dissimilar metals which react with each other and the water. If an inhibitor is not used from the outset, corrosion will quickly occur. Acids and gases affect the whole system, and left, will without doubt cost you money. Get someone whom you can trust to test the system for corrosion before parting with your hard earned cash. Don't slag off genuine skilled tradesmen who have invested in this type of equipment.
I will test for free and show you the results at the end. Sometimes the addition of inhibitor is all thats needed. If it needs a power flush? £245

keystone

Gerry_McLaughlin wrote: »

I have been a Plumber for 33 years..........

It is 32 in your other post and only an hour between them. Happy anniversary!

Cheers

Gerry_McLaughlin

How rude. I posted a serious comment, and you pick up on a slip of the keyboard. I provide a legitimate and valuable service, and self opinionated people like you think i'm ripping off customers. Be careful what you say.

alanobrien

There are many threads on this subject and it remains contraversial. If your statement about BG is true (and i have no reason to believe it isnt) then i suspect it will be regarded by some as sharp practice and its only a matter of time before someone challenges its legality.

As regards power flushing itself the cost is imho a complete rip off given the fairly automated nature of the process and that you can hire one for a day for circa £70 plus chemicals.

http://www.hss.com/g/51610/Central-Heating-Flusher.html

i would maintain there is no need for it at all if the system is properly flushed prior to boiler installation. That means removing all rads and flushing them individually outside as used to be done before power flushing became available.

The fact is the old way of flushing described above is time and labour intensive so in a sense power flushing is desirable for the tradesman and for the customer as it is potentially less messy and quicker.

However the cost for the service is prohibitive and the insistance that it "must" be done or a boiler will fail or not be guarenteed is nonsense.

Taking this a step further if we accept flushing a system prior to new boiler installation is desirable for efficiency (rather than guarentee) then i would agree its a good practice. I would also agree that a cost for this service of circa £200 is reasonable and anything beyond £300 is extortionate.

For the record my Vaillant condensing boiler was fitted circa 7 years ago after flushing the system the old way and its still in excellent condition.

Just my view as a mechanical engineer of some 34 years and counting........

keystone

Gerry_McLaughlin wrote: »

How rude. I posted a serious comment, and you pick up on a slip of the keyboard.

Does the smiley mean nothing to you. 'Twas a joke !!!!!!.

I provide a legitimate and valuable service, and self opinionated people like you think i'm ripping off customers.

Don't be moronic making accusations you can't back up. I have never ever said here or anywhere else that a reasonably priced powerflush is ripping off customers. I have said here and elsewhere that prices like £700 are a ripoff.

Be careful what you say.

I do hope thats not a threat. Get it off your back. I'd suggest you lighten up and do the same.

Cheers

Gerry_McLaughlin

With respect to your 34 years experience as a mechanical engineer. Unless you have the proper test equipment, you may think all is well. If it works don't fix it. I hope you have long and continuous service from your system, but would it not be prudent just to make sure every now and then?