Another Powerflush query

DavidC51

I've just had a visit from BG regarding a fault on my CH system. The boiler wouldn't keep running. Started OK when the timer switched water and heating on but only ran for about 2 minutes and then switched off.
The engineer removed the pump which was bone dry. He then used a magnet to locate a blockage which he cleared (?) by hitting the pipe until the water suddenly made a gurfling sound and then the pump ran OK, the boiler ran OK and everything worked again.
He said the system needs a powerflush which would cost £709.
Two questions really - after reading other peoples experiences on this site, can I believe him? Secondly - it sounds a lot of money, can anyone recommend another company in Somerset who may give a better quote while being reliable?
Thanks in advance for any help/advice

DavidC

DavidC51

Have I posted this in the wrong forum? If so let me know where it should be and I'll re-post.

Aquatronixjenny

BG are very expensive for power flushing. As a guide you shouldn't really pay more than £23-£35 per radiator (that includes labour, materials etc) so for a 10 rad system you should be looking at £350 ish.

Get another plumber in for a second opinion, and maybe try a chemical clean instead... BG are very quick to sell you a power flush when it's not needed. You can buy the chemical cleaner from screw fix or B and Q for about £15, drain a bit of water out of the system then pour this in your small tank in the attic (not the big one!), run for a week then drain system, refill and add inhibitor. Anyone with a bit of DIY knowledge can do this.

Myser

drain a bit of water out of the system then pour this in your small tank in the attic

This is assuming that the OP has a vented system.

If you have a sealed (pressurised) system, you can put the chemical into an emptied radiator or at the filling loop point.

You can use X400 - leave it in for a few weeks with the system running as normal and then drain the system and refill with clean water. Remember to add inhibitor.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/sentinel-x400-central-heating-sludge-remover/89458

movilogo

BG quoted me £790 for power flush! Try other suppliers and they will be at least 50% cheaper. Also take a 2nd opinion before doing it.

DavidC51

Thanks for the advice - having trouble getting anyone to give a quote at the minute. Perhaps I'll try again after the holidays!!!

craigsville_2

Have a look at Magnaclean. Its a magnet system that keeps your whole system clean for ever for just the price of an install, great alternative to power flushing. As for British Gas, I generally find it cheaper to burn £50 notes to heat water and keep warm than use them.

macman

adamkhn2 wrote: »

found this power flushing site xxxxxxxxx.com may be it helps, read their blog you might get the answer.

And are you associated with this site?

keystone

Missed this thread previously and may be a bit late but here's my two penn'orth anyway.

DavidC51 wrote: »

............which he cleared (?) by hitting the pipe until the water suddenly made a gurfling sound and then the pump ran OK, the boiler ran OK and everything worked again......

!!!!!!!! You now have lumps of broken up magnetite being pumped round the system. He should have cut the affected pipework out and replaced it.
.

He said the system needs a powerflush which would cost £709.

To quote Mr Churchill "Whom is Mr Round and to what does he object".

Two questions really - after reading other peoples experiences on this site, can I believe him?

No.

Cheers

keystone

craigsville wrote: »

Have a look at Magnaclean. Its a magnet system that keeps your whole system clean for ever for just the price of an install, great alternative to power flushing.

Sorry but it ain't an alternative to flushing of any shape size or description. It will keep a clean system clean. It will not clean the system in the first place.

Cheers

keystone

macman wrote: »

And are you associated with this site?

Marked as spam whether he is or not. Lots of


on that site too.

Cheers