New Boiler Install - Is Power Flush Necessary?

pennypincher3562

I've spoken to the engineer, and he recommends a power flush as opposed to chemical flush, due to the age of my system (12 years.)

I am in agreement that some sort of flush has to take place, and a filter fitted, however I am wary of the power flush.

Last year my neighbour's pipework started leaking (for not obvious reason,) causing significant damage to my property. I'm concerned that a power flush will cause the pipework in my own property to spring leaks, and all the new flooring will have to be ripped up (again.)

I've found the comments in this thread helpful, but in some cases quite technical with the jargon.

My existing boiler is still partly working (it was leaking slightly,) so I imagine it can still be used to carry out a chemical flush. The boiler I'm looking to install now is a Vokera Easiheat Plus 29c.

Would it be silly to ask for a chemical flush in my instance, due to my concerns about a power flush?

System

pennypincher3562 wrote: »

I've spoken to the engineer, and he recommends a power flush as opposed to chemical flush, due to the age of my system (12 years.)

I am in agreement that some sort of flush has to take place, and a filter fitted, however I am wary of the power flush.

Last year my neighbour's pipework started leaking (for not obvious reason,) causing significant damage to my property. I'm concerned that a power flush will cause the pipework in my own property to spring leaks, and all the new flooring will have to be ripped up (again.)

I've found the comments in this thread helpful, but in some cases quite technical with the jargon.

My existing boiler is still partly working (it was leaking slightly,) so I imagine it can still be used to carry out a chemical flush. The boiler I'm looking to install now is a Vokera Easiheat Plus 29c.

Would it be silly to ask for a chemical flush in my instance, due to my concerns about a power flush?

My advice would be to get a second opinion. Your chosen installer has to be 100% satisfied that the boiler is installed fully in accordance with the manufacter's instructions. Has the installer actually carried out any tests; e.g., thermal check of the radiators and/or water testing? The fact your present boiler is still working is largely irrelevant as any flushing is being done to protect the new boiler. Just the simple process of draining and refilling a system can disturb sludge which could, in time, block your heat exchanger.

pennypincher3562

Hengus wrote: »

My advice would be to get a second opinion. Your chosen installer has to be 100% satisfied that the boiler is installed fully in accordance with the manufacter's instructions. Has the installer actually carried out any tests; e.g., thermal check of the radiators and/or water testing? The fact your present boiler is still working is largely irrelevant as any flushing is being done to protect the new boiler. Just the simple process of draining and refilling a system can disturb sludge which could, in time, block your heat exchanger.

@Hengus. No tests have been carried out. What would the water testing be for? I am in a 'soft water' area if that is what it's for.

Also, why the thermal check of radiators?

As for the fact that my existing boiler is still partly working. I was told that this was essential for a chemical flush to take place (so it could pump it through the system.)

Thanks.

System

I have had two installers give me a quote and both carried out a simple water test for Iron (Fe). My system has 10 parts\Million. The boiler manufacturer recommends no more than 2 parts/Million - hence the need for the system to be cleaned. I suspect that many installers cannot be bothered and just go for a power flush because it is recommended that boilers are installed on a clean system.

Eric_Disley

Absoutely get a second opinion. A power flush might be needed although I suspect that putting a cleaner into the system would suffice.

I've had new boilers fitted, the systems were very old (a lot older than 12 years!), I had Sentinel or some similar chemical and some kind of filter put into the system, there was no suggestion that a power flush was needed. Power flushes are expensive, you wouldn't want it doing unless it was definitely needed, I wouldn't have it done just because an engineer suggested it without having had a thorough look at the system first.