Perfect Heating And Plumbing - Power flushing a Central Heating System

 

There are many thousands of ageing central heating systems with circulation and boiler noise problems caused by the accumulation of sludge, corrosion deposits and scale, but traditional methods of flushing just don't get rid of all the debris, and problems often quickly return.  Power flushing is the most efficient method of cleansing the entire central heating system, from the radiators, circulating pipework, boiler and valves. The principle is to create a powerful fresh water flow under controlled conditions to remove debris from the system. By connecting the power flushing unit to the heating circuit in place of the system pump, boiler or radiator the circuit can be thoroughly cleansed of corrosion debris. When used in conjunction with a chemical cleanser  a typical power flush can be completed in 4-5 hours.

 

When a new heating system is fitted in a house, corrosion starts immediately. Initially the oxygen in the water starts to attack the radiators internally.


Black iron oxide sludge, ferrous oxide sediment (magnetite) and particles of copper swarf all combine to restrict hot water flow within central heating systems and impair heating efficiency.  This ‘ferric hydroxide’ which turns the water orange, and releases hydrogen gas. This orange water quickly turns clear (after 3 weeks or so), but the hydrogen gas continues to attack the base metal causing ‘iron oxide’ deposits, and more hydrogen.
 

These collect in the system and form a black sludge, which causes all sorts of problems such as boiler noise, repeated pump failures or poor circulation, often all three!

 

 

Symptoms of corrosion.

1. One or more radiators are completely or partially cold.
2. The radiators require frequent bleeding of collected air.
3. The boiler clumps and bangs, especially at start-up.
4. The central heating header tank is warm (or even hot!).
5. Central heating pump failures.
6. Black water from radiators when emptied or bled of air.
7. The age factor: systems 10years of age upwards will have a build up of corrosion.
 

At the end of the flushing process, the system contains fresh clean water and reinstatement of the system to normal operation takes only a few minutes.

System flushing will not remedy design or mechanical faults, which should be rectified, but in many cases it will cure the problems caused by these.


Adding an inhibitor will dramatically slow down further corrosion, and is always added as the final process of Power-Flushing.
       

Cold Spots

A cool low central area of a radiator can indicate a build-up of black sludge sediment that restricts flow and reduces heat

    
       

Frequent Venting

When the top of a radiator is cold during operation, either air or hydrogen is to blame. Hydrogen gas builds up as a by-product of electrolytic corrosion and is flammable (due caution is required)

    
       

Black Sludge

If you have ever removed a radiator for decorating purposes you may have notice it contains very black water.  This water this is a by-product of electrolytic corrosion