Powerflushing

[Sanke]

Hi all - considering powerflushing a customers system to try & cleanse a lot of sludge etc, Main concern would be setting machine up on a landing to connect to circulating pump. For those that do this regularly is this the best point or do you connect between a rad Any pros / cons to either Thanks guys

 

[Jonwells]

Depends on system, your system seems like its an conventional, maybe open vented, leaving your system aside; I will say however, I have used a kamko, but as it was a two man job filling and dumping ( no jokes please), as needed, easier if machine was outside, as cold flow can exceed the overflow especially if frothing in machine.
i now have a MAGNACLENSE, you use boiler or system pump and as MAGNACLENSE is sealed, you can leave the flushing kit, when you go round and turn rads off/on and bang the rads with the cordless hammer drill, but I feel power flushing machine does a better job.

But be aware, some methods of power flushing have a detrimental effect on some system parts, I powerflushed a bosch 550 a long time ago and shredded the 3 port valve internal rubber ball, so talk to the boiler manufacturers technical section before you start and get the heads up.

 

[wetdrip]

Most instructions will say suitably flushed don't specify powerflushing

What do you mean by "suitably flushed", as opposed to power flushed?
I've always thought that power flushing is the easiest way and more importantly the most effective way to clean a system out.

 

[wetdrip]

Legal requirement? Did BG tell u that?

Just put the question into Google search and many come up like the one below:
Powerflushing Central Heating Systems Powerflush Plumbing Surrey Hampshire


Many plumbing/gas websites now state the following:
"It has now become a manufacturer’s requirement to Powerflush the system before fitting a new boiler to uphold the warranty".

 

[Deleted member 44451]

i always look to taking the pump out to flush although i have bought one of those bolt on thingys that kamco do to replace the pump head but havent used it yet. i often have to put the machine on the landing and use one of the shallow builders tubs already mentioned together with a dust sheet works great for me

 

[Ermintrude]

Any of you got custom power flushing kit? Have been looking at a 260lpm / 9 bar pump, obviously 9 bar no chance but 260 on some if the bigger stuff might be nice? Only probs I can see are hoses and reliability. ???

 

[helpsy]

I have the full Kamco set up and I also sought out a large bund to sit the unit in, cost me £60 but well worth it!

 

[helpsy]

I do powerflushes with another lad so one constantly reversing flow back and forth whilst the other is on the rad hammer and magnetic roller. I believe it can be as thorough a job if doing it on your own.

 

[helpsy]

***** CAN'T be as thorough. Typo !

 

[Sanke]

For those of you the PF do you ever have problems with leaks in the pipework etc. afterwards ? Do you explain risk to HH before to cover yourself ?

 

[Alex Knight]

For those of you the PF do you ever have problems with leaks in the pipework etc. afterwards ? Do you explain risk to HH before to cover yourself ?

Always explain to client that old rads may get pinholes whilst we are flushing especially if some sort of rad seal has been put in the system before.

Also check your drain offs! They've been known to fly out under pressure according to a couple of lads I know

 

[helpsy]

I use a Kamco template disclaimer and have had small leaks, but mainly rad valves when trying to balance system.

 

[helpsy]

I also get them to sign, print and date disclaimer and attach it to my paperwork for my records.

 

[Sanke]

I use a Kamco template disclaimer and have had small leaks, but mainly rad valves when trying to balance system.

Just read the disclaimer Nice & simple! What about leaks in pipework ?

 

[helpsy]

Any additional problems are additional and therefore chargeable !

 

[Premgas1]

Just read through post and my own opinion/experience is that power flushing a system will always work better through the pump unions or if possible get into primaries. The problem with using rad valves is that the pipes are 10/15mm then the valves restrict the flow further. If possible run the boiler to heat the system also. If system is open vented remove F&E the. Link up primary cold feed/open vent rather than blanking off. Apologies if I'm teaching you to suck eggs.

 

[helpsy]

I think Kamco said when on their training course that if you have to go in via a rad then remove rad valves as they had tested setups and it restricted flushing by something like 50% if valves left in place.

 

[Premgas1]

I was just offering my opinion & personally would prefer to get into primaries ie 22/28mm pipes or pump block etc.

 

[AWheating]

Just put the question into Google search and many come up like the one below:
Powerflushing Central Heating Systems Powerflush Plumbing Surrey Hampshire


Many plumbing/gas websites now state the following:
"It has now become a manufacturer’s requirement to Powerflush the system before fitting a new boiler to uphold the warranty".

what most manufacturers require and state is that you flush the system to the relevant british standard. this could be either a gravity flush, a mains flush or a powerflush. Which one you use depends on the condition of the system.

i wonder why powerflushing/plumbers websites try to tell you a powerflush is required? false advertising!

 

[Premgas1]

It isn't a requirement however Bs7593 states that when cleansing an existing system the boiler & circulator can be used to breakdown debris etc. this will only work on a system with circulation to the whole system. When heavily sludged or blocked only a power flushing pump will generate the required flow rate & pressure to remove the blockages. The system also needs to be tested to within 10 percent of the cold supply & PH levels. If replacing a boiler this cleanse/ flush should be carried out pre-install. If the old boiler is not working again a p.flush is the recognised method. The new boiler must not be used to cleanse the system as this may leave deposits on heat exch & will invalidate guarantee if found to be reason for component failure.

 

[Ermintrude]

Set apprentice away on a 30 year old system with alpha 240. Not even a cupful of sludge after 8 hrs!!!! Removed a rad to check. Shows a clean system can be kept clean! BG said needed a flush btw!!

 

[AWheating]

some BG engineers would say a 1 day old system they had fitted themselves needed a powerflush to keep its warranty valid. but there engineers are not on a commission..............right?

 

[SimonG]

Set apprentice away on a 30 year old system with alpha 240. Not even a cupful of sludge after 8 hrs!!!! Removed a rad to check. Shows a clean system can be kept clean! BG said needed a flush btw!!

The one I'm doing at the minute I've had to leave the old pipework in (for the time being), so I've dropped four of the old rads off, each one left about an inch of the thickest sludge I've seen in the bottom of my bucket. Oh and these are the upstairs rads. Just glad I told them it needed a repipe, as the 22 reduces straight down to 15 after the pump and then goes on to feed 9 rads.

 

[Ermintrude]

some BG engineers would say a 1 day old system they had fitted themselves needed a powerflush to keep its warranty valid. but there engineers are not on a commission..............right?

Wonder if anyone's had a powerflush on night storage heaters?

 

[winqbear]

Hi all - considering powerflushing a customers system to try & cleanse a lot of sludge etc, Main concern would be setting machine up on a landing to connect to circulating pump. For those that do this regularly is this the best point or do you connect between a rad Any pros / cons to either Thanks guys

I have extended my hoses using speed fit 22mm and always try and connect to pump with machine outside

 

[Sanke]

Did my first powerflush today (well I assisted !) Norstrom machine with magnacleanse after. Boiler was in garage so all set up in there After seeing how it all works I think I would want to work in a garage / driveway Lots of interest from neighbours as well. Excellent machine & now something I will consider adding to our services

 

[northcarr]

It seems I can't add links yet, but some sites out there like, kamco website or the power flush association have faq's you could read through.

Seems to suggest a common practice is to connect to radiator in bathroom and put machine in bath tub

Not a good idea could scratch the bath or possible sludge stain in bath