POWERFLUSHING
When Is Powerflushing Required And Why?
Scale and Corrosion
Powerflushing is a process used to remove deposits that accumulate within heating systems over years. These deposits are the result of scale and corrosion within systems. Electrolytic corrosion (a chemical reaction between metals), produces these deposits in the form of magnetite (iron oxide), commonly referred to as 'sludge'.
This sludge solidifies and accumulates within the heat exchangers of boilers, pipe work, valves, pumps and radiators. It causes inefficiency, noise, over heating of boilers, cold spots on radiators (usually at the bottom/middle of radiators), pump and valve failures, and other component failures due to these. In severe cases it can cause complete blockage of radiators, and complete blockage of pipework.
Above. An example of a badly 'sludged' pipe.
Below. A diagram of the effects of sludge on the flow of water through a radiator.
Accelerated Corrosion
Aeration within systems dramatically increases the rate of this corrosion and produces red iron oxide. Aeration is often caused by incorrect installation of the open vent and cold feed pipes, in relation to the pump, on traditional open vented systems. This can cause a hydraulic imbalance ('see-sawing') of the water within the system, and cause air to be drawn in to the system through the open vent, and 'pumping over' of system water into the feed & expansion tank, thus drawing fresh aerated water into the system to continue the cycle. Along with the powerflush to remove the sludge build up in systems with such problems and designed in this way, the system will also require alteration of the relation between the cold feed, open vent and pump, to prevent further aeration problems.
Hydrogen Within A System
Another product of this corrosion is hydrogen, a colourless and odourless gas which is often mistaken as air. This presents itself in the form cold lines along the top of radiators, needing frequent venting (bleeding). Hydrogen is however flammable unlike air, and can be diagnosed by igniting it from a radiator vent (extreme care must be taken doing this and it is not recommended to do it yourself). Bacterial contamination can also be a cause of cold spots throughout a system.
Below. A Diagram showing the symptoms and effects of scale and corrosion on a mock system.
Us and Powerflushing
We carry out powerflushing on all manner of system designs and sizes.
Our 'Norstrom Proflush' Powerflushing Unit (pictured top) is widely regarded as the best on the market, giving a higher flow rate (and therefore cleaning/system size capability) along with built in thermal unit giving the best results among unit competitors. We have used several units including the 'Kamco', 'Fernox', 'Sentinel',- among others, and this unit is by far the best in our opinion.
The method we use is comprehensive, and we guarantee you won't get your system any more thoroughly cleaned. We are able to do this in the knowledge that 1000's of hours of powerflushing experience has perfected our method to the optimum.
How Much Does It Cost?
We carry out comprehensive full system powerflushes on a typical 3 bedroom domestic property from as little as £400.00, including all powerflushing cleaning chemicals, and corrosion inhibitor chemicals as required. Please contact us on 01702 741789 (office), 07968 943447 (mobile) or Email Djmeara@sky.com for free advice/quotes specific to your system/requirements.
OR