Cheltenham Boiler Installation – Is Power Flushing a Requirement?

What Is A Power Flush?

A power flush on a heating system is basically a way of removing deposits of sludge, rust and any other debris from within your central heating system.

Over a period of time if left unattended then the water in your pipes, radiators and boiler deposits unwanted byproducts such as rust. The rust, plus all the other dirt and debris that builds up, becomes an unpleasant, mud-like substance that your boiler engineer will affectionately refer to as ‘sludge’.

Sludge in your heating system can eventually lead to corrosion and blockages which will lead to both inefficiency and/or a total breakdown of your heating system. In some cases, it will have been so damaging that you need a complete boiler replacement.

What are the implications of not doing a power flush, when installing a new boiler?

The first one would be that most manufacturers will void your boiler warranty if the system shows signs of not complying to pre-commissioning regulations prior to the boiler being installed. The regulations state that cleansing must take place prior to the fitting of a new boiler, and it should be done in accordance with BS:7593. This does not mean that a power flush is mandatory to adhere to the British Standards.

The definition of the BS:7593 are that suitable measures are carried out to make sure the system is clean and protected from corrosion. Which means there isn’t a one size fits all method.

To comply with the regulations I believe there are 3 different methods. The first one being the 5 F’s, now I know you have heard of the 5 P’s, but what are the 5 F’s. Its fill flush, fill heat flush, then fill again. This is the least preferred method in my view, but it is the bare minimum which should be carried out on every boiler installation.

The other methods are using the correct cleanser and inhibitors or doing a power flush.

Most boiler engineers prefer carrying out a power flush as this can guarantee a thoroughly clean system when it is carried out correctly. This is also the most expensive procedure from the above. Carrying out a power flush can prevent issues arising in the future. If you think of the water in your central heating system as blood running in your body it will give you a better understanding of why a power flush is needed before a new boiler installation.

As our blood gradually builds up fatty material within the arteries, our heart has to work harder and at a higher rate to produce the same result. Eventually, this fatty material becomes unstable, breaks from the walls of the arteries and leads to a blood clot. Just like a blood clot can cause your heart to fail, the sludge deposits in the central heating system will eventually cause your boiler pump to fail.

Fortunately, you are able to prevent this, not by regular exercising and a healthy diet but by ensuring that your heating system is thoroughly cleaned and protected when installing a new boiler. Regular system inspections can determine the condition of the water circulation in the system. Chemical test kits are also available to measure the corrosion potential of a boiler system, and the rate of corrosion taking place.