Flushing of a Central Heating System

[Eddy(D)]

I have a Gas Combi-Boiler (Sealed Unit) and 8 radiators that apparently need flushing out and the inhibitor renewed.

Is this a DIY job or do I need a Plumber/Central Heating engineer/?

The Gas Board are prepared to do it but they want over £500.00 to do the job. That sort of money would indicate to me that it is beyond my knowledge of the central heating system in my house.

I know a little but as they say a "A little knowledge can be dangerous"

My questions are:

1/. What exactly is involved?

2/. What are the pitfalls of flushing a system that has never been flushed since new? (10 years ago)

3/. Whose the best person to call in to do the job if it requires a skilled tradesperson?

4/. Does £500.00 seem to be excessive and if so what is a more realistic price to be expected to pay?

And finally, are there tradesmen out there who specialise in this sort of work?

There are probably a host of other things I should be asking but I can't think of them at present.

Regards

Eddy(D)

 

[kevplumb]

go to the plumbers merchant and ask for fernox restorer in a cartridge ith instructions come with it

 

[ArtfulBodger]

BG are quoting for a power flush of your system. Most non BG people would charge between £350-£400 for the same job.

How did they justify it needing to be done?

 

[Eddy(D)]

Many thanks for your reply.

I requested their insurance package (You know, £15.00pm all in). They came around, inspected the system, checked the water within the system,(By venting the top of a rad!!!!!!!!!!!! Why? surely all the crap would be at the lowest points) asked a few questions etc.

Obviously when they checked the colour and density of the water etc. it was found to be lacking in something. (Inhibitor I guess....) A stipulation that they laid down was that they would only allow me onto the scheme if I had the system flushed out.

I am to inform them when it has been done, they come around and check then all being well, Bingo , I get my insurance cover.

Seems to me, the cynic that I am, they only want to take on systems that are unlikely to breakdown.

What do you reckon

Regards
Eddy(D)

 

[kevplumb]

your absoloutly right