To Powerflush or not to Powerflush

sharonjones2 · 10 Nov 2006

Hi, our downstairs radiators act as U pipes (pipes come down from upstairs, then back up on other side of radiator) and are constantly filling up with black sludge - we've been advised to powerflush, but also warned about the risk of pin point leaks...don't really want to spend £400 odd on a powerflush, but worried that if we try adding the chemicals ourselves we're going to get the leaks. Any advice?
Also, would it only be the radiators that would leak, or would the pipework (copper?) leak too? Thanks!

breezer · 10 Nov 2006

from my understanding (I m not a plumber or heating engineer, but i read the forums) it will be the rads that will leek, since they rust from the inside out.

copper does not rust so no problem there unless a bad joint gets blown apart (unlikely)

arfurrrr · 10 Nov 2006

unfortunately only a powerflush can clean it properly .

A chemical flush (diy) will not remove all of the problems .

If you do get a pin point leak atleast you will have an expert at hand to sort it out if you have a power flush.

Arf

Estman · 10 Nov 2006

You can hire a powerflush pump with all necessary hoses, connections and chemicals from Travis Perkins for £60 a week.
It comes with all instructions and is a very simple process to do.
As for pin leaks, if you have so much sludge your rads will rot beneath it in any case (it settles and sets hard which is why you need to powerflush) if they are rotting then regardless of what you do you have a problem waiting for you.
New rads are readily available from many sources and you can usually pop one off and replace it quite quickly.
Otherwise shell out your £400 (I was quoted £580 from British Gas - taking the mick eh) you'll still have to sort leaking rads if they do leak.

nigelad · 10 Nov 2006

Estman said:
You can hire a powerflush pump with all necessary hoses, connections and chemicals from Travis Perkins for £60 a week.
It comes with all instructions and is a very simple process to do.

That's good to know. Thanks for the info.

arfurrrr · 10 Nov 2006

Estman said:
you can usually pop one off and replace it quite quickly.

yeah right !

with all the appropiate tools and experience . maybe . otherwise this lass is gonna be running around the house like the incredible HULK , GRRRRR and looking for your address

Estman · 10 Nov 2006

Doh!

I should've read the sender's name - too true arfur. Maybe a man about the house to mug??

I wouldn't be sexist though there are women plumbers I've seen......

heatingeng · 3 Mar 2010

when done correctly a powerflush will sovle many central heating problems but i would also advise fitting a magnaclean filter as well to keep the sludge down.

i know this is an old post but i have responed so if any body looks at the thread it may help.

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To Powerflush or not to Powerflush

breezer

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