Chemical flush done right?

[Bullwinkle]

Hi,
I had a new Glowworm Ultracom installed and a chemical flush done as the installer said my pipework was too old/fragile for a power flush as there was a risk of leakage.
The chemical flush had no effect and he has suggested leaving the chemicals in the system for two weeks and run the heating daily to circulate around. Is this the correct step to take? The central heating system is decades old and I haven't had it cleaned in my 15 years in the flat and doubt the previous owners touched it since the old Potterton Netaheat boiler was installed in 1970s/80s.
I acknowledge it won't be an easy job but expected the chemical flush to make some difference and remove a reasonable amount of sludge. I believe the installer initially added chemicals, ran the system for an hour and then emptied the system. Is that an effective chemical flush? Should I expect the radiators to be totally clean before the boiler is installed? More importantly, should he advise me to use the new boiler to clean the system - will this not void the manufacturer's warranty?
Thanks in advance for any comments.
B

 

[simond]

Too old and fragile for a Powerflush. Ha ha.

You have been mugged over; he hasn't got a powerflush machine.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Thanks Simon, I think he has access to a machine, seeing as his ads for boiler installations include power flush, and just took the easy, cheaper option.
I haven't fully paid him - wondering if mulling the chemicals around for 2 weeks will work, but concerned the dirty water circulating through a new boiler is not a wise move. I think I'll check with manufacturers.
cheers, B

 

[simond]

You have accepted a specification and presumably that is what you have paid for.

No manufacturer insists on a Powerflush, I can save you the time ringing round. In any case, your particular horse has bolted.

You seem to have received what you wanted;

If you now want a Powerflush, I'm sure he'll quote you for one with 'the machine he has access to*'.

You won't know if the chemicals will have achieved their aim until around 30 months time. If you system is rotten with magnetite, the chemicals will hardly touch it.

If it didn't have any significant debris in the first place, you're no worse off.


*a heating tech specialising in boiler installs, without owning a Powerflush machine? No gas analyser either? Does he have a van?