Table of Contents
MagnaCleanse Vs Power Flush Vs Chemical Flush: Which Is Best and Why?
On this page, you will learn all about MagnaCleanse, Power Flush and Chemical Flush heating system cleaning processes.
Keeping your boiler healthy is important for the continued energy efficiency of your system.
Having a regular boiler maintenance service is essential to a smooth and efficient running of your heating system.
similar to an engine, your boiler and heating system need to be looked after and regularly maintained in order to keep it running to its highest operating performance.
The best way to do this is by using a full flush process for your central heating system:
It’s therefore essential to know what a full flush process is and why they are needed?
How many types of System Flushes / Full Flushes are there?
There are three different types of full heating system flushes.
These heating system flushes are;
- PowerFlush
- Chemical Flush
- And the New MagnaCleanse Flush
So the big question, without a doubt, is which type of system flush should you use and why?
Until recently when the newer MagnaCleanse flush arrived, it was very much a powerflush vs chemical flush debate and deciding which was less harmful to your system was one of the main decisions.
More to think about now!
However now that there is a third option the choice is harder to make.
In this quick system flush guide, we will help you to identify the different types of system flush processes which are available to you.
We’ll also help you to decide which one is best for you and why!
Why do you need a system flush?
If a system flush isn’t carried out as and when it needs to be, the water in your boiler will eventually be contaminated with rust and other unwanted elements.
Prevents inefficiency:
Over time, the rust, debris, and dirt turns into a ‘sludge’ like substance which will prevent your system from functioning as efficiently as it should be.
Without the right type of flush, your system could become inefficient or even stop working.
This would result in the need for a new boiler installation or a boiler repair service to your property to fix the issue.
How regular is a system flush needed?
Depending on your current boiler type and brand, you may only need a flush once every 5 years or so.
A copper heat exchanger will be much more durable and resistant, as opposed to stainless steel one.
Depending on the boiler type, a flush may be necessary more often again.
If you’re unsure or would like some further advice on when your boiler’s next flush is due, or which flush is best*, please chat with one of our expert engineers by contacting us via the contact details!
However we will always recommend a MagnaCleanse over any other type of flush.
MagnaCleanse Flush
Approved by our manufacturer partners, a MagnaCleanse is a highly effective way of keeping your system protected and clean.
So if the experts advice to use it, it’s probably best to use it.
So, What is a MagnaCleanse Flush?
The MagnaCleanse system flush is the process of clearing your system of those harsh, unwanted materials it has contained within it for so long.
It thoroughly cleans your entire heating system. As a result, this provides consistent protection to your pipes and boiler.
Easy Disposal
The added benefit of a MagnaCleanse filter helps to collect sludgy residue away from your system for easy disposal.
Free MagnaCleanse Flush with every new boiler install!
We carry out a MagnaCleanse system flush free with every boiler installation or replacement.
This will make sure your heating system will stay as new as possible for as long as possible.
Read about: Top UK Heat Only Boilers
What is a power flush?
A central heating power flush is one of the older cleaning processes for a central heating system.
As it sounds, this process uses a solution of chemical that goes through your system and pipes.
This chemical solution removes debris, dirt, and rust as well as any other unwanted waste material.
What is a chemical flush?
A chemical flush is similar to a power flush but it differs from a power flush.
Why is the chemical flush different?
The chemical flush is different because it uses gravity to empty the system and refill it.
During this process, the cleaning chemicals are dispersed around the system to remove unwanted materials and residue. The system is then flushed with clean water and boiler inhibitor to make sure that the system is left fully protected and clean.
Read about: Different Types Of Reliable Boiler Systems
How to flush a central heating system:
There are three main ways to flush a central heating system:
These central heating flush processes are:
- MagnaCleanse
- PowerFlush
- Chemical Flush
1. How to MagnaCleanse a central heating system.
To begin with, before you MagnaCleanse a system, it’s important to drain it completely. Then, connect the MagnaClease RapidFlush filter to your system valves using the provided hoses.
Quality Cleaning Solution
The MagnaCleanse cleaning solution can then be added to the system. By combining the flush components with quality cleaning chemicals you’ll have a special formula ready to intensely clean your system at a high strength.
The sludge will be collected in the filter which can be easily disposed of.
Read more: Heating Engineer in Cardiff
2. How to power flush a central heating system.
To carry out a power flush, it should always be an engineer’s job. They will connect a pump to your central heating system from either the pump head or the circulation pump (depending on boiler type).
Your engineer will then pump a chemical solution through the system removing any debris and rust, helping to replenishing your boiler. The solution will include a descaling agent as well as other chemicals that will prevent rust from forming.
The waste materials will then be collected and disposed of safely by an engineer.
How long does a power flush take?
A power flush cleaning process can be a lengthy process, but the results will worth the wait.
The power flush process could take from 5 hours to 10 hours, depending on a number of factors like:
- Number of radiators that you have.
- How old your current boiler system is.
- Amount of ‘sludge’ in your pipes/system.
Throughout the process, an engineer will look for other problems.
These include any current or potential new blockages that could occur in the future.
Some boiler components may need replacing or cleaning to make sure it doesn’t run into any further issues so that you don’t need a future boiler repair.
Haven’t had your boiler flushed for some time?
Your boiler isn’t in the best condition?
Then this procedure will need more time in order to complete the process.
Read about: Unvented Hot Water Cylinders
3. How to chemical flush a central heating system.
A chemical flush is a more basic version of the powerflush but can be just as effective.
With this process chemicals are flushed through the system using gravity instead of a pump. As the cleaner is flushed around the system from the boiler, any debris will be caught by a magnetic filter.
Proof of improvement:
When the work is complete, an engineer will be able to show how much your system has improved after the flush. This is done by measuring radiator temperature and comparing it to what it was previously.
The engineer will test your boiler and heating system to ensure that everything is working o optimal performance.
By doing this they’ll be able to identify the areas in which there is a build-up of ‘sludge’ and if there are any leak risks.
They’ll also be able to give you aftercare advice and ways you can get the most out of your heating system.
Read more: Vented Hot Water Cylinders
How to spot the signs that you need a boiler or heating system flush!
Please find the top 10 reasons why your heating system needs a flush!
- Is your boiler breaking down?
- Does your boiler need to be restarted regularly?
- Do your radiators have cold patches while turned on, especially at the bottom?
- Is your tap water discoloured or cloudy?
- Do your radiators take a long while to heat up
- Do your radiators not get warm at all?
- Are your radiators quite noisy?
- Is your boiler sounding quite noisy?
- When bleeding radiators – is the water cloudy
- Or is there is no water at all when you bleed the radiators.
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, your system may need a flush.
It’s also a good idea to schedule in a system flush if you have a new boiler installed to ensure it’s in top working condition.
Read more: Best Heat Pumps, Brands & Pricing
What are the advantages of a professional MagnaCleanse system flush?
Looking after your central heating system is advantageous for so many reasons like:
- From a deep clean of your system and pipes, you’ll ensure your boiler is more energy efficient and much more reliable than it would be without a flush.
- Because the system will be clear of debris, it will run much smoother increasing the lifespan of your heating system.
One of the main benefits of a MagnaCleanse flush is the fact that it can be completed within as little as two hours…
Looking after your central heating system is advantageous for so many reasons like:
- A deep clean of your system and pipes means a more reliable and energy efficient boiler. This will give you the extra confidence that you need.
- With a fully cleaned system, the chance of a breakdown will be very slim.
- Within two hours of application your boiler will be smoother, cleaner, and more reliable. Not to mention your boilers increased lifespan.
- You will also have hotter radiators which heat up more quickly.
- The cost of regularly replacing parts from a poor functioning boiler will be eliminated and you’ll have the peace of mind that you can trust your heating system to deliver to a high standard each day, as you’d expect it to.
- With a fully cleaned system, the chance of a breakdown will be very slim.
- You will have hotter radiators as they heat up quicker – great for those cold winter nights.
- You will no longer have to worry about replacing parts as you’ll have a dependable heating system you can trust.
Having peace of mind was never made easier!
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MagnaCleanse Vs Power Flush Vs Chemical Flush – Cost Differences!
The cost of a flush will entirely depend on a number of factors like:
- The complexity of your system.
- The size of the system.
- Number of Boilers.
- Number of Radiators.
- Type of Flush.
Engineers will also need to consider the possibility of running into a problem, which could hold the job up further.
Total flush costs can vary between engineers – ranging from around the £300-£700 mark for any of the flush cleaning processes.
There may also be additional costs dependent on additional work required or any part needing replacement for a fully efficient working system.
You will be glad to know that the MagnaCleanse is free of charge if you purchase a boiler replacement service from us.
The flush comes free as standard with all our boiler installations just to make your life easier.
Choose a MagnaCleanse and extend the life of your central heating system…
A central heating system is a crucial component in many households today. Keeping it in perfect working order is cost-effective and ensures that you can rely on it for years to come.
To speak to one of our engineers, you can use our online quote feature to get an instant quote.
Or, if you need additional info, please see our FAQ Page or our News Blog – or if you want to check our Gas Safe Registration click here or our near 5 star Trustpilot rating.
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FAQ’s
Is a power flush worth the money?
It depends on how badly your heating system is affected. If the whole system is showing signs of bad circulation, then a power flush will probably be worth the money.
What can cause sludge in radiators?
Dirt and debris particles from water in the heating system can combine with rust to create sludge. The rust develops on the inside of radiators and pipes, so is likelier to occur in older heating systems.
What causes black water in radiators?
The most common cause of corrosion in your radiator system is sludge, a black, mud-like substance which, if untreated, will build up over time.
How is a power flush done?
the engineer will connect a machine to your system. This will push a powerful, low pressure flow of liquid through your system. This dislodges sludge and rust, removing it from your radiators and boiler. It can take few hours to flush out your radiator system.
How much does a power flush cost UK?
A regular heating system power flush will usually cost roughly £300 for a small or average home with six radiators.