Gilmar Systems Limited ... domestic plumbing solutions

'POWER FLUSHING', 'JET FLUSHING' & 'HARD FLUSHING' are all expressions used in the heating trade over many years, to denote the process by which heating systems are forcibly cleansed using water at high velocity, but low pressure, so that no physical damage is caused to the system. The process can be made even more effective with the addition of powerful cleansing and mobilising agents, which help to breakdown sludge and other deposits.

The objective is to restore systems with circulation and boiler noise problems (caused by sludge and corrosion deposits) to optimum operation. Power flushing removes these deposits and the problems that they cause.

Power flushing is also an excellent way to pre-commission clean new heating systems, to remove excess flux, swarf and other debris, and the grease and oil used to prevent rusting of components before use.

It is prudent to power flush a heating system immediately before fitting a new boiler to an existing system to prevent possible future problems. Many systems are found to contain corrosion and sludge, even if no flow problems have yet shown themselves.

Existing debris is often mobilised by alterations to the system/piping and the increased efficiency of the new boiler, and may then accumulate in the boiler heat exchanger, causing noisy operation, reduced efficiency and, in extreme circumstances, failure of the boiler. The high efficiency and compactness of modern boilers, developed to minimise fuel costs and pollution, means that they are more susceptible to problems caused by debris in the system water.

DISCLAIMER:

Customers should be aware of two particular problems that can arise during a power flush:

1. On systems with an oldish hot water cylinder, corrosion may have occurred within the cylinder, both in the heating coil, and around the internal connections to the coil. The high water flow can cause the coil to break, necessitating replacement of the hot water cylinder. In these circumstances the stored cold water may also become contaminated with heating system water, necessitating flushing of that system.

2. Old radiators are likely to have suffered internal corrosion. The high water flow can wash away corrosion debris, and may result in tiny pin-hole leaks occurring in the radiator. This would require replacement of affected radiators.

These are potential risks of which you should be aware. Should either situation arise, you would be responsible for any associated repair costs, as such events are outside of our control. See our Terms published on this website.

We use a KAMCO CLEARFLOW CF30 DDV unit which provides excellent performance, in conjunction with a range of KAMCO chemicals.

This is a purpose built power flushing and descaling pump with instantaneous flow reversing device, for power flushing complete systems up to 25 radiators. This incorporates two dump valves, so that fresh water can be forced at high velocity in either direction during the dumping process, purging contaminated water through the dump hoses to waste.

By this means, all parts of the system can be scoured by high velocity turbulent water, improving the efficiency of power flushing and reducing the job time. One single man can power flush a heating system in around four to five hours, solving circulation and noise problems resulting from corrosion and sludge deposits.

The powerful flow, combined with an instantaneous flow reversing device, will dislodge and mobilise deposits and corrosion which resist traditional system cleaning methods. Radiators may be individually flushed in sequence, and the progress of the the power flushing process can be clearly seen at all times through the translucent tank.

With POWER FLUSH FX2 flushing and de-scaling liquid, the equipment will completely flush and clean a system in just one service visit, with no need for an initial visit to pre-treat the system.