Frequently Asked Questions about Power Flushing, the Power Flush process and APS Power Flush

How does the Clearflow Power Flush process work?

The Clearflow power flushing pump is simply connected into the heating system, either across the standard circulator pump couplings, across the tails of one radiator, or wherever most practicable.

Power Flashing is a highly effective cleansing operation which works by pumping water at a much higher velocity than usual through the heating system, to loosen and mobilise harmful corrosion deposits, and to suspend them in the rapidly moving water. The process is made more effective by specialist cleansing chemicals and an instantaneous flow reversal device, which creates turbulance in the radiators to optimise 'pick up' of the debris.

Once loosened, the underwater debris is purged from the system with clean water. At the end of the flushing process, the system contains fresh clean water, and reinstatement of the system to normal operation takes only a few minutes.

During the Clearflow process radiators are individually flushed, without removing or disconnecting them from the system, by directing the full output of the pump through each radiator separately.

Clearflow power flushing by APS is not a high pressure operation, and it is suitable for most domestic wet central heating systems. It is carried out with minimal disturbance and disruption to the normal operation of the system, often without disconnecting the boiler or any radiators.

Why do heating systems need protecting with Power Flush?

As soon as heating is completed and filled with water, deterioration of the system begins. The combination of water, air, a mixture of metals, and even installation debris and contaminants, can result in internal corrosion, sludge formation in low flow areas, and scaling of boilers and heat exchangers.

Symptoms include cold panels in radiators, blocked radiators, irritating boiler noises, a long recovery time after drawing off hot water, an inadequate water supply, and failure of pumps, radiators, and valves.

These problems are not inevitable, and good care and maintenance of a system, and addition to the heating system of a quality corrosion and scale inhibitor, such as Systemsafe DM, will prevent and often cure them.