I am asked by many customers “what is a powerflush and how long does it really take?”

Once a boiler has been fitted the powerflush may or may not be needed, if the customer has been telling you that the radiators haven’t been getting hot, are slow, are making noises or are very inefficient then this gives you an indication that a powerflush may be needed.

In most cases a full powerflush is not needed and just a normal hot and cold flush of the system will be sufficient.

Here at Valley Services we always test the water to make sure there are no contaminates in it. If the water is a light brownish colour then that does not automatically mean it needs a powerflush but it does mean that it needs to be checked.

On all our new boiler installations we always fit a central heating system filter, whether it is a Fernox TF1 Filter or an Adey Magnaclean – they are both equally as good as eachother and both give optimum results of efficiency in collecting all the magnetite and sludge in the system.

The central heating system filter alone does not protect the system, if it is really contaminated then it will require a full powerflush and a powerflush takes approximately 5-8 hours to complete.

Photographs here show you exactly what is needed:

Before carrying out the powerflush a full chemical test will be needed for acidity and making sure what chemicals are needed.



The right equipment is needed to carry out this function. This includes chemicals, powerflushing unit, filters, pipework and various other equipment.



The right chemical is needed. A good chemical agent is needed to clean the internal system and remove the magnetite and any sludge that may be held in the pipework and mostly in radiators (the fins, and deep inside the radiator etc.), it can get clogged up and this can stop the radiator from heating up efficiently.



Connection to the central heating system, this is very important to connect into the right part of the central heating system so that the chemicals are put into the system correctly and are also taken out correctly as well.



Filters are used to collect all the magnetite and any debris that is kept in and to give you an indication of how clean the system is getting once the operation is under way.



Radiators must always be vibrated; this is just like banging them with a hammer but using the right equipment on a vibration plate with a reciprocating drill.



After it is clean and we have removed as much of the magnetite and contamination as possible, the system must be then thoroughly cleaned of all chemicals and the PH balance must be achieved – this means getting the water not too alkaline and not too acidic so making it neutral, so there is no chance of any contamination in the future. Once this has been completed another check on the system will be done and then the inhibitor will be added. This all contributes to one happy efficient system.


Call us today on 01433 620 220 for anymore information!

Adey has introduced a new white canister for its core 22mm Professional filter, which maintains and protects domestic central heating systems from the damaging effects of iron oxide sludge. The new white magnaclean has been designed to fit in more appropriately with modern kitchen units and kitchen design.

MagnaClean Professional is a proven, high efficiency, full-flow, magnetic and non-magnetic filter designed to tackle all central heating systems removing virtually 100% of suspended magnetic debris.

Call us today on 01433 620220 for more information.

Install Now, Pay nothing for 12 months!

We offer our customers the “buy now pay later” option to pay for installations.


No Cash in the Bank?
Buy now pay later (BNPL) allows our customers a period of 12 months before having to make a payment for their purchase. At the end of the BNPL period customers can choose to either repay the loan in full or in fixed monthly installments.

Credit is provided by an independant 3rd party. Subject to status.

Can’t Afford it?
By installing a new condensing heating system you will save money instantly.


Beat the severe weather conditions!
Most people wait to replace their boiler when it breaks down. In the winter there is a high demand of breakdowns of which most heating companies are unable to attend to for several days. Last year we experienced severe weather conditions on record for more than 50 years, several families were left without heating & hot water for over a week. By installing a new boiler “now” you could enjoy the peace of mind with less inconvenience.


Call us today on 01433 620 220 for more information!

We recently fitted a new condensing boiler and heating system for one of our customers. I talked to our customers, Mr Watts about power flushing and provided him with the procedure and the benefits. We drained down the system carrying out a hot and cold flush and there appeared to be no sign of contamination.

Although there was no sign of contamination we advised him to fit a Fernox TF1 Filter as at Valley we have a lot of confidence in this product and we believe that one should be fitted on every system.

In order to monitor the performance of the Fernox TF1 Filter and show the customer the benefits, I arranged to visit the customer after 2 months of the filter being fitted.

Mr Watts was extremely shocked by my findings, as you can see from the pictures a large amount of magnetite was collected over the 2 month period. This is why at Valley we strongly advise that a Fernox TF1 Filter is fitted on all installations as a power flush is not always necessary. As I have always said “the water is the blood in the veins of the system”, if it is not pure then it will severely damage the boiler, possibly invalidating any warranties and making the system less efficient.

Please contact our competent team members for our professional advice on these products.

Dave Smith, Managing Director of Valley Services