Power Flushing in Rye, East Sussex

Yes, and we do it regularly. Older systems need a considered approach, so we survey the pipework and radiators first and tailor the flush pressure and duration to the system's condition. Done properly, flushing is safe for old systems and usually gives them a dramatic new lease of life.

It is mostly magnetite, a black oxide created as the steel inside radiators slowly corrodes, mixed with scale and debris. It is heavier than water, so it settles in the bottom of radiators and along pipe runs, blocking heat where you want it and grinding away at the pump and boiler.

It comes down to the number of radiators and how heavily the system is contaminated. Most homes fall in the range of a few hundred pounds, and you will have a fixed written quote before we book anything in. There is no premium for being in Rye rather than Hastings.

No. The flushing unit connects into the system and all the dirty water is contained and taken to waste through hoses. We sheet floors, protect carpets and work tidily. In old and listed properties we take particular care with original floors and finishes.

Usually a full working day. Older systems tend to carry more sludge, and stubborn deposits take longer to shift, so we would rather quote you a day and finish early than rush a half-done job. We confirm the likely duration when we survey the system.

Almost certainly, because cold bottoms with hot tops are the signature of settled sludge. The flush lifts and removes those deposits so hot water can circulate through the whole radiator again. If a radiator turns out to be beyond saving we will tell you and quote for a replacement.

Small-bore and microbore pipework can be flushed, but it needs more care because narrow pipes block more easily. We assess the pipework during the survey and adapt the method to suit. If we believe flushing is not the right answer for your system we will say so honestly.

No. Rye is part of our standard coverage area along with Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea and Bexhill-on-Sea. The price we quote for the job is the whole price.

The inhibitor we add at the end is the main protection, and it should be checked yearly, which we do as part of a boiler service. A magnetic filter is a worthwhile addition to trap any future debris. Beyond that, a flushed and inhibited system simply gets on with its job.

Spring to autumn is ideal, while the heating is off or lightly used, and it means the system is ready for winter. That said, we flush systems year round, and if yours is struggling in January we would far rather sort it then than have you wait until May.