How to Power Flush

Learn the basics of how to power flush and the benefits of doing one to your boiler.   Power flushing is a cleaning process for your boiler or central heating system. Doing a power flush can eliminate build up of sludge and scale that cause your system to work inefficiently. When done correctly, a power flush will only take 6 hours to complete. A larger heating systems or those that have more build up may take longer to work on. But what happens during the process? Instead of asking your engineer how to power flush, we’ve outlined the process for you below.   How to Power Flush A power flushing machine is used for this process. The machine has a pump that is used to connect to the system. Your engineer will take a water sample from the system to determine the severity of corrosion and scale. Fresh water and cleaning chemicals will be used to clean out the pipes. The machine makes a powerful flow that is combined with the instant flow reverse device to dislodge and move the deposits and corrosion that usually resist traditional cleaning methods. Water is flushed into and released out of the system several times. In the initial flush, water is used to remove large build ups within the system. After the initial cleanse, your engineer will add a chemical cleaner to further remove corrosion and other deposits. After this, fresh water is pushed through the system again to push out contaminated water. Radiators are also pumped and flushed individually. Once the process is done,  the system is filled once again with water...

Power Flushing

Are you thinking about getting power flushing for your boiler? Learn more about it here.   What is Power Flushing? Over time, corrosion can build up in your boiler system. This creates a sludge that greatly affects the efficiency of your boiler. In sever cases, power flushing is the only option available to effectively solve the problem. A “power flush” is a process of cleansing your boiler. The process aims to remove build up of sludge, rust and other debris in your central heating system. Doing this one- off deep clean make sure that your radiators are heating properly and you no longer have to worry about cold spots. A properly maintained boiler increases its life and helps keep your energy bills low. In the long run, you also have lower risks of a boiler breakdown.   Do you need a Power Flush? Some customers are not sure whether they actually need a power flush, and are afraid that they are paying extra for something unnecessary. There are several signs that can help you decide if you should avail of a power flush. These include: cold areas on radiators excessively noisy boiler or heating system pump discoloration in the water when you bleed the radiators the boiler takes a long time to heat up tap water gets cloudy If you are planning to connect a new boiler replacement to your old heating system, it is advisable that you do power flushing. Because most new boilers are condensing boilers, contaminants present in the current heating system can damage the internal pipes of the new boiler quickly. Power flushing will remove...

Boiler Service Checklist

What to know what is included in a boiler service checklist? Here is what you engineer does when he performs an annual check on your gas boiler.   A gas boiler service must be done at least once a year. An annual maintenance check, just like a boiler repair, will cost you some hard- earned money. So, it is only rightful that you know exactly what you are paying for.   Boiler Service Checklist This is what a typical boiler service checklist includes: Check the location of boiler Check for visual damage Check for correct operation (including consumer controls and safety devices) Check the soundness, routing and terminal location of flue Check the size of open vented flue Cold check the flue effectiveness Condensate drainage system for condensing boilers Check the appliance location and proximity of combustible materials Check, remove and clean main burner, as necessary Check and pilot burner and probes/ cables Clean heat exchanger Check operation of flame sensing device Check operation of boiler and high limit thermostat Check operation of low water pressure control Correct ventilation provision Make sure flue guard is fitted (if required) Check for flue spillage (when appropriate) Check the 3 amp fuse fitted Check the Double Pole Isolation Switch fitted Inspect the electrical wiring for damage and ensure correct connection to the appliance Run the boiler to check flue effectiveness and functionality Run the boiler and check for gas leaks Test and record appliance burner and main burner pressure Check timer and heating control Timer and controls are left in position suitable for homeowner   Not sure if its time to get...

Gas Boiler Service

Wondering if you really need gas boiler service? The answer is YES.   Why Should I Get A Gas Boiler Service? Your gas boiler is perhaps one of the hardest- working appliances you have in your home. Hence, it is only fitting that you take care of it well. You must schedule a gas boiler service at least once a year — even if your boiler is new. Here’s why: Save money. By having a qualified engineer look at your boiler, you can be sure that it is working okay. It reduces the risk of a breakdown. The engineer can spot early anything that may be starting to wear off and take care of it before it needs a costly boiler repair. Save more money. An annual gas boiler service will ensure that your boiler is working efficiently. As your boiler runs and gets older, it uses more gas to generate the same amount of energy over the years. A boiler that is working “efficiently” is one that uses only the right amount of gas to run. Annual checks also helps make your usage environment- friendly. Keep your home safe. A gas boiler that is running inefficiently can emit carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that is odorless, tasteless and colorless. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often confused with that of the flu. Statistics show that carbon monoxide poisoning kills about 30 people every year in the UK. Having a gas safe registered engineer check on your boiler regularly will help ensure that your boiler is working properly.   What Else Can I Do To Maintain My Boiler’s Efficiency...

Frozen Condensate Pipe

Does your boiler have a frozen condensate pipe? Here’s a quick guide to help you.   Frozen Condensate Pipe A frozen condensate pipe is quite a common issue during cold months. A condensate pipe safely vents moisture from the boiler to the outside drain. The pipe is usually grey or white, and it travels from  the boiler through the external wall that is directly outside the boiler. During the winter months, the condensate pipe can freeze – even if it is insulated. Freezing can cause blockage, resulting in the condensate to backing up into the boiler and then causing a shutdown. You would know that the condensate pipe is frozen if  you hear a bubbling sound from the boiler or the pipe. You may also see a warning light on the boiler to indicate that the pipe is frozen. Thawing a frozen condensate pipe should really be done by a gas safe registered engineer. However, if you feel that you can do it yourself, these guidelines should help you. Check to make sure that the condensate pipe is indeed frozen. Depending on your boiler’s model, there may be a ‘fault code’ or warning light on the boiler’s display to indicate that the pipe is frozen. You might also hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the boiler or the condensate pipe. Find the blockage. It is most likely that the blockage is located where the pipe is most exposed, such as the end of the pipe or a bend or elbow. Run your hands over the pipe. The frozen section should feel colder than the rest of the pipe....

The Serious Need for an Annual Boiler Servicing

Annual Boiler Servicing can prevent a lot of headaches For all your gas boiler needs – from installations, repairs, and servicing, RJ Gas can provide you with the necessary expertise backed up with over 75 years of combined experience within the gas central heating industry. Boilers are considered to be the heart of the modern home, whether used to provide central heating or hot water, and yet most home owners tend to take them for granted until they break down and start causing trouble. While manufacturers typically recommend the service schedule for their boilers, it is prescribed that these appliances undergo annual boiler servicing. Avoid costly repairs Complete boiler breakdown usually develops from minor problems. Scheduling an annual boiler servicing increases the possibility that these minor faults can be picked-up early on and fixed for a lot less than having costly repairs done on your boilers. This will not only save you money but future troubles as well. Reduce your total heating costs An efficient heating system can greatly minimise your heating bills.  The engineer who will conduct your annual boiler service can ensure that your boiler is running as efficiently as possible. Always make sure that the engineer that will do the work is a registered Gas Safe Register engineer. Do not hesitate to ask for, and check, their ID. Remove the threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning Improper installation, poor maintenance and lack of sufficient ventilation can produce carbon monoxide and increase the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. This silent killer cannot be detected through sight nor smell. Symptoms for this condition are headaches, drowsiness, nausea, breathlessness and...