Powerflush back boiler

[Jamesplumber92]

Hi, I've a job coming up, rads have cold spots and need fixing. I'm gonna rent a powerflusher but I haven't done it since the training centre and wouldn't even call that experience.

The system is an oil boiler and range with a back boiler, I'm concerned about the back boiler, is it possible to do damage when flushing one?

Also, I've seen people flushing from a rad, should you remove the pump when doing this?

 

[SJB060685]

Personally I'd bit a bit concerned about the range cooker, others might say it's OK to do. What is the range doing? Is it just HW or is it tapped into the heating circuit as well?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Would remove each rad and flush separately wouldn’t flush a system like that in one

 

[Jamesplumber92]

Personally I'd bit a bit concerned about the range cooker, others might say it's OK to do. What is the range doing? Is it just HW or is it tapped into the heating circuit as well?

He said its heating the rads. Wouldn't be surprised if the system is all on an open vent, homeowner said the the water is black even at the bleed screw

 

[SJB060685]

Just to clarify this is a vaporising burner yes? Not a pressure jet?
I've checked with some other guys and they say it could be done with the right chemicals. You can always bypass the cooker if you're concerned. Im still in two minds about it but others have said should be OK.

 

[Jamesplumber92]

Just to clarify this is a vaporising burner yes? Not a pressure jet?
I've checked with some other guys and they say it could be done with the right chemicals. You can always bypass the cooker if you're concerned. Im still in two minds about it but others have said should be OK.

I haven't had a right look at the system, I will this weekend. I don't much about ranges though, I thought it was just solid fuel heating baffles inside. Is there any kind to watch out for?

 

[SJB060685]

I assume its a vaporising burner, in which case has a small horse shoe shaped boiler. A couple of my associates have stressed that there might be a rubber gasket seal inside somewhere which could be damaged by chemicals in the flushing process. Another pointed out to use a thoroughflush with no chemicals. They were a couple of my initial concerns, another concern of mine is the boiler itself is relatively small and if you're flushing a system you could cause sludge to settle in this boiler and you really don't want that.
If I were you I would isolate the cooker from the system while you are flushing. Stripping these units down to repair internal damage is a pig of a job and I've only ever built or stripped down a few.

 

[Jamesplumber92]

I assume its a vaporising burner, in which case has a small horse shoe shaped boiler. A couple of my associates have stressed that there might be a rubber gasket seal inside somewhere which could be damaged by chemicals in the flushing process. Another pointed out to use a thoroughflush with no chemicals. They were a couple of my initial concerns, another concern of mine is the boiler itself is relatively small and if you're flushing a system you could cause sludge to settle in this boiler and you really don't want that.
If I were you I would isolate the cooker from the system while you are flushing. Stripping these units down to repair internal damage is a pig of a job and I've only ever built or stripped down a few.

Ya my major fear is sludge settling in the back boiler and it to start Kettling. And if it does like you say and the range needs repair that can be big money. I've heard stories where people have had to buy small parts for range and been told they can only get them from company men who charge a fortune

 

[SJB060685]

The working principal behind vaporising burners is really quite simple but a good understanding and experience is still needed. A lot of engineers these days either don't know what they're doing, or don't want to touch them, meaning those who do work on them can charge what they like. We always charged more for a service on a range cooker, vaporising or pressure jet than we did for a boiler.

 

[Jamesplumber92]

The working principal behind vaporising burners is really quite simple but a good understanding and experience is still needed. A lot of engineers these days either don't know what they're doing, or don't want to touch them, meaning those who do work on them can charge what they like. We always charged more for a service on a range cooker, vaporising or pressure jet than we did for a boiler.

Can't beat an experienced head.
I think I'll remove them and flush individually, I reckon I can remove the cold spots on the rads. It'll give me a chance to see what condition the system is in and how its plumbed. No reason for the water to be as black as he says it is.

Definetly no chemicals though?

 

[SJB060685]

I wouldn't risk chemicals through the cooker but the rest of the system will be OK. If the system is a fouled as he claims then you need to find and address the problem.

 

[Jamesplumber92]

I wouldn't risk chemicals through the cooker but the rest of the system will be OK. If the system is a fouled as he claims then you need to find and address the problem.

That's for the advice!

 

[SJB060685]

Just remember if you're isolating the cooker from the rest of the system temporarily to flush the system, then have the customer turn the cooker off the night before.

 

[Jamesplumber92]

Just remember if you're isolating the cooker from the rest of the system temporarily to flush the system, then have the customer turn the cooker off the night before.

To have it cold?

 

[SJB060685]

Yes mate