British gas, recommends a powerflush ???

[wig]

Hi, Had BG call on Friday under there boiler cover scheme, trouble with the water not getting very hot but also the rads warm up when running the hot water, was here for about 1 hour checking the PC boards with his laptop, anyway says the valve assemble wants replacing and someone else will call Monday to do that, then before leaving gives me a booklet and states that on Monday when the valve gets took off and the engineer see the colour of the water they might recommend a powerflush and or a magnabooster, googling british gas powerflush throws up a lot of the same story that them seem to recommend this on quiet a few jobs, is there any independent engineers on here to offer there opinion. Thank you.

 

[CES]

When they recommend a powerflush get a couple of opinions from local gas safe registered plumbers. If your system water is black and you are experiencing problems with your rads then you may need a flush but you are under no obligation to use the services of BG. Fitting a Magnaclean or similar will help your system but again I would get quotes from trusted local engineers.

 

[wig]

Hi, there is no problem with the rads, they get hot very quick and there are no cold spots.

 

[CES]

Sounds like your system is working ok to me but if your water is black then it would be beneficial to get a magnetic filter installed for piece of mind. Once again, get prices from local guys. BG tend to charge the earth.

 

[anz]

As said above, if you do need a powerflush, you can have this done by anyone. A lot of people seem to think that if they have the Homecare agreement with British Gas, they are the only ones that can work on the system. This is false.

Get a second opinion from a local gas safe registered engineer first, and quote if required.

I will recommend getting a Magnaclean or simillar device fitted as it will help with the maintenance of your system and should hopefully prolong its life.

 

[PowerFlushAssoc]

Rough guide:
If the central heating system water is
Black = Need a power flush
Brown = Might need a power flush
Clean like tap water = Probably don't need a power flush

Obviously you don't know what the PH of the water is, that's why its a rough guide.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

as already said if the system needs a powerflush i wouldn't get BG to do it as they charge the earth. get a local, preferably recommended, gas safe engineer to do it you will save, could be even half of what BG want depending on size of system.

 

[wig]

Thanks for the reply's, The boiler rads and pipes were all fitted new approx 5 years ago,just before we purchased this 1930's house, so the system is not that old, took a rad off to decorate about 10 month ago and the water out of it was just off clear.

 

[PowerFlushAssoc]

If you post us a sample we will test it for free for TDS and PH levels and give you an answer by email.

 

[wig]

Engineer called and fixed the problem, advised me that a power flush was not needed but said a British gas tend to recommend a magnabooster be fitted, he is is personal recommendation would not fit this but fit a magnaclean instead, went on to tell me how to drain down the system and to get one a fit myself, I have no problem with draining the system and refilling but would not be happy trying to cut the pipes within the restricted place, is there anyone is Stoke- On -Trent who would quote to fit a magnaclean. Thanks.

 

[GrahamM]

Until recent months I thought the magnaclean was the better unit, but I have went through a spell of near enough every second one of these leaking. And only 1-2 year old. They are terrible units.
Although I still think they remove a bit more crud from the system I would go for the magnabooster. Much better quality, more durable unit.

 

[CES]

There was a problem with the Magnaclean units leaking but this has been addressed apparently. The Magnabooster in my opinion is far too small and although it is of a good build quality IMO it doesn't compare at all to the Magnaclean. An alternative is the Fernox TF1 which I have used also. If fitted correctly this unit is really quite good.

 

[wig]

Right got a price to get the magnaclean fitted, unit arrived today, when I ordered it it stated it was including the new upgraded sheath....

MagnaClean 22mm Professinal Magna Clean filter - £73.00 : Rubber Duck Bathrooms, Bathroom Suites, Wet Rooms, Bathroom Furniture, Shower Screens, Baths, Shower Boards

there is nothing to state this on the box, can anybody tell me how to tell the difference.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Have a look at [DLMURL="http://www.adey.co.uk/pressoffice/news.asp?id=259"]Adey Professional Heating Solutions - News[/DLMURL] this shows the upgraded sheath.

 

[wig]

Just opened the box and there was a flier in saying it is the new one.

 

[Kev the gas]

Make sure you adjust the sheath depending on where you fit the magnaclean, ie on the Flow or Return pipe.

Best place to fit is on the return pipe close to the boiler if poss.

It requires the small black adjusters moving in or out on the sheath.

 

[tommytoker]

its nice that we can see and get all this black crud out but haven't c.h systems worked ok since the 70's without them.?