Signs Your Heating System May Need Cleaning
Steve's quick check: copper pipe isn't magnetic, but magnetite is. On badly contaminated systems, a magnet can sometimes be attracted to copper heating pipework because of the contamination sitting inside it.
How I Approach a Heating System Flush
First, I listen to you. You're living with the heating every day, so what you've noticed — poor heat, constant cycling or radiators that never seem right — is important.
Most system cleans are a good day's work, but there isn't an honest fixed time. The number of radiators, how contaminated the system is and whether existing radiator valves isolate properly can all affect the job.
Your Heating System Needs Good Circulation Too
Think of your boiler as the heart and the pipework as the arteries.
When black magnetite and sludge build up inside the system, water cannot circulate as freely. That can mean poor heat distribution, cold spots and extra strain on the heating system.
What Comes Out Can Be Eye-Opening
Customers often don't realise how contaminated their heating water has become until they actually see it being flushed from the system.
This is genuine dirty system water from an SR Francis heating-system flush.
Can Flushing Cause Leaks?
It's a common concern. In over 30 years, I've never personally had a heating system fail simply because I've flushed it.
If a radiator or pipe is already severely corroded, cleaning can sometimes expose an existing weakness — but the cleaning hasn't created that corrosion.
The System I Use — Thoroughflush
I use the Thoroughflush mains flushing system. It lets me direct mains water through the heating system and reverse the flow to help disturb and remove contamination from radiators and pipework.
Where the system allows, I isolate radiators so the flushing flow can be concentrated through one part of the system at a time. Cleaning chemicals can be circulated where required before the system is thoroughly flushed again.
See how Thoroughflush works on the manufacturer's website →
Heating System Not Performing Properly?
Call or WhatsApp Steve and tell me what you've noticed. I'll help you work out whether system cleaning is likely to be the right next step.