HEATING SYSTEM PREPARATION AND TIPS
Page 3
Always run heating system prior to power flushing to establish the problem areas such as cold spots on
radiators or slow circulation, you can then make sure the strongest concentration of chemicals are
directed to these problem areas.
Before power flushing the system it is important to check the following:
All radiator valves are fully open, both sides of radiator. Thermostatic rad valve heads should be
removed and check the pins are not stuck down. Isolate electrical supply to circulating pump,
regardless of whether or not this is the location for connecting the Flowclean pump to the heating
system.
Check that all zone valves are set to manual open and that if any anti-gravity check valves are fitted to
the system, these are temporarily removed or by-passed to allow flow reversing action to be used, any
bypass should also be closed.
When flushing a vented system you will need to cap off both the cold feed and vent to avoid overflowing
of the feed and expansion tank, in some cases you can create a temporary loop, connecting cold feed
and vent together, which will then include these pipes in the flushing process.
Please do note that capping off or looping pipes, by-passing check valves etc are temporary
measures and will need to be reinstated after the power flushing procedure is finished.
The dump hose should run into a foul sewer; a toilet, gully or drain are commonly used.
Care should be taken as contaminated water may well stain different surfaces.
During the dumping process, if the mains water going in via the cold water inlet tap cannot keep up with
what is being dumped out, stop dumping and allow water to return to required level: Do not adjust or
restrict dump valve to try and compensate.
Handy tips
Your Flowclean pump is compatible with all approved chemicals, however it is important to make sure
the correct chemicals are being used on the system you are working on, take care and read through
chemical instructions carefully, aluminium heat exchangers, galvanised or stainless steel pipes will
dictate which chemicals are suitable.
If an acid based descaler is used then the system, including the Flowclean pump must be neutralised
with the suggested neutralising agent prior to the final flush through with cold water.
At all times during the flushing procedure the tank filling cap must be left off in order to allow the
exhaust of acidic vapour created by the cleaning process.
Maintain vigilance on the amount of foam produced. Do not overfill the tank by exceeding the maximum
level marked clearly on the side of the tank. It is good practise to use waterproof dust sheets and
replace end caps on hoses after use to prevent any unwanted spillages.
In order to maintain continued flushing pump efficiency and reliability, it is of paramount importance that
all equipment is thoroughly washed with clean water after every use.
The flow diverter valve is situated on the top of the tank directly over the chemical fill point, the lever
when in the correct position points in the flow direction set. (See page 5
for further detail)
