early models. They later supplied a rubber ‘kebab’ in
the heat exchanger, the function of which was to cause
turbulence to prevent localised boiling, BUT power
flushing can dislodge the kebab such that it blocks the
exit, and so if you need to tackle such a system, you’ll
have to isolate the boiler.
Servicing
Q. Where can I get my Kamco pump serviced?
A. At Kamco. We have a service department at our St
Albans works where we build the pumps. We have all
spares in stock, and can service any pump that we’ve
sold since 1986.
We don’t have service engineers on the road as the
volume of repairs doesn’t warrant that. We carry out
repairs at St Albans, and ensure that we turn them
around fast.
Upon receipt of a pump we strip and performance check
it, and then call you to advise what we think needs
doing, and the cost.
It is unlikely that a repair will take more than two hours
labour. The cost of parts needs to be added, but unless
something drastic has happened to a pump, the cost of a
repair is always far less than the cost of replacing it.
We only need the pump on its tank to be returned (no
hoses required) and we advise that the pump be very
well packed, particularly around and ABOVE the motor
/ handle to prevent parcels carriers from destroying the
pump.
If you don’t use a parcels carrier service yourself, then
we can arrange for TNT to uplift it and return it to our
works. They send a specific vehicle out to do the uplift,
and charge £25 for this. On the upside, they are quick
and quite efficient. If you would like a Kamco pump
serviced, either send it to the service department at our
works address, or, if you prefer, pack the pump and then
call us to arrange collection.
Will power flushing damage the system?
Q. Will power flushing cause damage to a heating
system?
A. It is rare for a heating system to experience leaks
after the power flushing process. However, experienced
heating engineers will probably explain the following to
householders:-
Sludge and debris are present as a result of corrosion
over a long period of time.
The power flushing process will cure most circulation
problems, but cannot undo the corrosion and gradual
decay of heating system components that has led to the
need to power flush the system.
Occasionally some systems may have radiators with
localised deep corrosion pits, with only a scab of rust
preventing the system water from leaking out. The
vigorous flow rate required to mobilise sludge and
deposits may dislodge such a scab, leading to a leak from
the radiator during the flushing process.
The advanced stage of corrosion required for such a
situation means that the leak would occur imminently
even without a power flush. If it should be brought
forward slightly by the flushing process, then it is better
that it occurs whilst a heating engineer is present to
remedy the problem, rather than for it to arise over a
weekend or whilst the house is unoccupied.
Kamco power flushing chemicals are comprehensively
inhibited, so that they do not affect the metals from
which heating systems are constructed.
They are formulated so that they loosen and dissolve the
corrosion products that cause boiler noise and circulation
problems, enabling the power flushing process to power
them out of the heating system.
It is important after the flushing process to add a good
quality inhibitor such as SYSTEMSAFE-DM to the heating
system to prevent future decay. Part L: 2006 regulations
now make the addition of a chemical corrosion inhibitor
mandatory.
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