Radiators not heating up properly? It could be sludge in the system

How to get rid of sludge and prevent it building up again

If you find that it takes a long time for all radiators to heat up, some heat up better than others or they’re hot at the top but not the bottom, these are all signs that you could have a build-up of sludge in your central heating system.

There are a number of problems associated with sludge, including:

• Your system doesn’t work properly with some radiators not working or experiencing cold spots
• It could be costing more in energy because your system is not working efficiently
• It could cause further damage including causing your boiler to break down
• It could render any home boiler insurance invalid so if it does break down, you may not be covered for any repairs

What is sludge in a central heating system?

Sludge is basically an accumulation of dirt particles and limescale from water combined with rust and corrosion. It collects at the bottom of your radiators and prevents water from circulating properly. It can also damage parts in the boiler itself which can create bigger problems.

What should you do about sludge in the system?

If you suspect you have sludge in your central heating system it is something that needs dealing with. It’s not something that will resolve itself and your radiators won’t work efficiently until you do, no matter how often you bleed them.

The best course of action is to powerflush the system. Powerflushing uses a powerful pump and chemicals to flush and clean your system, breaking down the sludge and enabling the water to flow properly around the radiators once again. You will not only feel the benefit from your heating working well again but it will extend the life of your central heating system.

How much does a powerflushing service cost?

A powerflush is usually a full day’s job and typically costs anywhere from £350 up to £1200. At Plumbcare.com we charge £496. This may seem like a lot of money but it will pay for itself many times over in the long term in what you will save on energy bills and repairs.

How can you prevent sludge building up in the first place?

Obviously, prevention is always better than a cure and you can take measures to prevent it building up in the first place. Adding an inhibitor to the system protects against limescale and corrosion, preventing the sludge from building up. We can also change the central heating filters which will help as well.

If you suspect that you may have a sludge build-up, or just want to protect your system from having issues in the future, give us a call on 0333 577 0151 or complete our enquiry form.