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Power Flushing for Central Heating Systems

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:11:39 GMT

Power flushing is a procedure carried out by central heating engineers to remove sludge build-up in the boiler, pipes, and radiators that make up your whole heating system. To dislodge any build-up of sludge, rust, and other debris, a power flushing unit sends water at high speed through your entire heating system. This helps to enhance the efficiency and lifespan of the boiler and central heating system while also preventing breakdowns. Regular upkeep (including power flushing) is the best approach to maintain your system in good shape.

What Does the Power Flushing Process Entail?

A "pumping station" is a powerful machine that is used to remove dirty water and sludge while introducing clean water. Before the equipment is connected, the engineer will add a chemical to the system to break down the sludge in the heating system. There are several stages in the power flushing procedure, and your engineer will most likely need several hours to complete it all.

Step One

Following the installation of the equipment, the engineer can spend up to a minimum of 90 minutes to a full working day flushing the entire system (both directions), depending on the state of the central heating system.

Step Two

The chemical neutraliser will be added after the system is cleared. The PH balance should then be checked to ensure that the system isn't excessively acidic, as excessive acid might cause internal corrosion.

Step Three

Your engineer will add a dose of "inhibitor" fluid to the system. This prevents corrosion and, in some cases, sludge from re-accumulating in the central heating system. The whole procedure might take all day, depending on the size and condition of the system.

When is Power Flushing Needed?

The following are some of the most common symptoms that your central heating system might require a power flush:

Radiators with only a hot strip at the top
Black, dirty water in the heating system
Poor circulation
Magnets attaching to copper pipe-work (will show signs of iron sludge)
Overflowing attic header tank

If you're getting a new boiler and your old central heating system has old-style radiators, a power flush is part of the manufacturers instruction and can invalidate warranty due to flush not being done. Most common faults on new boilers are due to sludge in the system. Your boiler engineer can do visual and chemical inspections to determine the PH balance and levels of corrosive elements in the system. Whether a full power flush is required depends on the results of these tests.

A ‘dynamic flush', which uses clean mains pressure water, is sometimes sufficient in place of a full power flush. It's necessary with every new boiler installation that the entire system be fully flushed, although not always ‘power flushed’.

Experienced Power Flushing Engineers

At MaPlumb , we have years of experience in power flushing and have the equipment and expertise to ensure that your central heating system is running as efficiently as possible. We'll be able to advise you on the best course of action after a visual inspection and tests of the water in your system.

Is Power Flushing Always the Solution?

Power flushing will not repair a damaged component in your boiler or any other part of your central-heating system if there is one. Power flushing may help to improve the efficiency of your system and keep it functioning effectively, but it can't fix broken valves caused by sludge in the process, for example.

Also, power flushing will not fix a pressure loss. This generally indicates a leak in the system - and it might have occurred as a result of inefficient operation, but power flushing will not address the problem on its own.

Power flushing is most effective if it is carried out on a regular basis after the installation of a system. If you have an older boiler and system (if it's more than 8-10 years old), power flushing may be the first port fo call before replacing expensive components such as the boiler and components.

Will Power Flushing Remove all of the Dirt in a Central Heating System?

It will remove a significant amount of it, but it will not be able to get rid of all the sludge in the system. If your system is quite old or very heavily silted up, power flushing might not be enough to solve the problem. If you have a gas combi-boiler, ask your engineer to take out and clean both sides of the hot water heat exchanger before reinstalling it into the boiler.

Many people don't realise how important it is to power flush their central heating systems. Over time, your system can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can reduce its efficiency and increase your energy bills . Not only will this save you money on your energy bills, but it can also extend the life of your system. If you're not sure whether or not your system needs a power flush, get in touch with us today. We can assess your system and let you know if a power flush is right for you.

Plumbing Upgrades That Will Add Value to Your Home

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:02:12 GMT

A lot of homebuyers are rushing to put their houses on the market as the housing market continues to flourish. However, in order to get the greatest return for your property, you must ensure that it's in excellent shape.

When it comes to determining whether or not to purchase a property, one of the first things buyers look for is the plumbing system. Upgrading your plumbing systems, such as toilets and shower heads, dishwashers, and water lines, is always a good idea if you’re looking to sell. Your purchasers will want a home with well-maintained plumbing systems that are built to last. Here at MaPlumb , we have some useful suggestions when it comes to increasing the value of your house by adding simple improvements - read on to find out more!

Install New Taps and Showers

You don't have to replace a full bathroom or kitchen to make a difference in these key rooms' appearance and function. By switching to contemporary, sleek taps, you can improve the look of your kitchen and bathroom while also gaining the benefits of improved performance.

Adding a new shower in your bathroom will make your house more appealing to potential buyers and improve your own daily life immediately - and there are loads of options to choose from. You can install a recessed ceiling shower head, for example, and benefit from extra water jets. For more information on the best showers and their benefits, check out our Shower Buyers Guide .

Add an En Suite or Extra Bathroom

One of the most popular home improvement trends right now is adding an extra bathroom - and it's not hard to see why. Not only will this make your house more attractive to potential buyers, but - if you’re not planning on selling your property soon - you'll also enjoy having the additional space when guests come to stay.

If you're considering adding an extra bathroom, think about installing a small en suite in a spare bedroom or even under the stairs. This is a great way to add value without breaking the bank.

His and Hers Sinks

One of the best ways to add value to your home is by making it more functional. His and hers sinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially in larger houses where people often have to share a bathroom.

Installing two sinks will not only make your life easier but will also make your house more attractive to potential buyers. Plus, if you install them in a stylish material such as marble or granite, you'll also be adding a luxurious touch.

Replace Old Toilets

Outdated toilets can be one of the biggest turn-offs for potential homebuyers. If your toilets are old and inefficient, it's time for an upgrade. Newer toilets use less water and are much more efficient than older models. Check out our toilets buyers guide here for some more information on which toilet would work best in your bathroom.

New Boiler

An old boiler can be a real eyesore in your home, and it's also one of the most expensive appliances to replace. If your boiler is more than 15 years old, it's time for an upgrade. A new boiler will not only improve the appearance of your home but will also make it more energy-efficient.

Install Modern Pipes

If your home has old, iron pipes, it's time for an upgrade. Modern homes are being built with PVC or copper pipes, which are more durable and require less maintenance.

These simple upgrades will improve the look and feel of your house while also making it easier to sell in the future.

For all your plumbing needs, contact us at MaPlumb today! We're here to help you add value to your home with our expert services.

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Accounts@onelinkmedia.co.uk (Onelink Media) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:04:32 GMT

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Just because a bathroom is small, doesn't mean it has to be cramped. A lack of space can be an issue, but it also stimulates creativity. Being confined to such tight quarters gives you the opportunity to figure out how to furnish and arrange the area in such a way that it can be used most effectively.

And, as several clever bathroom ideas illustrate, it's entirely feasible - provided you keep in mind that all of your design choices have a big influence in a limited area. Here are some bathroom ideas and remodelling changes to help you visually expand your small bathroom.

Consider a Corner Sink

One way to make a small bathroom feel larger is to install a corner sink. This can free up some valuable counter space, which is often at a premium in small bathrooms. A corner sink also has the added benefit of being easier to clean than a traditional pedestal or vanity sink because there are no hard-to-reach areas.

Corner Toilets

Another way to save space in a small bathroom is to install a corner toilet. This type of toilet takes up less floor space than a traditional model, making it an ideal choice for cramped quarters.

Add Large Mirrors

To visually expand your bathroom, you can add larger mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, making the room appear brighter and more open. They also give the illusion of more space, which can be helpful in a small bathroom.

Use Bright Colours

You can make a small bathroom look bigger by utilising bright colours. Light colours, like mirrors, reflect light and make a room feel larger, while dark colours can make a bathroom feel cramped and small. So if you're looking to create the illusion of more space, go with light shades.

Hide Pipes Behind the Toilet

Pipes and other plumbing components are an important part of every bathroom since they provide water for your daily needs. However, they're far from being an attractive addition and take up a lot of room. Unless you're into the industrial look, hide your unsightly plumbing fittings in the walls, floor, or ceiling to keep them out of sight. Are you stuck with old exposed toilet parts? Another alternative is to combine several wood pieces to box-in the visible plumbing from your bathtub, radiators, or boiler.

Install a Glass Shower Door

A glass shower door can make a small bathroom look bigger. Unlike a traditional shower curtain which takes up space and hangs around the edges of your tub, a glass shower door is frameless and gives the illusion of more space.

Utilise Vertical Space

Vertical space should also be used to its fullest potential in a small bathroom. Install shelving above the toilet or sink to provide extra storage for towels, toiletries, and other necessary items. You can also install hooks on the back of the bathroom door to hang wet towels.

Bathroom Installation Services

If you have a small bathroom and are looking to revamp your space, consider us here at MaPlumb . Our experts have years of experience in designing and installing bathrooms for large or small spaces. We can help you make the most of your bathroom and can open up the space to improve your comfort. Contact us today so we can begin working together to build you the perfect bathroom!

The Shower Buyers Guide

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 13:17:48 GMT

It's a big decision picking the best shower for your house. After all, it's both an invigorating wake-up call in the morning and a relaxing way to end your day after work. When you begin looking, there are a few things to consider - is it possible to put it over a bath? Is my home's water pressure sufficient? What's the difference between a manual mixer and a thermostatic?

Although there's a lot to consider, we can guide you through your decision making process in this guide so that you have all of the information to make an informed choice on the perfect shower for your home.

Considerations for Your New Shower

Here are just a few things to consider before we discuss the best kinds of showers to get for your home:

Bathroom Size

If you have a smaller bathroom, a fixed or rain shower head may not be the best option. An adjustable riser shower might work better in a small space, allowing you to move it freely. The same goes if you want to install a shower over your bath; make sure it will direct the water towards the area where you're standing rather than straight down into the taps below.

Height and Ease of Use

Consider your family and other people who will use your shower. How easily can everyone access the controls? This is important for comfort as well as safety. Taller people shouldn't have to bend down to alter the controls, and shorter people or children should not have to stretch up; find a comfortable position that works for you and your family.

Water and Heating System

Some showers simply aren't a good fit for your house, depending on your heating system. A mixer shower with a combi boiler can be great since you'll have lots of water pressure. A gravity system, on the other hand, might not provide the pressure you require. Check to see whether the shower you're considering is appropriate for your home.

Types of Showers

There are many different shower types on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. But which one is right for you? Here's a few types of shower that are currently on the market:

Manual Mixer Showers

The manual mixer shower performs similarly to your bath's mixer tap. Simply change the temperature using each of its own heated and cooled water sources, and you're done. Ideal for homes with higher water pressure - a manual mixer will not cause any difficulties! This shower type is also ideal for use over a bath.

Thermostatic Showers

Thermostatic showers, like manual showerheads, have a hot and cold water supply. The distinction is that you adjust them both with a single control. It will stay within 2°C of the ideal temperature for as long as you choose! Choose this shower type if you want to place it over a bath or in a shower cubicle.

Digital Showers

Digital showers with temperature and flow controls allow you to dial in the ideal shower settings for your specific preferences. Some can even be controlled remotely, allowing you to wake up to a warm shower. With several features, they may also include an eco-mode to assist you in saving water while showering.

Concealed Shower Valve Showers

A concealed shower valve is designed for a wall-mounted installation, with all of the internal parts hidden from view. They can be manual or thermostatic and are perfect for modern, minimalist bathrooms where you want the focus to be on the sleek lines of your fittings rather than unsightly plumbing.

Fixed Head Shower

As the name suggests, this is a shower head that doesn't move. It's permanently attached to the pipe and sends a stream of water down at where you're standing. This type of shower is great for saving space.

Handheld Shower

Handheld showerheads are attached to a pipe with a hose that can be moved around. Some manual mixer showers come with the option of adding on one of these handheld attachments for extra convenience and flexibility. They're perfect if you want to use your showerhead over a bath or in another location where it's not suitable for installation directly from. We use Hansgrohe products for our showerheads as they are the most modern and sleek designs on the market.

As you can see, finding the perfect shower for your home is easy once you know what's available on the market. There are showers to fit every bathroom, no matter the size or how good your water pressure is. Here at MaPlumb , we have years of experience fitting all kinds of showers - so get in touch with our experts today to see how we can assist you in creating the perfect bathroom .

Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure?

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 09:29:23 GMT

Water pressure is often a problem, and it isn't limited to your bathroom . It can impact any area of your house, from your kitchen faucet to flushing your toilet. When you move into your house, the water pressure might be great, however, it can weaken over time. Let's look at the most common reasons for low water pressure so that you know when it's time to get in touch with a professional to fix the problem.

Causes of Sudden Water Pressure Loss

If you don't normally have low water pressure, but suddenly do now, there are multiple reasons as to why this might be. You should consider the following possibilities:

Have there been any new water projects in my area or city recently?
Have I recently had repair work done? Was it connected to the water supply?
What is the quality of my water? Is there any limescale in my shower and faucet?
Is there anything happening in the world of climate change that might have an impact on my water?
Am I in danger of being deprived of my water supply because I'm competing with other individuals for it?

Common Cause for a Loss in Water Pressure

The most frequent reasons for low water pressure are a lack of water supply, poor pumping equipment, plumbing issues, and small water mains. Even with regular upkeep, you may have to adjust to changes in your environment. You might need to alter the path of your water system or something similar, but these adjustments rarely take place.

How to Know if You Have Low Water Pressure

The best way to discover is to notice a change in how you approach your home. Is the shower too weak? How long does it take to fill up your kettle? These little things should be considered.

If you're new to a neighbourhood or house and the pressure is lower than what you're accustomed to, you should test it. The pressure in your house varies depending on where you are in relation to the water supply. You can get a water pressure gauge from a hardware shop and check the pressure inside your home.

If you don't have access to a water pressure gauge, fill a bucket. Turn the water on full and time how long it takes. If the water flow takes more than 30 seconds, there is insufficient pressure in your pipes. Water flow is an excellent indicator of home pressure levels.

What if your hot water has low pressure, but your cold water is normal? The issue is internal pressure. It's a problem with your heating system. Cold water generally comes from your area's main water supply, while hot water originates from the cylinder you have at home. This can be fixed by fine-tuning your boiler settings or cycling the water through your system.

Ways to Improve Water Pressure

Having low water pressure could be fixed at home by either yourself (if you are plumbing-savvy), or by a professional. The following are some simple ways to improve your water pressure:

Replacing your vented cylinder to an unvented cylinder.
Installing an accumulator to the system.
Installing a shower pump.
Installing a scale inhibitor, scale reducer, or water softener to improve the heater quality in your property.

Contact a Professional

If you have low water pressure, it's important to identify the cause so that you can get it fixed. It's not just an inconvenience - it could be a sign of a more serious problem. By being aware of the common causes for low water pressure, you can troubleshoot the issue and hopefully restore normal flow to your home by getting in touch with professionals like ourselves here at MaPlumb , who have years of experience and are always on hand to help.

The Toilet Buyers Guide

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:09:33 GMT

Whether your bathroom is large or small, there are several types of toilets available in a variety of styles. Choosing the ideal toilet for your home might be difficult, whether you prefer an old-fashioned toilet or something more contemporary.

So we have compiled a list of different kinds of toilets, and which sized bathroom they would be ideal for. Let's get started.

What Types of Toilet are There?

There are three basic toilet styles, each of which is appropriate for all types of bathrooms, including close-coupled toilets, back-to-wall hung toilets, and wall-hung toilets.

Close-Coupled Toilets

The “L”-shape is a characteristic of close-coupled toilets, which are the most popular toilet in the UK. The close-coupled design has the cistern directly above the toilet bowl, resulting in a near-coupled relationship between them. These toilets are different from previous high-level toilet designs in that the cistern was situated high above the toilet. These may be found in older buildings or traditional bathroom suites.

Back-to-Wall Toilet

Back-to-wall toilets are a more modern choice, with the cistern concealed inside a wall or a piece of furniture. This toilet design is ideal for a contemporary bathroom suite and can help you save space in a small bathroom. Consider it as a minimalistic approach to maximising the area in your bathroom. It accomplishes this by concealing the cistern behind the pan in a unit or behind a wall, which masks it from view.

Wall-Hung Toilet

Wall-hung toilets, as the name implies, appear to be suspended in mid-air rather than connected to the ground.

A wall-hung toilet has a concealed cistern that is hidden in the wall, much like back-to-wall toilets. However, this variant goes one step further for function and design by floating above the floor without the need of a visible pedestal. This type of toilet is ideal for designer and modern bathrooms due to its simple and clean style that makes efficient use of space.

Which Type of Toilet is Best for Your Bathroom?

Of course, the sort of toilet you select isn't solely dependent on appearance or price; it also depends on whether it will fit in your bathroom.

For larger bathrooms, you can use any toilet style you like; just keep in mind to maintain the same design concept. Now let's explore what kind of toilets are fit for smaller bathrooms.

Corner Toilets

Corner toilets, as the name implies, are a modern, space-saving option for your bathroom suite. These toilet designs blend in beautifully with any bathroom alcove while also providing full-size functionality.

Short Projection Toilets

Short Projection Toilets are ideal for tiny bathrooms. Short Projection toilets are just as broad as normal toilets, with a similar pan and seat, but the cistern volume has been reduced to make it shorter. Because of this, its outward projection is substantially less.

If you are looking to update your bathroom and bring it into the 21st century, or you're simply looking to make a slight change to the overall design and functionality, we at MaPlumb can deliver a full bathroom installation service to fit your own style and needs.