Power Flushing in Wigmore

Understanding the Sludge Problem in Wigmore

Iron oxide sludge — the black, muddy substance that accumulates inside central heating systems — is produced by the slow corrosion of steel radiator panels. Every heating system generates it, but the speed at which it builds up depends on the age of the system, whether inhibitor has been maintained, and the hardness of the local water supply.

Wigmore's water, like all of Medway's, is classed as hard. The elevated calcium and magnesium content forms limescale deposits on the internal surfaces of your boiler's heat exchanger and inside your pipes. This limescale restricts water flow, reduces heat transfer, and makes your boiler work harder than it should. Combined with magnetite sludge, the system gradually loses efficiency until you start noticing the symptoms: cold spots, slow heating, and increased gas bills.

A power flush forces high-strength cleaning chemicals through every part of your system at elevated flow rates, stripping away the sludge and scale. After flushing, we add a corrosion inhibitor and recommend fitting a magnetic filter for ongoing protection.

Signs You Need a Power Flush

• Cold patches at the bottom of radiators
• Rooms that take a long time to warm up
• Boiler making banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds
• Dark water when radiators are bled
• Frequent need to top up boiler pressure
• Boiler displaying error codes or cutting out

Wigmore Homes and Their Heating Systems

The properties along Wigmore Road, Broom Hill Road, and the streets between Wigmore and Parkwood were mainly built during the late 1970s and 1980s. These are well-built family homes with heating systems that were considered modern at the time of installation but have now been in continuous operation for around 35 to 45 years.

A common pattern we see in Wigmore properties is that the boiler has been replaced — sometimes twice — but the radiators and pipes are original. The new boiler pushes water through the same ageing circuit, and the sludge that has accumulated over decades passes through the new unit, potentially damaging components like the heat exchanger, pump, and diverter valve.

Many Wigmore homes have also had extensions, conservatories, or loft conversions that added extra radiators to the existing system. These additions extend the total volume of water in the circuit and increase the surface area where corrosion can occur, making regular power flushing even more important.

The area sits at a relatively high elevation compared to the Medway valley floor, which means it can be exposed to colder winds during winter. Efficient heating is not optional — your system needs to deliver full output to keep every room comfortable when temperatures drop.