Name: Celsius Plumbing and Heating (Edinburgh) Ltd
Rating: 4.8

Power Flush or MagnaCleanse – which is the best way to clean your central heating system?

If your heating system isn’t performing like it used to, and radiators are slow to heat, rooms stay chilly, or your boiler seems to be working overtime you might be dealing with sludge build-up. Over time, central heating systems collect rust, scale, and debris. This restricts water flow and puts unnecessary strain on your boiler.

Two of the most effective ways to restore performance and efficiency are power flushing and MagnaCleanse. But which one do you actually need?

LIke many questions the answer is ‘it depends’. Let’s break it down further so you can make the best choice for your home or property:

What is Power Flushing?

Power flushing is a deep clean for your central heating system. It uses high-pressure water, combined with specialist cleaning chemicals, to force out sludge, rust, and debris from radiators, pipework, and your boiler.

A power flush is ideal for older systems or those that have never been cleaned before. If your radiators are stone cold at the bottom, or you’ve had repeated boiler breakdowns, power flushing can bring your system back to life.

Best for systems with heavy sludge build-up.
Uses high pressure to push contaminants out.
Takes 4–8 hours depending on system size.

What is a MagnaCleanse?

A MagnaCleanse system flush is a gentler approach that combines magnetic filtration with vibration to remove build-up in a controlled way.

A MagnaCleanse flush circulates cleaning chemicals at normal pressure using the boiler systems heating pump, while powerful magnets capture loosened debris. The vibration helps dislodge stubborn sludge from your radiators.

Ideal for newer boilers or moderate build-up.
Lower pressure = safer for older pipework.
Takes around 2–4 hours.

For longer-term and ongoing protection, it is also often paired with installing a MagnaClean filter.

Basically flushing helps to protect your boiler and central heating

Both MagnaCleanse and power flushing improve energy efficiency and help reduce strain on your boiler. That will mean fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your central heating system.

Clean water circulating through your system reduces the risk of overheating, breakdowns, and corrosion. It also helps your boiler run quieter and use less energy.

If you’re already struggling with an underperforming boiler, then get in touch as we provide expert boiler repairs in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

Keep it clean: maintaining your heating system really does pays off

A clean heating system is only the beginning. Here’s how to keep it that way:

Annual boiler servicing keeps your heating efficient and safe.
MagnaClean filters capture debris before it clogs your system.
Top-up inhibitors help prevent corrosion from returning.

Want even more peace of mind? Find out more about our boiler service plans.

Both are really good ways to keep your central heating clean, our engineers can help you choose what's best for your home.

Mark | Celsius Heating Engineer

What’s the difference between power flushing and MagnaCleanse?

Power flushing uses high pressure to remove heavy sludge – ideal for older, neglected systems. MagnaCleanse is a lower-pressure method that uses magnets and vibration to remove moderate build-up, making it ideal for newer systems.

How do I choose between power flushing and MagnaCleanse?

If your radiators barely heat up or your boiler keeps breaking down, a power flush is likely the answer. If your system works but feels sluggish, a MagnaCleanse may be all you need. Our heating engineers can assess your heating system needs and advise you on which is best.

Can this help prevent boiler breakdowns?

Yes. Flushing your system removes contaminants that strain your boiler. It improves performance and reduces the risk of faults, extending the life of your heating system.

Can I flush my heating system myself?

Not recommended. Both power flushing and MagnaCleanse require professional equipment and expertise. Done incorrectly, flushing can cause more harm than good.

What should I do after flushing to keep things clean?

Install a magnetic filter, top up corrosion inhibitors, and book an annual boiler service to keep your system running efficiently. Get in touch today and speak to one of our experienced heating engineers. We’ll guide you through the right option for your home — no pressure, just honest advice.