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How do I flush sediment out of my central heating system?

I have a central heating system with 11 radiators. Sediment in the system is reducing efficiency and I have been advised to flush out the system. Is this something a DIY enthusiast can attempt? If not, I have been quoted £450 by a Corgi registered plumbing engineer? Is that a reasonable price? He said it would take all day.
David, November 2007
I wouldn't have thought you'd have to spend £450, but plumbers up here in the North East charge a lot less than in other areas. It doesn't have to be a CORGI job, but you do need to be competent - particularly if attempting a powerflush.

I've just fitted a Magnaclean on to a client's system which traps the nasty magnetite with the greatest of ease, and it's also easy to remove without mucking around with your rads. A superb long-term solution but it works slowly. Or you could add SludgeRemover to your system and let it swill around for up to four weeks, drain down and then add Boiler Inhibitor when you refill.

scarywalton, November 2007