Heating Not Working Like It Should? Here's How To Bleed Your Radiators

Source: Evan Prodromou on Flickr

If you are having trouble with your heating, then before you call a plumber out it’s best to perform some checks yourself, as it could be something as simple as the radiators needing bleeding. Turn the heating on, and feel the pipes that lead to each radiator – are they hot or cold? If they are hot, then the likelihood is that there is an air block in the radiator which is preventing the hot water getting to the radiators. It may be that the bottom of the radiator is hot but the top is cold – this again will be caused by an air block. It’s time to bleed the radiators, and don’t worry if you have never done it before – we’ll tell you how here.

Why Bleed The Radiators?

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Often one air block in the heating system is enough to prevent the whole thing from working efficiently. By clearing air blocks from the radiators you will help the hot water circulate around the system again and the boiler won’t have to work as hard. Bleeding your radiators is likely to fix the problem, but if it keeps happening then you should call a plumber out. You shouldn't have to bleed your radiators more than once a year – if you do then the problem lies elsewhere. Only bleed your radiators if there is a problem with them – if they are working fine then just leave well alone.

How Do I Bleed The Radiator?

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First of all you will need to obtain a radiator key. This is a small implement usually made of brass and it has what looks like a butterfly wing on the end of it. You will also need an old rag to catch the dirty water and also a jug or bowl. You should also wear gloves as the water that comes out is likely to be very hot. Once you’re ready, turn off the heating system, and find the bleed valve on the radiator. There is usually a small red handle there. Put a cloth on the floor so that you don’t stain the carpet, and place the radiator key on the valve. Slowly turn it around until you hear air hissing out. Leave it slightly open until water starts to bubble out, at which point tighten it again fully.

The Next Step

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Once you have sorted the radiator with the problem, go around the house and make sure the rest are bled too. Only when you are happy that each radiator is free of air should you turn the heating back on again. Wait a while for the radiators to start working then go around the house checking that each one is working as it should be. If it’s not, then it’s time to call the experts in.

Central heating systems are a wonderful thing when they are working, but sometimes they need a little TLC. It’s a good idea to get the whole system serviced at least once a year so that little problems can be fixed before they turn into big ones!

Author Byline:

The author of today’s guest post, Jeff Wilson, is an accounts executive by profession. He works for Affordable Plumbing, a company providing an array of plumbing solutions across the United States. He indulges in reading and chess during his spare time.