If your radiators aren’t heating up as they should or you’re noticing cold spots, chances are they need bleeding. It’s one of those simple tasks that often gets overlooked, but bleeding a radiator can make a huge difference in keeping your home warm and your heating system running efficiently. The good news? It’s a quick job that doesn’t require much in the way of tools or expertise.
Let’s walk through the process and get those radiators working at their best.
What does bleeding a radiator mean?
Before diving into how to do it, let’s cover what radiator bleeding actually is. Over time, air can get trapped inside your central heating system. When this happens, it stops water from circulating properly, causing your radiator to heat unevenly. You might notice the bottom of the radiator gets warm, while the top stays cold.
This is where bleeding comes in. By letting the trapped air escape, you’re allowing hot water to flow freely again, ensuring the radiator heats up fully.
If you’ve never bled a radiator before, don’t worry – it’s not as dramatic as it sounds! You’re essentially just releasing a bit of air. But doing it regularly can help keep your heating system in tip-top shape and potentially save you some money on energy bills.
What you’ll need to be bleed a radiator
Bleeding a radiator is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
A radiator key (most DIY stores sell these, including Youngs!)
A cloth or small towel
A container or bowl to catch any drips of water
That’s it! Some modern radiators have a valve that can be turned with a flathead screwdriver instead of a radiator key, so check yours before you start. If you’re unsure which key or tool fits your radiator, our team can point you in the right direction.
Step 1: Turning off your heating
Before you start, you’ll need to turn off your central heating. Bleeding a radiator when the system is on could result in hot water spraying out, and that’s not something you want to deal with! Plus, it’s easier to tell if your radiator needs bleeding when it’s cooled down, as the air inside rises to the top more clearly.
Allow the radiators to cool completely before moving on to the next step – you don’t want to accidentally scald yourself with hot water. Safety first, always.
Step 2: Finding and opening the bleed valve
Now that the heating is off and your radiator has cooled, it’s time to locate the bleed valve. This is usually a small square or screw-shaped valve at the top of the radiator, on one side. You’ll use your radiator key (or screwdriver if it’s a more modern radiator) to open it.
Hold your cloth or towel under the valve to catch any drips, and slowly turn the key or screwdriver anti-clockwise. You should start to hear a hissing sound – this is the trapped air escaping. Keep the valve open until the hissing stops and a small amount of water starts to trickle out. That’s your sign that the air is out and the radiator is full of water again.
Be careful not to open the valve too far or too quickly, as you don’t want water gushing out. Once the air is released and water starts to flow, turn the valve clockwise to close it again. Give it a firm twist, but don’t overtighten it – just enough to stop any further drips.
Step 3: Checking the pressure on your boiler
After you’ve bled your radiators, it’s a good idea to check the pressure on your boiler. Bleeding radiators can sometimes cause a slight drop in pressure, so you may need to top it up to keep the system running efficiently.
Most modern boilers have a pressure gauge on the front – ideally, it should read between 1 and 2 bar. If the pressure is too low, you’ll need to add water to the system using the filling loop (usually located underneath the boiler). Check your boiler manual for specific instructions, or if in doubt, ask a professional.
If you notice the pressure drops frequently after bleeding radiators, there might be a deeper issue with your heating system. In that case, it’s worth consulting an expert or heading to Youngs where our team can help advise on any further steps or equipment you might need.
Step 4: Turning your heating back on
Once you’ve bled your radiators and checked the boiler pressure, it’s time to turn the heating back on. Let the system warm up, and then go back to the radiator you bled. Check that it’s heating up evenly from top to bottom – if so, job done!
Troubleshooting: What if your radiator still has cold spots?
If you’re still noticing cold spots or your radiator isn’t warming up properly, there might be another issue, such as sludge build-up in the system. In this case, it could be worth considering a system flush, but that’s a more involved job best left to the pros.
Bleeding a radiator is a simple yet effective way to ensure your home stays warm and cosy. By releasing trapped air, you’re helping your heating system work more efficiently, which can save you money in the long run. It’s a task you can easily tackle yourself, with just a radiator key, a towel, and a bit of time.
For all the tools, accessories, and expert advice you might need, Youngs Timber & Builders Merchants is your go-to. Whether you’re stocking up on radiator keys or looking for tips on keeping your heating system in check, we’ve got you covered.
Enjoy your warm, toasty home and the satisfaction of a job well done!
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