If your radiators aren't heating properly or you notice cold spots, they likely need bleeding. This straightforward maintenance task releases trapped air from your heating system, improving efficiency and ensuring even heat distribution throughout your home.

When to Bleed Your Radiators

Your radiators might need bleeding if you notice:

• Cold patches, particularly at the top of radiators
• Radiators that take longer than usual to warm up
• Gurgling noises from your heating system
• Higher than normal heating bills due to inefficient operation

What You'll Need

Before starting, gather these essential items:

• Radiator key (or flat-head screwdriver for some modern radiators)
• Old cloth or towel
• Container to catch any water
• Kitchen towel or tissue paper

Step-by-Step Process To Bleed Radiators

1. Turn Your Heating System Off

Always start with a cold system. Turn off your heating and wait for your radiators to cool completely. This prevents any risk of scalding and allows you to accurately identify any trapped air.

2. Locate the Bleed Valve

Find the bleed valve at the top corner of your radiator. It's usually a small square or hexagonal nut. Modern radiators might have a slot for a screwdriver instead of requiring a special key.

3. Position Your Cloth

Place your cloth or towel beneath the valve to catch any water. Position your container underneath as well, as sometimes water can come out more quickly than expected.

4. Release the Air

Insert your radiator key or screwdriver into the valve and turn it anticlockwise about a quarter to half turn. You should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Hold your cloth near the valve to catch any sprays of water.

5. Wait for Water

Continue until the hissing stops and a steady stream of water appears. This indicates all the air has been released. Quickly tighten the valve clockwise to prevent any more water from escaping.

6. Check the Pressure

After bleeding your radiators, check your boiler's pressure gauge. The pressure might have dropped and need topping up to around 1.5 bar. If you're unsure about this step, consult your boiler manual or contact a heating professional.

7. Repeat for All Radiators

Work your way through all radiators in your home, starting with the ground floor and moving upwards. This helps prevent air from being trapped in lower radiators as you work.

Common Problems and Solutions

If No Air Comes Out

This might indicate that either this particular radiator doesn't need bleeding, or there could be an issue with your heating system requiring professional attention.

If Too Much Water Comes Out

Close the valve immediately and check it's properly tightened. If water continues to seep, the valve might need replacing by a professional.

If Problems Persist

When radiators require frequent bleeding or other heating issues continue, this could indicate a more significant problem with your heating system. Consider having a professional inspection.

Call Professional Gas Engineers in Shrewsbury, Telford and Newport

Get in touch with us by calling us on 01952300008 and we'll be happy to help.