We’ve all been there. There’s a problem when you switch on the heater. Your radiators may be making odd noises. There may be cold spots all over the top. Or maybe your radiator isn’t even heating up.
You probably only need to bleed your radiators, so don’t freak out. It’s simple and will quickly get your radiators operating like new again.
Radiator bleeding is the act of removing trapped air from your heating system. Over time, this air can build up and make it difficult for your radiators to efficiently circulate hot water.
By letting air out of your radiators, you can ensure ideal heat distribution throughout your house. In this reading, we’ll explore the step-by-step guide on how to build a radiator and why you should perform it.
Let’s begin!
How Do You Know Your Radiator Needs Bleeding?
You should consider bleeding your radiator when you notice cold spots at the top of the radiator while the bottom warms up. When you turn your heating system and you have to wait for it to warm up, this is a sign that something is wrong with the system.
You should also know that if the radiator is hot at the top and cold at the bottom, it doesn’t need bleeding. However, a gurgling or bubbling noises could indicate a quick fix and bleeding.
Consider bleeding your radiator when there is increased energy bills due to inefficient heating.
The main reason why radiators need bleeding is because air enters the heating system in many ways. So, as water heats and cools, dissolved gases are released.
Older systems may require bleeding as air might be drawn through small leaks or during maintenance. The air is lighter than water, which is why it rises to the top of the radiator, creating cold spots, thus reducing the heating efficiency.
Below are the steps involved in bleeding a radiator:
Turn Off the Heat
Prepare the Area
Open the Radiator Valves
Close the Bleed Valve
Repeat for Each Radiator
Check the Pressure Level of Boiler
Turn on the heating system and inspect the radiators for any cold patches or odd gurgling sounds. If a radiator is cold at the top, it needs bleeding. If not, leave it as it is.
If necessary, turn off the heating system before proceeding. The first step is to turn off the heat to prevent burns. If the radiator is still hot, remove the bleed valve to prevent steam and near-boiling water from spraying out.
A bucket can be placed at the base of the radiator to collect any water that escapes through the bleed valve while you wait for the radiators to cool.
For every radiator you go to, keep your old towel and container close at reach. This will help restrict the water droplets and wipe up any spilt water on the floor.
Before placing the radiator key into the bleed screw, make sure the radiator’s intake and exit valves are both open. You can often find a radiator key at your neighbourhood home improvement store if you don’t already have one.
As an alternative, you might be able to change the bleed valve with a wrench or screwdriver. To open the valve, insert your preferred tool into the bleed screw and rotate it anticlockwise.
You should hear a hissing sound when the air leaves the radiator as soon as you open the valve. Make sure your bucket and clothing are prepared, and don’t be shocked if a small amount of water begins to trickle out of the valve. Watch the valve and use the towel to catch the droplets.
Turn the bleed screw clockwise to tighten the bleed valve and halt the water flow. After making sure there are no leaks, wipe up any water that may have escaped the bucket using your rag.
Turn off the heating system. Before starting the bleeding process, make sure to turn off your heating system.
Identify the radiator bleed valve.
Prepare for bleeding.
Insert the radiator key.
Release trapped air.
Check for leaks.
Repeat the process.
Why is there no air coming out of my radiator when I bleed?
What do you do when bleeding radiators but no air or water is coming out? If no water or air comes out when you bleed the radiator, then the valve could be blocked with paint.
Close the inlet and outlet valve at each end of the radiator, then remove the screw from the centre of the bleed valve.
What to do if bleeding the radiator doesn’t work?
If your home radiators fail to heat up after bleeding, you should first check for issues with your thermostatic radiator valves, such as a stuck pin on the valve. Alternatively, you can perform a radiator power flush or take steps to ensure your heating system is correctly balanced.
How do you bleed a radiator without a key?
Modern radiators can be bled with a flat-head screwdriver, and some can even be bled with an Allen key. Just make sure you’ve turned off your heating and let your radiators cool down before using any of these tools.
Can you bleed a radiator when the heating is on?
No! It’s very important to make sure your heating is off and the radiators are cool before you bleed them. This is because radiators are filled with water and air, which is what escapes when you open the valve.
What is the best way to bleed a radiator?
If you follow our step-by-step guide on how to bleed a radiator, you should have no issues in making sure your radiators are working properly. However, if you’re wondering how to bleed a radiator without a bleed valve or want to double-check that you’ve bled your radiators properly, here are some handy tips.
How to bleed a radiator without a bleed valve?
Before reaching out for expert help from a plumber, check the entire radiator first—sometimes valves can be hidden under layers of paint, or they can be on the back face of the radiator.
