If your radiators are not warming up properly, part of the radiator is cold or they are making strange gurgling noises, these are all tell tale signs that they need bleeding. Knowing how to bleed radiators is a useful skill to have and is easy to do by following these simple steps:
- Turn your heating on
Turn on the heating and wait for all the radiators to warm up. The time this takes will depend on the size of your home and the number of radiators you have.
- Check which radiators need bleeding
Every radiator should have an even temperature over the entire surface. If any of them are cold at the top or you hear any gurgling sounds, it is most likely you have air trapped inside and they will need bleeding.
- Turn off your heating
Before bleeding any radiators, you should turn off your heating and allow the radiators to become cold.
- Use a cloth or towel
When you bleed your radiator, water will be released from the valve. Ensure you have a cloth, towel or small bowl ready to catch any water that is released.
- Locate the bleed valve
The bleed valve is normally located at the top corner of the radiator. There will be a hole with a small square inside it. Your radiator key will fit over this square.
- Open the valve and release the air
Using your key, slowly twist the valve anti-clockwise and you should hear air escaping followed by water leaking out. Allow a small amount of water to come out and then tighten the valve again. Have a bowl ready to catch any spurting water, just in case you open the valve too far.
- Close the valve
Once the hissing sound stops and water starts to leak out, turn the key clockwise to close the valve.
- Repeat
Repeat this process for each radiator. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler to ensure it is still within the ideal range. If the pressure is too low (below 1 bar), you will need to re-pressurise the system. If the pressure is normal (between 1 and 2.5 bars), then you can switch your heating on. Your radiators should now be working properly.
Now you have the knowledge of hot to bleed radiators you should be able to fix those minor heating problems you may have. If you need any support though, we are always only a call away.