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How do I bleed a radiator?

16 replies

ComeONBridget · 09/02/2021 21:18

Just that...

OP posts:
Bluemoon94 · 09/02/2021 21:19

YouTube video will be the best help you
Step by step guide

LaurieSchafferIsAllBitterNow · 09/02/2021 21:25

you need a radiator key, at the top of the radiator on one side there will be a square "prong" that keeps the valve shut...it's inset and the radiator key will fit over it, undo it a little bit, don't go wild...and you should hear hissing, as the air escapes when the hissing stops water will come out, so that's when you tighten it back up

A cloth can be handy to catch any water spurts

Once done the radiator should be evenly hot from top to bottom

If you have a combi boiler you may need to repressure the system so check the pressure gauge is within normal limits.

Not sure if there is an order in which to do the rads, (lowest to highest or what??) or if you do it with the heating on or off though! I tell dh if a radiator is not heating evenly and he does it.

PigletJohn · 09/02/2021 22:12

and buy keys that look like this

there are simpler designs that your fingers will find dificult to turn if stiff. There are big ones that are very good but may not fit.

Buy several because they get lost.

One in the kitchen drawer, one in the bathroom, one in each toolbox, one with a piece of string through the hole, hund on a hook next to the boiler.

Have a sponge ready to hold over the valve because the water may be black with iron oxide that leaves a permanent stain on clothes, carpets and paintwork.

but
Why do you want to bleed them?

A radiator that needs bleeding will be hot at the bottom, hot in the middle, hot at the sides, but cold at the top.

ComeONBridget · 09/02/2021 22:49

Interesting!

Half of mine aren't working or coming on? I'm in a new build - temp at 20, some are roaring and some are freezing cold.

Why is that?

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 09/02/2021 23:10
  1. turn off ALL the hot ones. What happens to the cold ones?

  2. please post photos of the valves at both ends of the radiators.

Have you got spanners and screwdrivers?

Londongent · 09/02/2021 23:31

Don't bleed them with the heating on

PickAChew · 09/02/2021 23:34

@ComeONBridget

Interesting!

Half of mine aren't working or coming on? I'm in a new build - temp at 20, some are roaring and some are freezing cold.

Why is that?

Do they have thermostatic valves on? (you should have one that doesn't)

Turn them all up to full, if they do and you haven't tried that.

PigletJohn · 10/02/2021 01:16

I know what it is.

VeniVidiWeeWee · 10/02/2021 01:32

Is that a balanced opinion PJ?

PigletJohn · 10/02/2021 01:40

Most likely.

TaraR2020 · 10/02/2021 01:44

Leeches, i think

CatAndHisKit · 10/02/2021 02:59

PJ interesting - so what does it mean if the middle of a radiator is cold but nearere corners where valves are (one top, the other bottom) it's hot, slightly warm towards he middle on one end?

PigletJohn · 10/02/2021 09:34

Poor flow.

CatAndHisKit · 11/02/2021 01:02

Thanks, PJ.
What would cause that, I wonder? A workman noted that my boiler's pressure is a little high (just into the red) - would that be anythng to do with flow?

PigletJohn · 11/02/2021 01:39

No.

Turn off all the hot ones.

What happens to the cold one?

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