How To Bleed A Radiator – A simple guide
If your radiators don’t seem to be getting very warm, they may require bleeding. This is a simple task, that most people can carryout themselves.
Why Bleed Radiators ?
Help your central heating system run as efficiently as possible and save money.
How to Bleed A Radiator
Simple steps that people can undertake to save calling in the professionals.
FAQ's on Bleeding Radiators
Learn more about the benefits and other associated common questions.
So why bleed radiators, what is the point ?
Make full use of the heating you’re paying for !!!
If some of the radiators in your home are warm at the bottom but cool at the top, they probably require bleeding.
The simple explaination …. water within the central heating pipes is flowing through the radiator but only at the bottom, there is a build-up of air in the top part of the radiator, stopping the water from reaching the top, thus making it feel cooler.
This air is trapped in the top section, and the only way of removing it is by opening a small screw on the top of the radiator. This screw is called the “bleed valve”.
Removing this trapped air will help your heating system run more efficiently and save you money.
If you’re not sure how to bleed a radiator don’t worry, it’s a very simple and easy task that most people can undertake themselves. Once you know how to bleed a radiator, it can greatly improve the comfort of your home, and the savings in your pocket!
In some situations bleeding a radiator may not cure the problem, the system may need draining down of water and flushing through.
This is a procedure that is best left to the professionals.
Fequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my radiators need bleeding ?
The best way is to feel the surface of the radiator with your hand flat. If it feels warm at the bottom but cool at the top, then it requires bleeding. Sometimes you may also hear a gurgling noise coming from the pipes or radiators.
Find out more in our Top 5 Signs Your Radiator Needs Bleeding article.
Is bleeding a radiator the same as flushing the heating system ?
No, bleeding radiators is totally diferent. Flushing (or Power Flushing) requires the heating system to be drained down and emptied of all water. Then a flushing chemical is pumped around the system to break down and remove any sludge build-up within the pipes and radiators, etc. This process is both time consuming and requires the use of specialist equipment. You should employ the services of a professional contractor to undertake this work.
Do I need any tools to bleed my radiator ?
You only require a few items, the main ones are …
- A radiator bleed key, which can be purchased for £1 – £2. These are all a standard type, unless you have a non-standard bleed valve. Sometimes a flathead screwdriver can be used, but again this depends on the type of bleed valve on the radiator.
- A bowl or cloth to catch the escaping water.
Find out more on our Tools Required To Bleed A Radiator page.
Can I learn how to bleed a radiator or do I need a Pro ?
Its very simple to bleed a radiator. You’ll find easy to follow steps on this website to enable you to carryout this task yourself, saving the costs of using a professional.
Find out more in our DIY vs Hiring A Pro To Bleed A Radiator article.
