How to bleed your radiators
A step-by-step guide
At Go Assist, we understand the importance of keeping your home's heating system running smoothly, especially during the colder months. If your radiators aren't heating up as they should, it could be a sign that they need bleeding. In this blog, we explain the signs to watch out for and provide a step-by-step guide on how to bleed your radiators efficiently, ensuring optimal performance.
Signs that your radiators need bleeding
If you notice any of the following signs, it's likely time to bleed your radiators:
- Cold spots at the top: If the top of your radiator is cold while the bottom is hot, air could be trapped inside, preventing proper circulation.
- Gurgling sounds: Unusual noises coming from your radiator can indicate that air is trapped in the system.
- Takes longer to heat up: If your radiators are taking longer than usual to warm up, they may not be operating at full efficiency.
- Partial heating: If certain parts of the radiator remain cool even after turning up the thermostat, it's likely time to bleed them.
How to bleed your radiators
Follow these easy steps to bleed your radiators and improve their performance:
1. Turn off the heating: Before you begin, make sure your heating system is completely turned off and the radiators are cool to avoid injury.
2. Locate the bleed valve: At the top of your radiator, you will find a small valve. You’ll need a radiator key to open it. If you don’t have a key, a flathead screwdriver might work for modern radiators.
3. Place a cloth or bowl under the valve: To avoid any mess, place a cloth or a bowl beneath the valve to catch any escaping water.
4. Open the valve slowly: Using your radiator key or screwdriver, slowly turn the valve anticlockwise. You should hear a hissing sound, which is the trapped air escaping.
5. Close the valve when water escapes: Once the air has escaped and you start to see water trickling out, turn the valve clockwise to close it.
6. Check the pressure: After bleeding, check the pressure of your heating system via the boiler gauge. If the pressure is too low, you may need to top it up following your boiler’s manual instructions.
7. Turn the heating back on: Once you've finished bleeding all the necessary radiators, switch your heating system back on and check if they’re heating evenly.
Bleeding your radiators is a simple yet effective way to ensure your heating system runs efficiently. However, if you're unsure about any of the steps or are still experiencing heating issues, Go Assist is here to help. We offer expert radiator repairs and a range of plumbing services to make sure your home stays warm and comfortable.
If you're dealing with persistent radiator issues or need professional assistance, don't hesitate to book a repair online or give us a call on 0333 733 1234. Our team of experienced engineers are on hand to help with all your home heating needs!
