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.
Common Questions About Bleeding Radiators
Even when a job goes smoothly, it's natural to have a few questions rattling around. Getting the answers right will help you keep your heating system happy and healthy all year round.
How Often Should I Be Bleeding My Radiators?
As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to bleed them at least once a year. The best time is usually in autumn, right before you start depending on the heating to get you through the colder months.
Outside of that annual check-up, you should bleed any radiator as soon as you notice the classic signs of trapped air. Listen out for gurgling sounds or check for any cold patches at the top of a radiator that’s otherwise warm.
What Happens if I Bleed a Radiator When the Heating Is On?
This is a big no-no. You should never bleed a radiator while the central heating is on. The water cycling through the system is extremely hot and can easily cause nasty scalds if it sprays out unexpectedly.
On top of the safety risk, having the pump running can actually draw more air into the system, which completely defeats the purpose. Always turn the heating off at the source and give the radiators plenty of time to cool down before you even think about touching that bleed valve.
Do I Have to Bleed Every Single Radiator?
Not necessarily. If you've only found a problem with one specific radiator, you can usually solve the issue by just bleeding that one unit.
However, when you’re doing your yearly maintenance check, it really is best practice to go around and check every radiator in the house. This is the only way to be sure the entire system is free from air pockets and working as efficiently as possible.
We're here to help
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!
