Simple Steps To Bleed A Radiator

Bleeding your radiators is a straightforward and cost-effective method to enhance their performance and reduce your energy consumption. If your radiators have cold spots, this could indicate that they need to be bled. In this blog post, we outline a step by step guide to help you bleed your radiators effectively.

Prepare your supplies

You'll need a few items to bleed your radiator: a radiator key, a towel, and a container to catch any excess water that may escape.

Identify the bleed valve

The bleed valve is a small valve situated at the top of your radiator. Typically, it's a square or circular valve that can be adjusted with a radiator key.

Switch off your heating

Before you bleed your radiator, ensure to switch off your heating to prevent potential burns or damage.

Open the bleed valve

Insert the radiator key into the bleed valve and twist it counter-clockwise to open it. Some force may be required to turn it.

Bleed the radiator

As you open the bleed valve, you should hear a hissing noise. This is the sound of excess air escaping from the radiator. Allow the air to escape until only water is flowing out from the valve. If water starts to overflow, close the valve and wait for the water to drain before continuing.

Close the bleed valve

Once all the air is purged, close the bleed valve by turning it clockwise using the radiator key. Ensure it's securely tightened to prevent any leaks.

Check for leaks

After bleeding your radiator, inspect for any leaks around the valve. If you notice any water, tighten the valve a bit more until the leak stops.

Switch the heating back on

After you've finished bleeding your radiator, switch the heating back on and let the radiator warm up. Verify that the radiator is evenly warm throughout.

Know when to call a professional plumber

Regularly bleeding your radiators is a simple way to improve their efficiency, which can lead to reduced energy consumption. It helps to keep them functioning optimally and avert issues in the future. If you need additional assistance, our experienced heating engineers are readily available to rectify any central heating problems you may be facing. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.