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Here at SES Home Service, we want to make sure Clik2Fix is making your home repairs as stress free as possible. That’s why below we’ve created a guide to help you know when to bleed your radiator as well as a step-by-step process that you can carry out yourself.
When should you bleed your radiator(s)
There are a few tell-tale signs that your radiator(s) may need bleeding:
Cold Spots: You should check your radiator(s) every few months ensure that they are working as efficiently as possible. If you notice that your radiator(s) have cold spots it may be a sign that air has got trapped within them. This is the most common indicator that your radiator(s) need bleeding.
Mould and Damp Appearing: If mould and damp begin appearing in one of your rooms it could be a sign one of your rooms is colder than the rest. This is oftentimes caused by a radiator working inefficiently, potentially from trapped air.
Rattling and Gurgling from Radiator(s): When air gets trapped within your central heating system it can cause quiet the ruckus. If you hear rattling and gurgling from your radiator(s) they may be working inefficiently and costing you more on your energy bills. Bleeding them could save you from annoying noises and save you money.
What you need to bleed your radiator
- A towel or cloth – to soak up any water from your radiator and to protect your floor.
- Radiator key – to open your radiator valve to let the trapped air escape.
- A bucket or bowl – to collect any excess water from your radiator.
- Protective clothing – if available use gloves and glasses to protect you from any spills or steam.
Bleeding a Radiator - Step by Step
- Identify which of your radiator(s) need bleeding: make sure your heating is on and check all your radiators for cold spots. If there are multiple radiators with cold spots, make sure to check which ones are furthest away from your boiler.
- Turn off your heating and wait for your radiators to cool down: Warning! you CAN’T bleed radiators when your heating is on, and you should always check this before doing so. If you try to bleed your radiators when your heating is on you risk causing serious harm or damage to you and your room.
- Place a towel and bowl under the radiator valve: Before opening the radiator valve make sure that you have prepared for potential spills or leaks. This way you can avoid unnecessary damage to your floor and room.
- Open the radiator valve slowly: With your radiator key open the radiator valve slowly. If there is trapped air within the radiator you will hear hissing, keep the valve open until the hissing stops. Once the hissing stops close the valve. If water starts spurting out you’ve opened the valve too far.
- Check that the radiator valve is tightly closed: This prevents any future leaks and helps you to ensure your central heating system is working efficiently.
- Carry this process out on any other radiators: For the best results carry this process out on all your radiators.
- Check the pressure of your boiler: After releasing air from your central heating system your boilers’ pressure may have changed. It should be between 1 and 2 bars. If it is too low or high than this, you will have to repressurise your system [future blog].
For more home repair and maintenance tips, visit our blog here.
If you need professional help in dealing with a home maintenance issue or home emergency, book an Engineer Appointment today with just a few clicks on our online booking platform, Clik2Fix.
We are also one call away whenever you need us – call 0208 722 7072 and one of our knowledgeable team will assist you in booking an appointment to keep your home in tip-top condition.
