Bleeding A Radiator.

If your radiator ever feels cold at the top and warm at the bottom then it is more than likely that your problem is being caused by air that has been trapped inside your radiator. Luckily, you should be able to mend the issue yourself by bleeding your radiator. Another option for you is to call out a plumbing and heating engineer. However bleeding a radiator is a fairly simple, safe and quick process if it is done the right way. Basically it just means opening a tiny valve on the top of your radiator to allow any trapped air to escape. Just follow the simple instructions below for a simple and lasting repair:

Before you bleed your radiator, it is very important that you shut down your central heating at the master controls. This will avoid any more air from entering the heating system. Locate the bleed valve; this typically has a small red coloured handle and is situated on one side of your radiator when it was bought.

Place a cloth or a small bowl underneath the bleed valve to catch any leaking water. Wrap your hand with a cloth to protect your hand as any water that escapes from your radiator may be very hot. Your radiators should have come with a tiny bleed key (or radiator key). In case you can't locate the bleed key you should be able to purchase a replacement at your local DIY store.

First you will need to locate the bleed valve, this will be a protrusion at the top of one side of your radiator. To bleed your radiator, put the bleed key onto the valve and slowly turn it anticlockwise (usually a quarter to half a turn will do the trick). The air trapped in your radiator will start escaping with a hissing sound. At this stage you may have to switch on your heating for a short time to keep the pressure up in the system. When you are bleeding your system you also have to keep an eye on your water pressure level. When water begins to dribble out of the valve this is how you know that all the air has been purged from your radiator.

As soon as water starts to dribble out of your valve you will need to tighten the valve back to it's original position. Go to your main control panel and check your water pressure leve. This level has to be set at manufacturers levels. Use a cloth to clear up any spills (at this point be careful as the water could potentially be scalding hot). Remember to switch the central heating back on once you've finished bleeding the radiator. Check on your radiator after a couple of hours to make sure the radiator has a uniform temperature all over it's surface area and that there's no more water leaking from your bleed valve. Hopefully this will mean that your problem is solved!

Remember, if you're ever in doubt of your DIY abilities, then it is better to call in a plumbing and heating engineer to mend the problem for you.