< Go Back How to Bleed you Radiators Posted: Sep 22, 2017Posted: Dec 2, 2015How to bleed the radiators in your home
You will need: A radiator bleed key A rag or towel
Find a radiator key. If you've decided to bleed your radiator your first step should be to find something to open the radiator's "bleed valve." Look for a small valve at the top of one end of your radiator. On this valve, there will usually be small square bit which can be turned to adjust the valve. Radiator keys, cheap metal implements designed for opening and closing radiator valves, are available at most hardware stores. Find a radiator key that's the correct size for your valve or, alternatively, search your tool chest for a small wrench or other tool that's the right size to turn the valve.
◦ Some modern radiators are equipped with valves that are designed to be turned with a simple flathead screwdriver.
◦ Before proceeding, make sure you have a radiator key, a screwdriver, a wrench or some combination of implements so that you'll be able to open the valves on every radiator in your house. When bleeding one radiator, it's best to bleed every one in a house.
Turn off your heat. Ensure that your central heating is switched off before bleeding, as an active heating system can introduce more air into the system. You want your radiator's contents to settle completely before releasing the air trapped within. Allow time for the heat in your system to dissipate, then feel all over your radiator for heat. If any part of your radiator is still hot, wait for it to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Open your radiator's valves. Ensure that both the intake and exit valves of the radiator are turned to the "open" position. Then, insert your radiator key (or screwdriver, etc.) into the the bleed screw in the bleed valve at the top of the radiator. Turn the screw counter-clockwise to open the valve. You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes from your radiator.
◦ Opening the bleed valve allows trapped cold air to escape, which is replaced with liquid from your heating system via the pipes connected to your heating system.
Catch drips from the valve. As air escapes from your radiator, water will likely sputter from the bleed valve. Hold a kitchen towel or cloth under the bleed screw to catch any drips. Alternatively, use a small bowl or dish.
Wait for water to squirt out of the bleed valve. When a steady stream of water (not a sputtering mixture of air and water droplets) squirts through the bleed valve, you've released all of the air trapped in your radiator. Re-tighten your bleed valve (turn the bleed screw clockwise) and ensure that there are no leaks. Use a rag to wipe up any water that's splashed around your radiator.
Repeat this process on all the radiators in your house. To ensure all excess air has been drained from your heating system, it's best to bleed all of your radiators, even if you've only been having problems with one. For a well-maintained heating system, you should try bleeding your radiators regularly. An annual bleeding plus a bleeding after any repairs or modifications to your heating system is usually plenty.
Check your boiler's pressure level. By releasing excess air from your radiators, you've lowered the overall pressure of your house's heating system. If the pressure's fallen too low, heat might not reach some of your radiators (especially ones on the top floors of your house.) To restore your heating system's pressure, it may be necessary to top off your boiler with water.
Credits: WikiHow
