If a radiator is warm at the bottom and cold across the top, air is trapped inside it. Bleeding releases that air so hot water can fill the panel again.
What you need
A radiator bleed key, a cloth and a small container. That's it.
The steps
Work through them in order:
- Turn the heating off and let the system cool completely.
- Start with the radiator furthest from the boiler, and on a two-storey home work upstairs last.
- Fit the key to the bleed valve at the top of the radiator and turn a quarter turn anticlockwise.
- Let the hiss run until water appears steadily, then close the valve firmly, but do not overtighten.
- Repeat on each radiator, then check the boiler pressure gauge and top up to about 1.2 bar if it has dropped.
If it doesn't help
Radiators that stay cold at the bottom after bleeding have sludge rather than air, and need a chemical cleanse or power flush. If you'd rather not tackle it yourself, we cover Birmingham and surrounding areas, seven days a week.
Want it done for you?
If you want your plumbing or heating problem fixed professionally for you, contact Matt Plumbing & Heating today for fast, reliable service across Birmingham and surrounding areas.
